National Technology Day 2026: Tech Leaders on Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth

Praveer Kochhar, Co-Founder & CPO, KOGO AI

National Technology Day is a moment for India’s AI industry to ask itself one question, “Are we building AI that serves everyone or only those who can really afford to lead?”

At KOGO AI, we believe the future belongs to those building governed intelligence or systems that are private by design, accountable by architecture and inclusive by intent. India has the talent and capability to define responsible AI. The question is not whether AI transformation will be broad or narrow, opaque or inclusive.

Ganesh Narasimhadevara, Director of Solutions Consulting, New Relic India

National Tech Day is a powerful reminder of what India is capable of when ambition meets engineering excellence. This year’s theme, ‘Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth,’ sets an important benchmark that the true measure of tech progress isn’t speed of innovation alone, but the breadth of lives it improves and the trust it earns. Our AI-strengthened intelligent observability platform gives engineering teams, be it global enterprises or Indian startups, real-time intelligence into how their systems behave, where they fail and how quickly they recover.

Anup Cheruvathoor, Founder & CTO, Qubo

Celebrating National Technology Day by recognising how innovation has made life safer, simpler, and smarter. At Qubo, we are reimagining products to redefine what security truly means. From Smart Door Locks, Smart Video Doorbells, and Smart Security Cameras, we move beyond basic utility to deliver complete protection. As AI and technology evolves, so do we. Our focus remains clear - build smart, reliable products that people can depend on for complete security.

Ameet Verma, Co-Founder & CEO, mple.ai

Using cutting-edge technology is only one aspect of responsible innovation; another is ensuring those solutions are available to everyone who needs them. Our mission at mple.ai is to democratise intelligent solutions that enable companies of all sizes and industries. Our goal is to build inclusive platforms where cutting-edge technology catalyses broad development, closing rather than growing gaps. Everyone is elevated by true invention, not just a select few; advanced technology ought to be a stimulus for prosperity across communities and businesses.

Vikram Subburaj, CEO, Giottus.com

National Technology Day now reflects a major shift in India’s strengths — from low-cost software talent to building population-scale digital infrastructure. India processes over 18 billion UPI transactions monthly and has more than 950 million internet users, with nearly 65% under 35. Technology is no longer limited to urban or specialised sectors. From students to traders and small businesses, millions now access financial tools, AI, and digital marketplaces through smartphones. India’s top ranking in Chainalysis’ 2025 grassroots crypto adoption index further highlights this digital maturity. The next phase will depend on trust, scalability, and responsible digital participation nationwide.

Nischal Shetty, Founder, WazirX

There was a time when unions opposed computers, fearing they would destroy jobs. But the IT revolution built an entirely new middle class and created millions of livelihoods. The Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile trinity rewired how public services reached people, cutting through decades of leakage and fraud to benefit India's poorest. Today, India runs the largest payments ecosystem in the world. Technology can always expand opportunity when implemented right. Blockchain and digital assets are the next chapter in that story. They give hundreds of millions of Indians access to financial tools that were simply out of reach before. The transition is already underway. On National Technology Day, what strikes me most is this: India is at the centre of it.

Vikram Prabakar, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer at Recykal

On National Technology Day, it is important to recognise that the true value of technology lies not only in innovation, but in the impact it creates for society. At Recykal, we believe responsible technology must solve real-world challenges while remaining inclusive, transparent, and sustainable. From AI-powered waste traceability to digitally enabling India’s informal recycling ecosystem, our focus has always been on building systems that create trust and shared value for every stakeholder. India can lead the world by building technology that combines innovation with accessibility, sustainability, and social inclusion, creating models that are both globally scalable and locally relevant.

Chetan Jain, Managing Director, Inspira Enterprise

On this National Technology Day, we celebrate the spirit of innovation in establishing a more connected and secure future in today’s digital world. Organizations must protect themselves from the constant, ongoing onslaught of AI-powered, sophisticated cyber threats and remain resilient.The only way forward is by committing themselves to AI-specific security measures to stay safe. At Inspira, we are committed to empowering organisations across sectors with advanced, AI-driven technologies to secure future-ready digital ecosystems that enhance resilience and support sustainable growth.

Piyush Goel, Founder & CEO of Beyond Key

On National Technology Day, the conversation worth having is not about how fast we are moving. It is about whether we are building things that actually hold up over time. As digital systems become more deeply woven into how businesses and societies function, capability alone is not the measure that matters most. The harder question is whether the technology being built reduces complexity, improves access for people who have historically been left out, and creates economic value without eroding accountability. Inclusive growth will not arrive simply because technology is being adopted widely. It will come from the quality of judgment applied when integrating it. Speed without responsibility is not progress. It is just motion."

Dr. Ramya Chatterjee, CEO, Solitaire Brand Business, Director – ProintekGlobal Innovations (Manufacturing Division of Supertron Electronics)

Technology is fundamentally reshaping India’s journey toward innovation, self-reliance, and global competitiveness by creating a scalable and inclusive digital foundation. Initiatives such as Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and DigiLocker have enabled seamless access to services, reduced transaction costs, and allowed startups to innovate rapidly without rebuilding core systems. This digital public infrastructure has democratized innovation beyond metropolitan cities, fueling entrepreneurship across the country and positioning India as a global model for population-scale technology deployment. At the same time, India’s startup ecosystem is evolving from service-oriented models to deep-tech innovation, supported by initiatives like Startup India.