Priyank Kharge
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: Priyank Kharge, Minister for IT/BT has been named among the top 10 policymakers in Analytics India Magazine (AIM)'s list of India's Most Influential People in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
His name featured in the 100 most influential people in the magazine's list.
Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and former CEO of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant and Telangana's Minister for IT, Electronics, and Communications, Duddila Sridhar Babu are also among the top 10 list.
AIM presents its annual compilation of the most influential leaders in Artificial Intelligence in India for 2025, a curated list of individuals who are helping shape the future of AI in India.
This year's selection brings together a wide mix of voices - scientists, researchers, startup founders, tech veterans, policymakers, public sector leaders and storytellers who have played a key role in how India thinks about and uses AI.
"From diving into sovereign LLMs, IndiaAI Mission and digital transactions to quantum and chip research, agentic AI, film and music, these leaders have stood out not just for what they’ve built or led, but for how they’ve put AI on the national agenda", AIM said.
While some have pushed the boundaries of deeptech innovation, others have worked to bring AI into critical areas like healthcare, education, governance or agriculture. Many have had to wrestle with tough questions about fairness, accountability, privacy and the role of automation in everyday life. Their responses have helped move the conversation forward.
Kharge has been instrumental in drafting and implementing Karnataka’s AI policy, one of the most progressive in the country. His leadership marks a decisive shift toward inclusive, ethical, and human-centred AI adoption across sectors.
An advocate for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, Kharge has driven several pioneering initiatives. Among them is the Beyond Bengaluru project, aimed at decentralising innovation and tech growth beyond the capital city, thereby fostering talent and opportunity across the state. He also oversaw the launch of India’s first centre of excellence for artificial intelligence, further cementing Karnataka’s position as a national leader in digital innovation.
Kharge’s governance is notably youth-focused and inclusive. He envisions AI not just as a driver of economic growth but as a tool for public good—actively promoting its application in governance, agriculture, education, and public health. His approach strikes a balance between innovation and accountability, promoting responsible AI development that benefits both citizens and the tech ecosystem.
Under his guidance, Karnataka has emerged as a preferred destination for global AI players, while also creating fertile ground for startups and homegrown talent.