Dive Brief:

• Google's parent company Alphabet has had the most artificial intelligence acquisitions, ahead of Microsoft, Apple, Intel and Salesforce, according to data from research firm Quid, reports Recode.

• Though not all companies are making acquisitions, many organizations are investing heavily in AI. Intel has invested in 81 AI-related companies, the most of any of its competitors. Telefónica, Softbank and Qualcomm are also big AI investors, as are venture capital firms such as Y Combinator, Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, Quid research reveals.

• Organizations have continued to heavily invest in enterprise insights, the main investment area in AI since 2013. But this year, companies are also investing in AI that offers solutions for financial institutions, retail product recommendations and virtual assistants. 

Dive Insight:

AI is certainly the big place to invest these days, but what do companies hope to gain from those investments? Experts predict AI will help companies find competitive advantages. If that proves true, there’s likely to be huge demand for the technology, and AI investors could be reaping the rewards for years to come. But AI is very much in its early stages, so areas of investment do not have guaranteed returns. 

However, given the amount of money and brain power poured into AI research, it likely won't be long until commercializing and monetizing AI becomes a reality. Thus far in 2017, IDC reports revenues from AI are at $12.5 billion, up 59%.

Companies that don’t get in on the ground floor could find themselves struggling to catch up with those that do. Experts predict as deep learning, machine learning, and predictive and prescriptive intelligence becomes more mainstream, early adopters will see a boon in creativity, productivity and success.