[stevenwu]

I am only a mere MSc Statistics student in a Canadian university, but from my perspective, if you are succeeding as a physics PhD in a tough and respected program, then you are more than equipped to do anything you set your mind to in the tech sphere. I'm interested in AI/ML too and I read papers to try and keep up - I'm surprised at how many ideas and methods have ties to statistical physics and other domains that you're probably already comfortable with as a physicist.

In my city's (Vancouver) Slack chat, a lot of the most knowledgable participants in data science discussions are physicists (and they're proud of the fact that they're physicists). Check out the Director of Data Science at Unbounce, who published papers and worked as a postdoc as a physicist before starting in industry data science at PlentyOfFish. Worst case scenario if you find yourself pigeonholed, find a home in Vancouver with like-minded people.

I'd say finish your PhD, skip the AI PhD and go for your ultimate goal ASAP!