AI Agent Deployment: Cracking the PoC to Payoff Code
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For startups in Southeast Asia, bringing an AI solution from concept to enterprise deployment is rarely a straight path. The journey requires not only technical excellence but also strategic proof points that convince cautious enterprises and governments to trust emerging technologies.
One of the first hurdles that startups encounter is proving their real-world value. Convincing large enterprises to adopt conversational technology powered by AI Agents, rather than relying on traditional solutions, demands clear demonstrations of viability.
“A lot of enterprises want to try products before they deploy them because once it’s deployed, it means you’ve already set everything, so change is very difficult,” says Jennifer Zhang, CEO of Wiz.ai, a Singapore-based Conversational AI startup.
This underscores the importance of proof-of-concept (PoC) projects, which allow startups to validate both the functionality and business impact of their AI solutions in real-world environments.
AI Agent Proof-of-Concepts: Bridging the Gap Between Idea and Reality
A PoC serves as more than a test—it acts as a critical bridge between startups and potential clients.
“The primary goal of a proof-of-concept is to showcase the technology’s feasibility or advantage,” Zhang explains.
Wiz.ai’s AI Agents are designed to automate customer engagement using Conversational AI and Generative AI. These solutions not only deliver conversational experiences but also integrate seamlessly into enterprise workflows.
For example, Wiz.ai helped a bank experience the benefits of multilingual capabilities by enabling accurate recognition of Southeast Asian languages. Similarly, for a hospital, the AI Agent automated appointment scheduling via a Conversational AI-powered call center, leading to significant operational efficiencies and cost savings.
Navigating Enterprise and Government Clients with AI Agents
Securing enterprise clients is challenging, but onboarding government agencies requires even greater finesse.
Public sector clients often require fully mature, ready-to-deploy solutions, even during PoC phases. Their procurement processes impose stringent standards on data security, compliance, and integrations, demanding startups be well-prepared.
“You can’t experiment or collaborate on something that’s still in its early stages. The expectation is a mature, functional product that’s ready to be implemented,” Zhang emphasizes.
This led Wiz.ai to collaborate with the Tech Acceleration Lab (TAL), part of the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Accreditation program. TAL helps startups like Wiz.ai accelerate the PoC and deployment by aligning with government requirements.
Case Study: AI Agent Talkbot Optimizing MSF Hotlines
Through TAL’s guidance, Wiz.ai deployed its Talkbot for Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). Citizens were confused by multiple hotlines, leading to inefficiencies. The AI Agent streamlined the experience by automatically redirecting calls to the correct department, reducing general hotline inquiries by 20%.
“IMDA works with you to ensure your solution meets all security, integration, and data requirements of the government,” Zhang shares.
This project gave Wiz.ai deeper insights into the government ecosystem, paving the way for a whole-of-government deployment across multiple agencies.
Building AI Agent Confidence Across Industries
Beyond immediate benefits, successful AI Agent PoCs elevate startup credibility and set higher industry standards.
“Once your AI Agent solution proves itself in government projects, you can confidently say it meets the strictest standards of security, data management, and design,” Zhang explains.
IMDA reports that 40% of AI Agent PoCs with enterprises and 50% with governments convert to full projects. TAL has also accelerated AI Agent PoC cycles by up to 4.5x, reducing them to as little as one to two months.
“Our AI Agent solutions now carry a recognized mark of data security, which boosts confidence across enterprises in the region,” adds Zhang.
Accelerating AI Agent Innovation Through the IMDA Accreditation Program
Since 2014, the IMDA Accreditation program has supported over 100 startups, helping AI Agent and Conversational AI companies scale from PoC to full deployment.
“If you manage the entire PoC-to-deployment process well, it has a multiplier effect on the whole industry,” Zhang concludes. “It gives confidence for startups, agencies, and enterprises to move forward faster.”
“If you run the whole PoC and deployment process well, it has a wider impact on the entire industry,” says Zhang. “It gives confidence for startups and agencies to go a lot further.”
Ready to accelerate your PoC to deployment?
“Visit IMDA’s website or email the TAL team now at tech_acceleration_lab@imda.gov.sg to get started.