From Buzzword to Business Essential

AI agents—autonomous software programs designed to perform specific tasks without human intervention—are becoming the next big thing in the tech and business world. These intelligent systems can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and even take on creative roles traditionally handled by humans.

According to Kari Briski, Vice President of AI Software at Nvidia, AI agents will fundamentally reshape how people manage their daily tasks, from coding and research to scheduling and financial management. In an interview with Entrepreneur, Briski emphasized their potential:

"I think agents will transform the way we work," she stated.

 

AI Agents in Everyday Life and Business

A 2025 technology outlook report by Franklin Templeton highlights the diverse applications of AI agents. For individuals, they can function as personal tutors, meal planners, and travel assistants. In business, these systems are being used to handle customer inquiries by searching internal databases for answers, reducing the need for human intervention.

Several major companies, including Nvidia and Salesforce, are already integrating AI agents into their operations to improve efficiency and customer experience. These tools are designed to act as digital assistants that can proactively solve problems and support decision-making.

 

How AI Agents Help Businesses

For entrepreneurs and startups, AI agents can be a game-changer. They assist in writing code, crafting business plans, and even providing a virtual brainstorming partner. Briski explains how these digital assistants can boost productivity:

"If you've ever noticed that you're a little bit more productive when you can spar off somebody, agents can provide that to help you be more productive," she said.

Instead of waiting for expert advice, business owners can now leverage AI agents to explore new ideas and make informed decisions faster.

One of the most significant advancements in AI is its ability to write complete software programs. In the past, AI-assisted coding focused on completing lines of code as programmers typed. Now, AI agents can generate entire applications, making developers up to ten times more productive, according to Briski. This allows software engineers to focus on higher-level tasks like system architecture and user experience.

 

Accelerating Market Research and Content Creation

AI agents are also proving valuable in research and content creation. They can browse the web, collect relevant information, and generate well-cited reports in minutes. OpenAI’s ChatGPT research agent, for example, can compile detailed reports with nearly 30 sources in just 10 minutes—far faster than a human researcher.

Nvidia’s AI solutions have already demonstrated their efficiency. Briski revealed that ServiceNow, a cloud-based workflow automation company, saved over 400,000 hours of human labor in just two years by using Nvidia-powered AI agents.

"AI agents offer complex decision-making capabilities and the ability to interact with and influence the environment," Briski said.

 

The Cost of AI Agents

As with any cutting-edge technology, AI agents come at a price. Nvidia has not disclosed specific costs, but IT support firm Transputec estimates that AI agents can range from $0.99 per conversation for basic tasks to $30 per hour for complex operations.

Salesforce offers AI agents for $2 per conversation, primarily for customer service and employee support. OpenAI is reportedly developing PhD-level AI agents with monthly subscriptions ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. Their ChatGPT Pro plan, which includes deep research capabilities, is available for $200 per month.

Briski acknowledges that AI services can be expensive due to the infrastructure and computing power required.

"AI agents that are available as a service start off very expensive because they've got very big infrastructures and services," she explained.

Despite the high costs, businesses are eager to adopt AI-driven solutions. Major corporations like Accenture, Datastax, and Oracle are leveraging Nvidia’s AI technology to build and deploy intelligent agents that enhance operational efficiency.

 

The Future of AI Agents

As AI agents continue to evolve, their impact on industries will only grow. From automating routine tasks to assisting with high-level decision-making, these digital assistants are reshaping how businesses operate. While cost remains a barrier for some, the long-term productivity benefits make AI agents an investment that many companies are willing to make.

With rapid advancements in AI hardware and software, it’s only a matter of time before these intelligent agents become an integral part of daily life—both at home and in the workplace.