National Technology Day celebrates centuries of innovation from ‘Zero’ to ‘AI’: ‘Technology Heroes’ weigh-in
India’s rich technological legacy, from Aryabhata to AI, is celebrated on National Technology Day. Key innovators share insights.
India’s legacy in science and technology spans epochs, from the pioneering contributions of Aryabhata and Brahmagupta in antiquity, who illuminated the concept of zero, to today’s cutting-edge innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Innovation serves as the guiding ideal for businesses, driving them forward in the pursuit of progress.
Reflecting this ethos, India proudly holds the 40th position among 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2023, as recognized by the World Intellectual Property Organization. This steadfast commitment to innovation underscores India’s enduring role as a leader in the field of science and technology on the global stage.
According to UK Science and Innovation Network summary: India, in the past decade, the Government of India has redefined its focus on Science and Technology (S&T). With the addition of over 950 tech startups last year alone, India has cemented its position as the third largest tech startup ecosystem worldwide. The total count now stands at over 31,000 tech startups, boasting an impressive 91 active unicorns valued at over USD $1 billion each.
On this auspicious occasion of National Technology Day in India, observed every May 11th, we pay tribute to the monumental event of 1998: Operation Shakti, the series of nuclear tests conducted at Rajasthan’s Pokhran Test Range by the Indian Army. This day serves as a ideal, illuminating India’s remarkable strides in science and technology.
It stands as a testament to our nation’s firm commitment to innovation, propelling us towards a brighter future. National Technology Day ignites the flames of curiosity, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in STEM fields, thus ensuring India’s continued excellence in the realm of science and technology.
India’s ambitious vision revolves around harnessing technology to propel itself into the echelons of developed nations. This audacious pursuit involves a comprehensive strategy that intertwines various threads of progress.
At the heart of this endeavor lies a steadfast commitment to STEM education, nurturing young minds to embrace the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Simultaneously, a fertile ground for innovation is cultivated, where creativity flourishes, and breakthroughs are celebrated as milestones towards greatness.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. Roads are paved, wires laid, and digital highways constructed to forge a robust infrastructure that forms the backbone of a technologically advanced society. Policies are reshaped, red tape unravelled, and incentives offered to foster a vibrant ecosystem where entrepreneurship thrives, igniting the spark of technology innovation across the nation.
On National Technology Day, let’s reflect on insights from the Technology Heroes who have been instrumental in reshaping India’s technology landscape through innovation.
Ashish Modi, President, Honeywell India says-
“Technology has revolutionized the business landscape, redefining job roles and transforming industries. To remain competitive and thrive in this dynamic landscape, industries must embrace innovation and equip their workforce with the necessary skills to adapt to emerging technologies, drive operational efficiencies, and unlock new growth opportunities.
The advent of generative AI technology is poised to disrupt industries across the spectrum, heralding an era of unprecedented innovation and creativity. However, as with any other technological revolution, this also brings forth the pressing need for upskilling and reskilling the workforce. Seamless integration of technology in daily work can be achieved with a proactive approach to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to harness the complete power of generative AI. We, at Honeywell, recognize this paradigm shift and the compelling need for upskilling that generative AI brings.
Honeywell’s CSR unit, Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation has been partnering with several institutions to train higher education students on advanced technologies such as cloud computing, big data, networking, RPA, artificial intelligence, and machine learning and make them industry-ready resources. In the last three years, HHSIF has trained more than 22,000 youth and 60% of them have also been placed with various corporates. In the current financial year, another 8000 students will get trained in advanced tech skills and in sustainability focused courses which will equip them to pursue a career in the green economy, which is evolving fast in India. In addition, HHSIF is boosting the start-up ecosystem by investing in deep-tech and deep science innovations in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science. Through these efforts, Honeywell is not just aiming to spread the technology and tech skills but also making them more inclusive.
Honeywell believes in fostering an environment of curiosity, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We are committed to co-innovating with our customers and bringing about future-ready technologies to revolutionize and transform industries.”
Atul Kulkarni, Chief Technical Officer, Tata Elxsi says-
“The transformative power of technologies like Generative AI, IoT, and cloud computing is not just shaping the future of industries; it’s creating it. At Tata Elxsi, we are leveraging these innovations to redefine the landscapes of transportation, healthcare, and media. AI’s ability to analyse and automate complex data is enhancing efficiency and personalisation across sectors, while IoT’s connectivity and cloud computing’s scalability are setting new benchmarks in operational excellence.
