Coupang continues to push technological boundaries to create exceptional customer experiences. At the heart of this effort, we have AI and data, which enables teams across Coupang to leverage machine learning and advanced data analytics to optimize various business functions. The India Tech Center, based in Bengaluru, is poised to play a pivotal role in accelerating these innovations on a global scale. We sat down with Seshu, a leader in Coupang's AI and Data Platform to explore how the center is positioned to build the future of commerce with AI and data.
What is the overarching mission for the AI and Data Platform at Coupang?
The mission of the AI and Data Platform is to enable product teams across Coupang to leverage machine learning and data to achieve their business objectives. We support a wide range of teams using the AI and Data infrastructure to enhance search relevance, improve logistics, and optimize operations. The India Tech Center will play a crucial role in supporting these services, providing key technical solutions for our engineering and business teams globally.
What unique role does the India Tech Center play in the global vision?
The AI and Data Platform operates globally from locations like Seattle, Mountain View, and Seoul, and now, Bengaluru. The India Tech Center focuses on data engineering and supports the global operations of Coupang by developing cutting-edge technologies.
What sets Coupang’s AI and Data Platform apart in India’s tech landscape?
Our investment in AI and Data is truly at the forefront of the industry. Engineers who join Coupang's AI and Data Platform team will work with some of the most advanced technologies in the world. This includes open-source models like LLAMA and Qwen, and data lakes containing tens of petabytes of information. These data lakes are built allowing us to extend open-source tools and tailor them to meet the unique needs of our product teams. The depth of technology and the scale at which we operate is unparalleled in India’s tech scene.
Could you also describe the team culture?
Innovation is at the core of our team’s culture. Our engineers are encouraged to explore new technologies and approaches to meet business needs. We focus on building custom solutions rather than relying on third-party vendors, giving our engineers the freedom to innovate. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced environment where taking calculated risks is not just supported but encouraged. We believe that this culture of experimentation and ownership is what helps us deliver unique, high-impact solutions.
Vinay Kumar Pachunoori, who recently joined to lead our efforts in Bengaluru, brings over a decade of experience working with the Big Data technology stack. His leadership and expertise will be instrumental in building the next wave of AI-driven innovation at the India Tech Center.
With leaders driving innovation, the India Tech Center is set to become a critical hub for AI and data advancements within Coupang. Engineers and data scientists joining the team in Bengaluru will have the unique opportunity to work on technologies that not only transform Coupang but also make a lasting impact on the global tech landscape.