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

Saloni Jain, Cofounder, Plus91Labs

India’s rise as a technology-driven economy is being defined by a clear shift from participation to leadership. What we are witnessing today is not just rapid digital adoption but the emergence of a distinctly Indian approach to innovation that is built on scale, inclusivity and real-world impact. Technology is no longer operating in silos; it is deeply embedded in how sectors like finance, healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing are evolving to become more accessible, efficient and globally competitive. One of the most significant changes has been in the mindset of businesses. Technology is no longer viewed as a support function but as a strategic lever for growth and resilience. This shift is enabling Indian enterprises to design solutions that are not only relevant for domestic challenges but also scalable for global markets, strengthening India’s position as a credible innovation hub.

Dr Nishith Gupta, Chief Technology Officer, SYSTRA Group India

As India marks National Technology Day, it is important to recognise that the country’s infrastructure ambitions will increasingly rely on technology-led engineering and smarter execution. Across metro rail, mobility, and transportation projects, digital engineering, automation, advanced design capabilities, and data-led planning are improving efficiency, optimising costs, and enhancing sustainability. Projects like Kolkata’s underwater metro tunnel and engineering innovations across metro and road infrastructure demonstrate how technology can help deliver complex infrastructure at scale. As India urbanises rapidly, sustained investments in intelligent infrastructure, innovation-led engineering, and faster construction methodologies will play a critical role in improving connectivity, supporting economic growth, and enhancing quality of life.

Dr Rajeev Gautam, President, HORIBA India

National Technology Day reflects India’s growing innovation ecosystem and the increasing role of technology in nation-building. At HORIBA India, we contribute through advanced analytical and measurement technologies that drive precision, sustainability, and innovation across industries. Our focus on AI-enabled analytics, smart automation, and reliability-driven solutions supports sectors including automotive, energy, healthcare, and research. These technologies are helping enable safer mobility, cleaner environments, and sustainable industrial growth. As India advances toward high-precision manufacturing and clean energy adoption, we remain committed to supporting the vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ while contributing to India’s emergence as a global technology leader.

Sahil Thakur, Director & Head of Tech-Enabled Business, Grassik Search

For the past 28 years, India has celebrated National Technology Day as a symbol of self-reliance and innovation. Today, its meaning has evolved toward inclusive and responsible technological growth that benefits society at large. India is steadily transitioning from being a technology consumer to a global innovation hub, with opportunities across semiconductors, AI, and sovereign cybersecurity. Initiatives such as Viksit Bharat, Digital India, and Make in India are strengthening this transformation. National Technology Day 2026 is not just a celebration of progress, but a reminder that India must continue accelerating its efforts to emerge as a global leader in technological advancement.

Praveen Sharma, CEO, REA India (Housing.com)

"On National Technology Day, it is important to recognise how technology continues to reshape the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. From AI and data intelligence to digital-first experiences, innovation today is creating more accessible, efficient, and consumer-centric ecosystems across industries. As India accelerates towards a technology-driven future, the focus must remain on building solutions that are inclusive, trustworthy, and meaningful for people at every level."

Kulpreet Sahni, CEO and Founder, Chiltier

“As India advances into a technology-led future, innovation must be guided by responsibility, sustainability, and accessibility. The true impact of technology lies in how effectively it improves lives and creates long-term value. Responsible innovation means building energy-efficient, resilient systems that balance performance with sustainability. Inclusive growth will come from ensuring technology strengthens industries, empowers communities, and supports a more sustainable, future-ready ecosystem.”

Prashant Singh, CEO and Founder, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions

As industries increasingly prioritise sustainability alongside growth, technology is playing a central role in building efficient, transparent and scalable environmental systems. Across waste management and circular economy operations, digital solutions are improving accountability, resource recovery and long-term outcomes. From landfill remediation and e-waste recycling to biofuels and waste-to-value initiatives, technology is enabling measurable sustainability frameworks. The future of responsible innovation will depend on balancing operational efficiency with transparency, compliance and scalable implementation.

Shreevar Narayan, Chief Technology Officer, Ecofy

Responsible innovation is most powerful when it drives growth that is both sustainable and inclusive. In today’s world, technology has the potential to strengthen underwriting, improve risk assessment, and build more transparent financial ecosystems that can responsibly expand access at scale. At Ecofy, this belief continues to shape our approach towards enabling wider access to green and climate-positive financing solutions. The real success of innovation will lie in how effectively it combines growth, sustainability, and financial inclusion to create long-term impact.

Lakshman Devarajan, Founder and CEO, Mad Monkey AI

The goal should not be developing yet more technologies that induce addiction but developing technologies that provide true chances for success. It is only in India that there exists an exceptional chance of creating an environment wherein inclusion, collaboration, and participation can prevail over consumption. If implemented with proper planning, the potential of AI lies in connecting people despite issues of geography, linguistic disparities, and availability of information, allowing young people in India to acquire knowledge, gain skills, earn a living, and participate in the digital economy.

Rahul Mehra, Co-Founder, Roadcast

On National Technology Day, innovation must go beyond advancement to focus on responsibility, accessibility, and real-world impact. With the theme “Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth,” the emphasis is on building technology that is reliable, inclusive and solution-driven. At Roadcast, we believe technology becomes truly powerful when it improves safety, efficiency and visibility in everyday operations. From AI-powered video telematics and real-time fleet intelligence to connected mobility ecosystems, the focus is on building smarter and safer systems that can scale responsibly.