As we harness these technologies, our focus on upskilling is equally vital. We’re committed to developing a workforce that is not only tech-savvy but also adept at leveraging these technologies to drive innovation and growth. Our commitment extends beyond conventional training; we emphasise collaborative engagements with academia, immersive hackathons, and specialised workshops. These initiatives are designed to spark innovation and deepen practical understanding, preparing our teams for the demands of a technology-driven future.”
Sachin Panicker, Chief AI Officer, Fulcrum Digital says-
“In this era, the widespread adoption of enterprise AI is leveling the playing field, enabling even MSMEs to stand toe to toe with global competitors. Through intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and personalized insights, AI equips these companies with the tools to optimize operations, enhance productivity, and deliver unparalleled value to their customers.
Beyond its capacity to optimize business operations, AI today also emerges as the great equalizer, bridging gaps between individuals. It transcends boundaries, providing access to information, education, and opportunity.
As we commemorate National Technology Day, let us champion inclusivity, shaping a future where everyone benefits from this progress.”
Ashish Tulsian, Co-founder and CEO, Restroworks says-
“India has always been at the forefront of engineering and innovation, particularly in the SaaS industry, which has shown remarkable growth. According to a report by Bessemer Venture Partners, the Indian SaaS sector is on track to reach a valuation of $50 billion by 2030, reflecting its significant impact and potential in the global market. Indian SaaS companies are not only scaling rapidly but also innovating at a pace that sets them apart internationally. With a rich talent pool and a very conducive startup ecosystem created by the government, India is well-positioned to lead significant technological advancements, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tech and beyond. I see immense potential for India not just to participate but to lead in the global technology narrative.
Today, National Technology Day, is a celebration of innovation, especially in sectors like health tech, where advancements are transforming lives. The development of sophisticated prosthetics, health tracking devices, and the use of robots in surgeries are prime examples of our technological evolution. AI’s integration in healthcare continues to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient care. AR/VR technologies are now being employed in complex medical procedures to increase precision, improve outcomes and allowing doctors with specialized skills to reach and give their counsel across the globe. These technologies not only exemplify our capabilities but also highlight the path towards a healthier future for humanity through continued innovation.”
Krishnan Venkateswaran, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Titan Company Ltd. says-
“At Titan Company we are fusing leading edge digital technologies with our ubiquitous on-ground presence to deliver a truly enriching ‘Tech with Touch’ hybrid experience that is seamless across all touchpoints. Through our Omnichannel platforms and apps, powered by AI / ML driven personalization and total commitment to privacy, we are continuously redefining retail experiences and fostering lasting relationships with our customers around the world based on trust, relevance and frictionless convenience. Our Generative AI chatbots, AR Virtual Tryons, Image-based Search are just a few examples that showcase our dedication and excellence in bridging digital & physical realms and thus elevating our customers’ omnichannel experiences to ever newer heights. At the same time, we are implementing technologies that simplify our internal operations and help make our company one of the greatest places to work in and work with, for our employees and partners.
At Titan, digital technology is not just a tool: it’s a vital, vibrant aspect of our organization. As we continue to invest in cutting-edge technologies, we are optimistic that technology will continue to drive the next waves of growth and innovation in retail operations.”
Sanjeev Chhabra, Managing Director & CEO, Beetel Teletech Limited says-
“India’s technology landscape is poised for remarkable growth, fueled by robust talent and government initiatives like Digital India and Make in India. Nasscom projects industry revenue to reach $254 Bn in FY2024. However, cybersecurity looms large as a significant challenge. With data security becoming paramount, organizations must bolster cyber budgets and adopt advanced strategies like zero trust architecture and continuous threat management. The rapid evolution of AI and sophisticated algorithms only amplifies the need for robust cybersecurity measures. As India navigates these challenges, its tech sector is set to play an increasingly pivotal role on the global stage.”
Manish Jha, CIO, Addverb says-
“We should continue to leverage technology to empower communities, enhance healthcare accessibility, and drive sustainable development. We can bridge the digital divide by fostering innovation in education, healthcare, and agriculture and uplift marginalized populations. Embracing emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and renewable energy can revolutionize industries and mitigate environmental challenges. We can focus on collaborating across sectors to ensure technology serves humanity’s highest ideals, fostering inclusivity, equality, and prosperity for all. However, it’s essential to use technology responsibly, ethically, and with a focus on mitigating potential negative impacts such as privacy concerns, job displacement, and environmental damage. Balancing technological advancements with social, ethical, and environmental considerations is crucial to ensuring that technology continues to benefit mankind.
