Why Semantics & Knowledge Graphs Are Essential for AI-Ready Data Systems

🎥 Recorded live at the MLOps World | GenAI Summit 2025 — Austin, TX (October 8, 2025) Session Title: The Missing Layer: Why Semantics and Knowledge Graphs Are Essential for AI-Ready Data Systems Speaker: Juan Sequeda, Principal Researcher, data.world (ServiceNow) Talk Track: Data Engineering in an LLM Era Abstract: As organizations rush to productionize AI, many overlook a critical foundation: data semantics. In this insightful talk, Juan Sequeda (Principal Researcher at data.world, part of ServiceNow) argues that the key to building truly AI-ready systems lies not in another tool—but in understanding what your data actually means. He demystifies semantic layers and knowledge graphs, explaining how they bridge the gap between traditional data engineering and AI-driven pipelines. Through practical examples, Juan shows how semantics enable context-rich, explainable, and reliable AI systems, helping teams move from ad hoc experimentation to intentional, scalable architecture. What you’ll learn: • Why semantics are essential for building AI-ready data systems • How knowledge graphs empower AI applications with context and reasoning • How to bridge traditional data engineering with modern AI workflows • Practical steps to apply semantic layers in your day-to-day engineering work • How to move from experimentation to intentional, production-grade design.