Introduction
Generative AI (GenAI) is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity in India. It is being wholeheartedly embraced by enterprises across diverse sectors, and there is a burgeoning number of GenAI – based SaaS startups. The government’s proactive policies have created a conducive environment, with major IT and software powerhouses like TCS, Infosys, IBM, and Salesforce riding the GenAI wave. Globally, GenAI investments reached over $12 billion in FY23, and Indian startups secured $590 million during the same period.
Indian enterprises are increasingly aware of GenAI’s potential. A significant 63% of executives consider it vital for sustainability efforts, and 76% plan to increase investments in this technology. Collaborative endeavors among industry leaders are accelerating GenAI adoption and improving operational efficiencies. Startups such as Vodex, MachineHack, and Nocturnal are revolutionizing customer support, sales, and healthcare sectors. This article spotlights the top 13 Indian GenAI leaders who are setting benchmarks in AI application, research, and development, and driving ethical and impactful deployment on a global scale.
Top Indian GenAI Leaders
Rohini Srivathsa
Rohini Srivathsa is a technology veteran with deep – seated knowledge in innovation, digital transformation, and strategic investment. She holds a doctorate in computer engineering and has spent years in various senior positions in the IT industry. At Microsoft, she oversees investments in cutting – edge technologies like artificial intelligence, fostering creativity and strategic growth. She identifies and supports startups and projects in line with Microsoft’s vision, playing a crucial role in advancing GenAI through research and development investments.
Anand C
Anand Chandrasekaran, an Indian entrepreneur and business executive, was the former Chief Product officer of Snapdeal and Airtel. He is the Founder and President of Crescendo, an AI – first contact center business. With degrees from PSG College of Technology and Stanford University, he advises organizations on AI strategy, implementation, and scaling, making valuable contributions to GenAI.
Shailendra Kumar
Shailendra Kumar, the Head of Data and Artificial Intelligence at NEOM Hotels, has engineering experience and has held leadership positions in technology – focused logistics firms. He has designed and architected a scalable data infrastructure for NEOM and executes advanced AI processes, driving innovation and efficiency.
Arvind Krishna
Arvind Krishna, the CEO of IBM, has been with the company for over thirty years. With a focus on innovation and technology leadership, he has specialized in increasing IBM’s capacity in AI, cloud, and quantum computations. His work has transformed IBM into a leader in AI product development, such as IBM Watson.
Debjani Ghosh
Debjani Ghosh, the President of NASSCOM and a Distinguished Fellow at Niti Aayog, supports the growth of India’s technology and IT service industry. Through NASSCOM, she has initiated programs and partnerships to accelerate the implementation of AI solutions across industries, significantly aiding India’s AI adoption.
Ashwini Asokan
Ashwini Asokan, the CEO and Founder of Mad Street Den and Vue.ai, is changing the future of industries with AI solutions. By creating platforms like Vue.ai, she has advanced GenAI, democratized its use, and is a strong advocate for ethical AI and inclusive technology.
Amit Prakash
Amit Prakash, the co – founder and CTO of ThoughtSpot, has extensive experience in building large – scale data systems and AI technologies. His expertise at the intersection of AI, data, and scalable systems has been key to ThoughtSpot’s success.
Sharath Keshava Narayana
Sharath Keshava Narayana, co – founder and COO of Sanas.AI, has over 20 years of experience in enterprise software sales and AI. He has co – founded successful AI companies and is also involved in venture capital, investing in innovative tech startups.
Swapnil Jain
Swapnil Jain, co – founder and CTO of Ather Energy, has a background in automotive and electronic system design. Ather Energy, known for its innovative electric vehicles with advanced features, is creating an intelligent EV ecosystem in India.
Bhavish Aggarwal
Bhavish Aggarwal, one of the founders of Ola Cabs, has revolutionized urban transportation in India. As the CEO, he has used artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance Ola’s ride – hailing services in areas like route optimization and dynamic pricing.
Aakanksha Chowdhery
Aakanksha Chowdhery, a research scientist at Meta and Google DeepMind, focuses on AI application development and machine learning. Her work on GenAI and related fields has advanced AI research and application breakthroughs.
Vishal Virani
Vishal Virani, co – founder and CEO of DhiWise, has created a platform to automate the programming lifecycle. Under his leadership, DhiWise has received acclaim and funding, aiming to revolutionize programming for developers.
Anima Anandkumar
Anima Anandkumar, a Bren professor at Caltech and Senior Director of AI Research at NVIDIA, has made significant contributions to AI. Her work in developing novel AI has accelerated its scientific applications, and her research has been widely recognized.
Conclusion
The prowess and creativity of these top Indian GenAI leaders underscore India’s strong foothold in the AI landscape. Their continuous innovation in AI research and application is setting global standards of excellence, paving the way for a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into our lives, fostering a more intelligent and connected world.
