Artificial Intelligence (AI) is acknowledged as one of the most significant technological advancements of our time, and it is poised to be the driving force behind India’s economic growth. This statement was made by Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, during the Mumbai Tech Week held at the Jio World Centre.

In his address, Ambani emphasized, ‘In my view, AI is the engine that will empower India to grow at 10 percent or double-digit growth numbers for the foreseeable future.’ He highlighted India’s positioning among the leading nations capable of adopting and leveraging technology for national advancement. To facilitate this, he outlined three critical areas of focus: infrastructure, deep research and development, and investment in talent.

Jio’s Role in Digital Transformation

During a discussion with Dream11 CEO Harsh Jain, Ambani stated that Jio has significantly influenced technology in India. Jain remarked, ‘Every single person here is thankful for finally getting us 5G Internet at the best speeds possible while we travel.’ He noted that Jio has positively affected over 800 million Indians, paving the way for a flourishing environment for tech startups and entrepreneurship.

Ambani countered the notion that India is lagging in technology adoption, stating, ‘Today, India’s data consumption surpasses that of any other country, including China. We’ve proven that India can be a global leader in technology.’ He elaborated on Jio’s investments in AI infrastructure, including a recent announcement about developing an AI data center in Jamnagar with a gigawatt capacity.

Focus on Talent Development

Ambani asserted that fostering talent is essential. ‘We have invested in building a full-stack AI team of over a thousand data scientists and engineers, which is key to pushing innovation and development boundaries,’ he mentioned, expressing optimism about launching groundbreaking ideas that will serve millions.

On the subject of AI’s effects on jobs, he responded, ‘I believe AI will transform jobs rather than eliminate them,’ explaining how Jio is already utilizing AI to streamline their operations and improve customer experiences.

The Future of AI in Education and Beyond

Addressing educational challenges, Ambani discussed five core areas to create a comprehensive technology ecosystem in India, which includes connectivity, computing, devices, content, and intelligence. He indicated that these layers would equip India to address larger issues, such as literacy rates and education quality.

Ultimately, the conversation underscored the collaborative efforts required between private corporations like Jio and public institutions to realize the full potential of AI in advancing India’s economy. As Ambani optimistically concluded, ‘We are incredibly fortunate to have visionary leadership guiding us in this transformative era.’ This forecast emphasizes the importance of harnessing AI technology as India looks to bolster its standing in the global economic landscape.