TIME magazine recently released its first-ever TIME100 AI list, recognizing the 100 most influential figures in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Among the prominent names on the list, there is also a strong representation of Indians and individuals of Indian descent, highlighting the nation’s growing prominence in AI innovation.
One of the notable personalities on the list is Manu Chopra, the 27-year-old CEO of Karya. Chopra founded this non-profit organization that pays fair wages to workers involved in AI projects. Recognizing the disparity in the generation of data that powers AI systems, Chopra aims to redistribute wealth to communities that have been left behind, potentially lifting millions of people out of poverty. Karya pays workers a minimum of $5.00 per hour for their work and continues to collect datasets of Indian languages that have been marginalized in the AI boom.
Neal Khosla co-founded Curai Health, a telehealth startup that aims to revolutionize access to medical care. By paying a monthly fee of $15, users can access a subscription-based virtual care service enabling them to consult healthcare professionals 24/7 through text messaging. AI plays a crucial role in assisting doctors with routine tasks, such as gathering patient information and sending follow-up messages. This streamlined process allows a small team of clinicians to serve a large number of patients efficiently.
At just 18 years old, Sneha Revanur has emerged as an influential advocate for AI regulation. Founding Encode Justice, a youth-led civil society group, Revanur began her journey by opposing a ballot measure to replace cash bail with an AI-based algorithm. Recognizing that her generation will bear the consequences of rapid technological development, she believes young voices should play a vital role in shaping AI policy. Her efforts were acknowledged when she participated in a roundtable discussion on AI with US Vice President Kamala Harris.
Kalika Bali, a Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research India, has been dedicated to breaking language barriers in technology. With a passion for inclusivity in the AI revolution, she is championing the creation of gender intentional datasets in five prominent Indian languages. Bali aims to eliminate gender biases often found in AI training data sourced from the internet, creating a fairer and more equitable AI ecosystem.
Tushita Gupta, the Chief Technology Officer of Refiberd, and her co-founder Sarika Bajaj are working to revolutionize textile recycling using AI. Refiberd’s AI system utilizes hyperspectral cameras to analyze textiles’ composition on a conveyor belt, enabling efficient recycling of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester.
Founded by billionaire brothers Romesh and Sunil Wadhwani, Wadhwani AI is a Mumbai-based non-profit institute dedicated to developing and deploying AI solutions for social good. One of their notable projects focuses on tuberculosis (TB). Wadhwani AI has developed various AI programs to predict high-risk and mortality among TB patients in India, making significant strides in healthcare.
Pushmeet Kohli, the Vice President of Research at Google DeepMind, leads two teams focused on AI for Science and Responsible and Reliable AI. Kohli is recognized for his contributions to AI safety and the development of the AlphaFold protein structure prediction system. He emphasizes the potential of AI to solve pressing global issues but also underlines the importance of using AI responsibly and safely.
Arvind Narayanan, a computer science professor at Princeton University, is known for his work on the societal impact of digital technologies, particularly AI. His talk on How to Recognize AI Snake Oil gained widespread attention, leading him to co-author a book on the topic with his PhD student Sayash Kapoor, which is set to be published in 2024.
The inclusion of these individuals of Indian descent on TIME magazine’s inaugural TIME100 AI list reflects India’s increasing prominence in the field of artificial intelligence. With their innovative work and contributions, they are shaping the future of AI and its impact on various industries, demonstrating the country’s potential in this rapidly evolving field.
