This Indian AI startup claims to automate app making but – it’s all human

The AI hype cycle continues.

Engineer.ai, an Indian startup claiming to have built an artificial intelligence-assisted app development platform, is not in fact using AI to literally build apps.

Instead, the company, which has attracted nearly $30 million in funding from a SoftBank-owned firm and others, is reportedly relying mostly on human engineers, while using hype around AI to attract customers and investment that will last it until it can actually get its automation platform off the ground.

Engineer.AI’s Chief Business officer, Robert Holdheim has sued the CEO/cofounder Sachin Dev Duggal for making false claims.

Sign Up for nextbigwhat newsletter

Delivered everyday 8 AM. Most comprehensive coverage of the tech ecosystem.

Download Pluggd.in, the short news app for busy professionals