Keynote – Rishad Premji
Summary
Premji framed AI as a “once‑in‑a‑generation technology” that shifts the conversation from possibility to practical, large‑scale adoption. He listed India’s unique strengths: massive mobile data usage, Aadhaar, UPI, a thriving startup ecosystem, and a pipeline of AI talent (≈ 650 k professionals, expected to double by 2027).
He highlighted concrete Wipro‑led AI deployments:
- Education: AI tutoring systems in 22 languages improve learning outcomes for millions of students.
- Healthcare: AI‑enabled early disease screening and remote diagnostics, exemplified by a pilot that brings portable X‑rays and AI analysis to rural Tamil Nadu homes.
- Public Services: AI‑driven fraud detection, smart infrastructure monitoring, and welfare leakage reduction.
Premji emphasized AI‑enabled productivity (AI as a “speed‑up factor” akin to the industrial revolution) and warned that trust, security, and governance must be baked into production AI pipelines. He called for lifelong learning and reskilling to ensure the workforce can collaborate with AI agents.
The address closed with a vision of AI as a “human‑centred accelerator” that can help India meet UN Sustainable Development Goals while maintaining democratic values.
Key Takeaways
- AI shift: From experimentation to enterprise‑wide, scaled impact.
- India’s AI ecosystem: Large talent pool, strong digital public infrastructure, and a vibrant startup scene.
- Real‑world pilots: AI in education, healthcare, and public services already delivering measurable outcomes.
- Governance imperative: Security, explainability, and continuous monitoring are essential for trust.
- Reskilling & lifelong learning: Critical to enable humans to work alongside AI agents.