Abhay Karandikar

Over the course of the past year, Abhay Karandikar has overseen several of India’s strategic technology initiatives spanning artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and deep-tech research. As the Secretary of the Centre’s Department of Science and Technology, he has played a key role in advancing the National Quantum Mission, supporting AI research infrastructure and strengthening collaborations between academia, startups and industry.

Karandikar has also championed translational research, encouraging publicly funded science to move more rapidly from laboratories into commercial applications. He has consistently argued that India’s long-term competitiveness will depend on sustained investment in frontier science rather than technology adoption alone.

Throughout the year, he has emphasised the need to build indigenous capabilities across semiconductors, quantum computing and AI while creating stronger pathways for research commercialisation and deep-tech entrepreneurship. His vision places science-led innovation at the centre of India's technological self-reliance.