India is poised to become a global technology powerhouse, fueled by its vibrant startup ecosystem, skilled workforce, and ambitious digital initiatives. India continues to lead the world in technology, with projected revenue of US\$254 billion in 2024, according to a Deloitte study titled ‘Deloitte India’s latest Tech Trends 2024’. India is expected to play a significant role in cloud computing, spatial computing, generative AI, and the industrial metaverse, according to the research. India’s remarkable rise to the 40th rank in the Global Innovation Index in just eight years, from 81st, demonstrates the country’s dedication to innovation. With a robust startup ecosystem ranked third globally, the nation is the third most sought-after location for technology transactions. Despite strides, challenges like infrastructure gaps, digital literacy, and regulatory hurdles persist. Addressing these roadblocks demands concerted efforts from government, industry, and academia. Embracing innovation, investing in R&D, and nurturing talent are crucial. By fostering an enabling environment for startups and promoting digital inclusivity, India can position itself as a leader in the global technology landscape, driving economic growth, and societal transformation.”
Praful Poddar, CPO, Shiprocket says-
“As we celebrate National Technology Day, it becomes imperative to recognise the fascinating transformation that the startup and investment landscape is undergoing. eCommerce is at the forefront of this growth, with a projected value of $300 billion by 2030, fueled by a massive mobile user base expected to reach 1 billion in the next two years. The focus is shifting beyond metros, with Tier 2 & 3 cities boasting rising incomes and attracting investment, becoming the new market driving sales online. Models like omnichannel retail, seamlessly integrating physical stores with online platforms through options like “click and collect”, are gaining traction. This growth is complemented by a B2B eCommerce boom, projected to reach $200 billion by 2030, indicating a massive untapped market potential.
Additionally, MSMEs are welcoming the D2C revolution, bypassing retailers and selling directly to consumers for better control and margins. “Think Local, Sell Local” is no longer a trend but a reality for Indian merchants now, with platforms catering to specific regional needs and preferences. Quick commerce with ultra-fast delivery under 2 hours of placing an order is gaining significant traction. Technology like AI is further propelling this growth by enabling not only efficiency, productivity but also innovation for even the smallest of sellers. From personalised experiences and warehouse automation to all-in-one marketing platforms, optimising courier partner selection, and leveraging WhatsApp commerce, AI is shaping the future of Indian eCommerce, making lives of various MSMEs simpler. Tech is now becoming the core of all revolutionary breakthroughs in industries, especially eCommerce, and is poised to redefine the Indian startup and investment ecosystem in the coming months.”
Mukund Wangikar, VP of Digital Engineering Practices at InfoVision says-
“On this National Technology Day, we celebrate the transformative power that technology brings to businesses and individuals alike. From cloud computing to artificial intelligence, we stand at the cusp of a remarkable technological revolution that promises to redefine every aspect of our society. At InfoVision, we derive strength from our dedication to staying updated on emerging technologies through our specialized Centers of Excellence, fostering continuous learning, innovation, and actively forging partnerships and conducting research to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Committed to ethical tech deployment, we aim to dismantle barriers, foster diversity, and drive enduring prosperity. Recognizing the immense responsibility, we pledge integrity in ensuring equitable technology distribution nationwide. As stewards of progress, we are devoted to empowering India’s visionaries and trailblazers to shape a future where technology acts as a force for positive change, enriching the lives of current and future generations.”
Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director, Thales in India, says-
“National Technology Day serves as a powerful reminder of India’s unwavering commitment to technological progress, and Thales stands proudly by its side as a trusted partner in this remarkable journey. With our global expertise, we support India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and actively collaborate with local industry and academia to develop advanced solutions under Make in India. Our robust capabilities in Defence, Aerospace, Cybersecurity and digital identity, combined with R&D efforts in Open Hardware Research play a key role in advancing the country’s growth in these critical domains.
We nurture a highly skilled workforce, fuelling cutting-edge innovation from our engineering competence centres in Bengaluru and Noida. We firmly believe that technology holds the key to unlocking India’s boundless potential, and we tirelessly strive to drive transformative change through innovation.”
Madhav Krishna, Founder and CEO of Vahan Inc. says-
“Today, AI emerges as a game-changer, particularly for India. Considering our large demographic dividend and a skills gap, AI will play a crucial role. This technology can augment our workforce, unlocking human potential in ways we can only begin to imagine. As we delve deeper into AI, its transformative power becomes undeniable, promising to propel us toward a brighter future.
