Balaraman Ravindran

Balaraman Ravindran is one of India’s most influential AI researchers, with over 30 years of experience in machine learning, particularly in the field of reinforcement learning. As the founding head of the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, the Robert Bosch Centre for Data Science and AI, and the Centre for Responsible AI at IIT Madras, Ravindran has helped shape the country’s academic and institutional AI landscape from the ground up.

His contributions extend far beyond campus. Ravindran has advised the Indian government, the RBI, the World Economic Forum, and the REAIM council on the ethical, responsible deployment of AI, particularly in sensitive domains like defence and public policy. With over 150 published papers and multiple Best Paper Awards, he continues to influence AI globally through editorial roles and committee positions at The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining (KDD).

Ravindran’s collaborations with Google Research, Intel, and IBM reflect his deep industry engagement, while his design of IIT Madras’ flagship AI programmes has trained a new generation of researchers and engineers. Honoured as an ACM Distinguished Member, AAAI fellow, and Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) fellow, he remains a pivotal voice in advancing both the science and ethics of AI.