AI and Entrepreneurship: Powering India’s Economic Future
India is on the brink of a historic economic transformation, where artificial intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship are emerging as dual engines of growth. At TiEcon 2025, Mr. Ved Mani Tewari -CEO, NSDC & MD, NSDC International, and Jayant Chaudhary -Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, shared deep insights into how AI and startups can shape the country’s journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse.
India’s Demographic Edge and AI Opportunity
Mr. Ved Mani Tewari highlighted that 1 in every 4 new global workforce entrants in the next 25 years will be Indian. This demographic dividend, when paired with AI’s potential, can transform how India builds and sustains its economy.
- AI can personalize learning and training programs.
- It enables contextual skill-building based on job roles.
- It acts as a “leveler” to uplift a diverse workforce.
By integrating AI into education and upskilling, India can better prepare its massive youth population for evolving global demands.
MSMEs: A Breeding Ground for AI Innovation
India’s 65 million MSMEs contribute to two-thirds of its nearly $5 trillion economy. AI can:
- Provide financial intelligence and automation tools.
- Improve customer experience with better data insights.
- Enable smarter inventory and supply chain decisions.
This sector offers fertile ground for scalable AI applications that drive innovation and productivity.
Fueling Startups Through Talent and Technology
India’s strong base of 1.5 million engineers graduating annually and 45 million students in higher education makes it an ideal hub for AI model training and tech innovation.
- Growing domestic consumption opens new markets.
- A 6.5% growth rate over the next 25 years could lead to a $35 trillion economy.
- Startups can build localized solutions with global relevance.
Government Initiatives Supporting Entrepreneurs
Mr. Jayant Chaudhary emphasized the ecosystem being built through flagship initiatives like:
- Startup India
- Skill India
- Atal Innovation Mission
These programs are nurturing over a million entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, funding, and platforms to innovate.
Building Sustainable, Purpose-Driven Businesses
Sustainability is a top priority. As Jayant noted, “It’s not a choice anymore, it’s a responsibility.” Entrepreneurs are increasingly driven by purpose, solving real-world problems rooted in their communities.
Conclusion
India’s vision for 2047 hinges on the seeds of innovation sown today. By combining AI, a skilled workforce, and an empowered startup culture, India is not just preparing to compete globally; it’s gearing up to lead.
Gain deeper insights into how AI and entrepreneurship are shaping India’s future. Watch the full TiEcon 2025 panel discussion here.