“We need more developers in the age of AI, not fewer.”— Shalini Kurapati, CEO of Clearbox AI
With AI already writing up to 25% of code, it’s natural to ask: will software engineers become less necessary?
Shalini Kurapati’s answer is a provocative one that sparks debate: not only will we still need developers, we’ll actually need more of them.
And that’s exactly the heart of the talk she’ll bring to #CodemotionMilan on October 14–15, titled:
“Beyond the vibe: Why we need more SWEs, not less, in the age of AI.”
AI speeds things up—but also multiplies risks
According to Shalini, while AI accelerates code writing, it also multiplies risks: vulnerabilities, bias, and bugs that are harder to trace. The only way to build truly solid, ethical, and secure systems is to increase the presence and role of skilled human experts—those who can design architecture, validate outputs, and bridge the gap with non-tech teams. Forget “vibe coding”: what we need are robust foundations.
From India’s shores to the valleys of Piedmont
Shalini’s story feels like a screenplay: born in Chennai, India, faced with the classic career options—doctor or engineer—she chose mathematics. The real leap came when she won a scholarship for a PhD at TU Delft in the Netherlands, where she began exploring AI with a multidisciplinary approach spanning technology, policy, and management.
After more than 12 years between the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States, it was love—for Luca, now her husband—and an entrepreneurial vision that brought her to Piedmont, Italy. There, she founded Clearbox AI, a pioneering startup in data-centric artificial intelligence.
Clearbox AI: less hype, more quality
Clearbox AI was born from a simple but powerful insight: good algorithms aren’t enough—you need good data.
The company develops tools to generate synthetic data: artificial datasets that preserve the same statistical properties as real ones, but without privacy issues, errors, or bias.
It’s a paradigm shift that’s already made waves: Clearbox AI is among the top 50 startups selected by the European Commission’s Women TechEU program and a winner of the National Innovation Award in Italy.
Why do we need more developers?
In her Codemotion Milan talk, Shalini will overturn the cliché that AI reduces the need for technical talent.
On the contrary: now more than ever, we need developers who can design solid architectures, integrate complex systems, and validate AI in a conscious and responsible way.
A talk you don’t want to miss
Shalini Kurapati is one of the most credible and innovative voices in European AI. At Codemotion Milan, she’ll bring not only her vision but also the concrete experience of someone working every day to make AI more transparent, inclusive, and controllable.
If you really want to understand where artificial intelligence is headed—and what role you can play in this future—her talk is one to mark in your calendar.
🎤 Shalini Kurapati
Talk: “Beyond the vibe: Why we need more SWEs, not less, in the age of AI”
📍 October 14–15, Codemotion Milan 2025
