Nandan Nilekani's Vision for AI Earns Him a Spot in TIME100 AI 2024
Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys, champions AI for inclusive growth in India through Adbhut India, enhancing accessibility and addressing literacy challenges in diverse communities.
Nandan Nilekani, co-founder of Infosys (NASDAQ: INFY) and a pivotal figure in India’s digital evolution, has been named to the TIME100 AI 2024 list for his visionary efforts in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with the socio-cultural dynamics of India. His latest project, Adbhut India, is a nonprofit initiative aimed at developing a digital public infrastructure tailored to meet the specific needs of a diverse population, particularly where literacy levels are low. Nilekani envisions AI as a tool that can enhance accessibility through voice interactions, enabling broader engagement across India's multitude of languages and dialects.
Born in 1945 in Bangalore, India, Nilekani pursued electrical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. In 1981, he co-founded Infosys, which grew into a global leader in IT services under his leadership. This success contributed to India's reputation as a technology hub.
Nilekani's influence transcended the corporate world when he was appointed chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) in 2009. He spearheaded the ambitious Aadhaar program, which aimed to provide biometric identification to over a billion citizens. This initiative sought to promote financial inclusion and streamline access to welfare services, becoming the world’s largest biometric identity card system.
His commitment to social impact is evident through various philanthropic efforts, especially in education and workforce development. Nilekani is a strong advocate for retraining programs to assist workers affected by automation, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to the evolving job landscape. He believes that the productivity improvements brought about by AI will ultimately outweigh the job losses in key sectors like outsourcing.
Through Adbhut India, Nilekani is addressing the challenges of implementing AI in a linguistically and culturally diverse country. By developing datasets and benchmarks specific to India, he envisions a future where AI can significantly enhance access to essential services, promoting equitable opportunities for all citizens. As he navigates the confluence of technology and societal needs, Nilekani continues to inspire a future where digital advancements serve as a bridge to equitable opportunities for all Indians.
