Big Data: The Unsung Hero Behind AI’s Rise.

In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and automation, we often spotlight Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the star of innovation. But what we sometimes forget is this: without Big Data, AI is nothing more than a good idea with no fuel.

Back in February 2016, I had the privilege of participating in a Big Data hackathon organized by Teradata at the Information Technology Institute (ITI). That experience was a turning point in how I view the world, not just in terms of technology, but in how data can guide, improve, and transform decisions. Since that moment, I've been fascinated, almost overwhelmed, by the potential of data to tell stories, uncover truths, and push boundaries. One line that stuck with me from those early days still shapes how I approach work today: “Let the data tell you where and how to improve.” This mindset is especially critical in the Healthcare IT sector, where I’ve had the opportunity to work for several years. In healthcare, the stakes are higher. Every insight derived from data can lead to faster diagnoses, smarter clinical decisions, more efficient workflows, and—ultimately—better patient outcomes. Why Data Matters to Me: Working in Healthcare IT, I see firsthand how powerful data can be. For me, data is not just numbers on dashboards—it's a living narrative. Every data point has the potential to reflect a human experience, a clinical decision, or an opportunity for change. What makes data important to me is its objectivity. It removes bias. It shows trends. It challenges assumptions. It helps align business strategies with actual needs and technology solutions with real-world problems. Whether I’m evaluating workflow efficiencies or supporting clinical outcomes, data is my most trusted advisor. Why Big Data Matters for AI?!! We often celebrate AI for its intelligence, but it’s really the volume, variety, and velocity of data that give AI its “smarts.” Without large, rich, and well-structured datasets, even the most advanced AI models are limited in scope, accuracy, and reliability. From predictive analytics to clinical decision support and workflow automation, AI in healthcare relies on massive streams of data—from EHRs, HIS, PACS, LIS systems, imaging platforms, and more. Big data is what teaches AI how to think, learn, and improve. A Balanced Perspective: As we continue to push AI to the forefront, we need to equally highlight the importance of data infrastructure, governance, and analytics. Business Intelligence (BI) tools, data lakes, and integration platforms are just as vital as AI engines. In short, no Big Data = no meaningful AI. Or at best, a weak, narrow version of it.

Final Thoughts: My journey from that 2016 hackathon to working in Healthcare IT has taught me this: Data is not just a backend asset—it’s the brain and backbone of every smart system. As we look to the future of AI in healthcare and beyond, let’s not forget to invest in and celebrate the very thing that powers it all: "Big Data", and give the data the proper focus.

Thanks for reading.