Ajai Chowdhry

Ajai Chowdhry has been a driving force behind India’s deep-tech and AI ambitions for decades, and in the last 12 months has focused on shaping the country’s sovereign AI strategy through the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO). As a Board Member of IAIRO, he has helped guide the organisation’s strategic direction to accelerate indigenous AI research and strengthen India’s long-term AI capabilities.

Alongside his AI leadership, Chowdhry chairs the Mission Governing Board of the National Quantum Mission, where he is overseeing India’s push to build world-class quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials capabilities. A Co-Founder of HCL and recipient of the Padma Bhushan, he has also played a pivotal role in shaping India’s electronics, semiconductor, and technology ecosystem through multiple national initiatives.

Chowdhry believes India’s defining AI opportunity lies in creating sovereign AI leadership by building indigenous research, infrastructure, and technology capabilities that can compete globally.