Looking ahead, India’s position in the global tech landscape is nothing short of exciting. Our economic growth and exceptional talent pool, particularly in tech, position us as a future powerhouse. The ever-growing number of skilled professionals coupled with a thriving tech ecosystem solidifies our role as a key player in shaping the digital frontier. By embracing technology and fostering our strengths, India is poised to key player in the global tech arena, shaping breakthroughs due to the number of people we have working in the tech sector. And India’s talent in this sector is unparalleled.”
Ravi Chhabria, Managing Director, NetApp India says-
“As per NetApp’s 2024 Cloud Complexity Report, India is leading the global charts with over 70% of companies adopting AI projects, as opposed to the global average of 49%. While we see this readiness among enterprises, we still need a stronger push towards education and mentorship across the tech sector.
Through NetApp’s Data Explorers program, we empower teens with critical data skills with an aim to provide opportunities for exploration and problem-solving. Through NetApp Excellerator we offer deep-tech startups access to our expertise in intelligent data infrastructure solutions and to our resources, helping them drive advancements in the field.
Together, we’re shaping a future where the youth and innovators have the tools they need to excel.”
Chetana Tailor, Manager, AI/ML Engineering, Ascendion says-
With the advent of new technology and India’s pool of advanced tech talent, there is much scope for transforming India’s technological landscape. Technological progress through the use of IoT, blockchain, cloud computing, and Gen AI enables innovation in multiple sectors, such as healthcare, retail, BFSI, manufacturing etc., which enhance productivity and efficiency, enabling individuals and firms alike to reap the best results. India‘s focus on being a leading drug developer and initiatives to promote digital payments and financial services, coupled with increased investments in technology through programs like Digital India and Startup India Initiative, showcase India’s vision to shape a digital economy that fosters growth and innovation. Supporting such technological developments through a concrete regulatory framework that addresses concerns of data privacy and bias is integral to leveraging India’s potential as a leader in technological advancements and propelling India as a global leader in the new technology era.
Sarvagya Mishra, Co-founder & Director at Superbot says-
“Celebrating National Technology Day is not just about acknowledging the marvels of modern innovation but also about honoring the relentless pursuit of progress that defines us. Superbot proudly represents this spirit, embodying the synergy between human ingenuity and technological prowess. Our AI-powered conversation agents are not just tools; they’re companions, assistants, and problem-solvers.But our mission goes beyond mere functionality. We are committed to ethical AI practices, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in every interaction. By championing responsible AI development, we strive to build trust and foster meaningful connections between people and technology. Together, let’s harness the boundless potential of technology to inspire, create, and propel humanity forward into a new era of possibilities.”
Please find the quote from Nabendu Das, Head of Engineering, Tally Solutions says-
“India is on its way to become one of the largest global economies. Technology driven transformation is a key part of this progress. Indian businesses are increasingly using digital capabilities across business processes, including full digitalization of business data, streamlined operations, simplified financial access, improved compliance to regulation and so on. The adoption of significant innovations via artificial intelligence are driving new automations which were unheard of earlier. More and more businesses are adopting cloud, thus expanding what their employees can achieve digitally. Deeper analytics of data are bringing out insights that allow businesses to take critical decisions, at a much faster speed. Businesses are becoming more and more aware and innovative to benefit from these and other technology progresses.
The Small and Medium enterprises segment contributes a large part of the Indian GDP. Tally has been providing business management software to SMEs for a very long time, and been driving technology transformation to its rapidly growing customer base, which currently stands at two and a half million SME customers. Our flagship product TallyPrime is embracing the paradigm of connected services to increase convenience and automation to these business owners. New connected services that seamlessly connects a business management software to multiple parties like bank, GSTN, messaging apps etc; are able to provide a much higher level of efficiency to the customer. We believe there is significant convenience that can be delivered via connected services, approaches that has not generally been tapped so far. So, this along with newer technologies like Cloud, AI etc. will continue to drive the digital transformation in Indian businesses.”
Debdoot Mukherjee – Chief Data Scientist, Head of AI and Demand Engineering, Meesho says-
“On National Technology Day, let’s celebrate India’s tech journey—filled with challenges and triumphs, just like any personal growth story. From startups to e-commerce, technology fuels our progress, reshaping businesses with AI, efficient logistics, and data-driven strategies. At Meesho, technology powers our success, connecting entrepreneurs nationwide. We’re committed to using tech to empower the next generation. As we mark this day, let’s embrace tech’s potential to bridge divides, fuel growth, and propel India forward.”
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET Edge Insights, its management, or its members
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