30 Indian Minds Leading the AI Revolution

From Forbes India's list of 30 Indian minds leading AI, to the country's defence dreams: Here are our top stories of the week

In this week's newsletter, also read about India's journey to becoming an AI leader, the sustainable alternatives to ACs companies are adopting, and much more

By Forbes India

Published: Jun 7, 2025 10:50:25 AM IST

Updated: Jun 7, 2025 11:22:03 AM IST

1. Forbes India’s 30 Indian minds leading AI revolution

In an era when artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies and redefining the future of work, India has emerged as a formidable force in the global AI ecosystem. Recognising this reality, Forbes India and Accel have launched ‘30 Indian minds leading the AI revolution’, a curated, non-ranked list recognising individuals whose work is pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. Meet the 30 individuals who are not just participants, but trailblazers.

2. Paving the way

Illustration: Chaitanya Dinesh Surpur

The private sector—including global giants Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia—is collaborating with Indian startups and institutions to advance AI applications. Companies like Qure.ai and Wipro’s AI Research Lab focus on agriculture, health care, and finance, whereas startups like Cropin and Sarvam innovate in precision farming and conversational AI. Is India evolving from an AI adopter to an AI leader? Read more.

3. The startup story

Illustration: Chaitanya Dinesh Surpur

The Indian startup ecosystem is often captivated by the allure of the unicorn status, where rapid valuation growth is celebrated as the ultimate achievement. However, this focus often distracts founders from building businesses that are profitable, resilient, and built to last. Sanjeev Bikhchandani, the founder and executive chairman of Info Edge, elaborates on the various fundamental shifts required to prioritise sustainability in business. Read more to find out.

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4. Sustainable solutions

Monish Siripurapu, Founder and CEO of CoolAnt. Image: Madhu Kapparath

In an increasingly warming world, where, according to a 2023 International Energy Agency report, India is projected to have more than a billion air conditioners by 2050, people and companies are working towards adopting alternative solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions and more warming, but also reduce power bills.

These include companies using traditional and natural cooling products like terracotta or khus to building energy-efficient cooling solutions, all designed to optimise energy consumption and minimise environmental impact. Explore the sustainable solutions, the economics behind them, and more.

5. Defence dreams

France-based Dassault Aviation announced that the Tata Group-owned Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will build the fuselage of the aircraft. Image: Petras Malukas / AFP

In many ways, it’s a win for India’s defence manufacturing ambitions. After all, it’s the first time that the fuselage—the long hollow tube that holds all the pieces of an airplane together, or the main body—of the French multi-role fighter jet Rafale, is being produced outside France.

On June 5, France-based Dassault Aviation announced that the Tata Group-owned Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will build the fuselage of the aircraft. But is it enough for India's defence dreams? Find out more.

6. Celebrations gone wrong

Fans stand next to abandonned shoes and a fallen barrier following a stampede during celebrations, a day after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory at the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match, outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025.Image: AFP

Celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title in 18 years were marred by tragedy as at least 11 people were killed and 47 injured at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium as fans cascaded there for the victory celebrations. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the mishap was triggered by the presence of nearly 2 to 3 lakh fans trying to enter a stadium that has a capacity of about 35,000.

This is not the first time that sports fanaticism and administrative failure have resulted in a crowd rush and the loss of lives. Forbes India recounts some of the major stadium tragedies. Read here to find out.

7. Meet the AI trailblazers

Homegrown innovators, policymakers, and startups are laying the groundwork for an AI future where Indian languages, datasets and social context will shape the future of AI. Forbes India's Naini Thaker unpacks our AI special which has identified 30 Indians who are leading the revolution in their own fields. Whether building cutting-edge startups, advancing global research, or shaping national AI strategies, these 30 individuals are not just participants, they are trailblazers. Tune in.

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