Distinguished Fellow - NITI Aayog | Chief Architect – NITI Frontier Tech Hub | Former President - Nasscom | Former Vice President and MD – Intel South Asia
Gurgaon, Haryana, India
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About
Debjani Ghosh is a Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog, where she conceptualized and built India’s first dedicated frontier technology think tank within government. The NITI Frontier Tech Hub focuses on anticipating major technology shifts and strengthening India’s ability to lead in frontier technologies for accelerated economic growth and societal development.
Under her leadership, the Hub has developed multiple long-term roadmaps across strategic domains including biotechnology, semiconductors, quantum technologies and advanced manufacturing—providing government with actionable blueprints on what India needs to fund, build and regulate before these technologies reach scale.
With a stellar career spanning over 28 years, including pivotal leadership roles at Intel and as the first woman President of Nasscom, Debjani has been at the forefront of India’s emergence as a global innovation powerhouse, championing technology as a force for both economic progress and societal well-being.
As President of Nasscom from April 2018 to November 2024, Debjani redefined the organization’s focus on frontier technologies and deep tech, strengthening its position as a global thought leader. Her concepts of the “Techade” and “Inevitable India” further positioned the country as a trusted global partner for digital transformation.
Guided by a philosophy of lifelong learning, Debjani attributes her journey to curiosity, adaptability and resilience. From studying economics and political science to becoming the first woman to lead Intel’s South Asia operations and later the first woman President of Nasscom, her career reflects a willingness to continuously learn, reinvent and push beyond traditional boundaries.
Debjani served as India Co-Chair of the AI for Economic Growth & Social Good Working Group for the 2026 India AI Impact Summit, helping shape the Summit’s focus on translating AI ambition into measurable economic and societal outcomes. She also serves on several boards including Karmayogi Bharat, GIFT City and the RBI Innovation Hub, and was a member of the RBI’s FREE-AI Committee, which developed a framework for responsible and ethical AI in the financial sector.
Her work has earned wide national and global recognition. In 2026, MIT Sloan Management Review India named her among its AI50—“The Leaders Shaping India’s AI Future”—recognizing 50 individuals influencing how AI is built, deployed and governed across the country. In 2018, she was honoured by the President of India as one of India’s pioneering “First Ladies.”
Articles by Debjani
Activity
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The US “golden age” science proposal is definitely interesting... in an attempt to accelerate the pace of R&D, it proposes to prioritise funding on…
The US “golden age” science proposal is definitely interesting... in an attempt to accelerate the pace of R&D, it proposes to prioritise funding on…
Shared by Debjani Ghosh
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Rajeev Singh Thakur (IAS: RJ: 1995), Advisor, NITI Aayog, has been upgraded to the rank of Secretary, Government of India.
Rajeev Singh Thakur (IAS: RJ: 1995), Advisor, NITI Aayog, has been upgraded to the rank of Secretary, Government of India.
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At the request of The Times Of India, I wrote this column for ToI's editorial page today, July 28, 2026. Link for the article in provided in the…
At the request of The Times Of India, I wrote this column for ToI's editorial page today, July 28, 2026. Link for the article in provided in the…
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Experience
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President
NASSCOM
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Intel Corporation
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Education
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SPJIMR SP Jain Institute of Management & Research
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Marketing
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Skills
Publications
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The AI dilemma: Is there a right balance between regulation and innovation?
Business Standard
See publicationThe key to harnessing AI's potential for economic growth lies striking the right balance that ensures that AI continues to drive economic progress while safeguarding against potential risks
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The G20 envisions a big role for technology in inclusive growth
Mint
See publicationThe deliberations of G20 leaders reflect the group’s commitment to harnessing technology and digital infrastructure for the betterment of society. This is a foundational principle that has helped our country tackle the challenges of a billion-plus population, and now it is indeed a moment of pride to see most of the world embrace the same approach to unlock the power of inclusive growth within their own national borders.
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India can break into top AI league
The Hindu Business Line
See publicationControlling the AI talent supply would position India as the world’s AI epicentre. India’s talent needs to be harnessed
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The 4Is that matter are covered by the Budget
The Hindu Business Line
See publicationInfrastructure, investments, industry, inclusiveness are crucial to enhance competitiveness
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Trust and transparency are what will define the new world of work
Mint
See publicationOpenness and clear communication between employers and employees will help both navigate a fast-evolving environment
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The digital future of our country is distinctly being re-imagined
Mint
See publicationTalent, technology solutions and online platforms offering services at scale are converging for the success of Digital India
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India could play the catalyst for tech innovation across the world
Mint
See publicationAs we set the stage for India@100, the next 25 years will be a watershed for India to emerge as an economic and technological powerhouse of the world. All signs indicate that this decade will be India’s ‘techade’, one that would be remembered for a long time to come.
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The war for digital talent: India can emerge as a global hub for it
Mint
See publicationIndia must not only look at strategies aimed at increasing home-grown talent, but also work on attracting the best global talent to catalyse the next decade of growth and innovation. This requires constant investments in re-skilling and embracing a culture that promotes skill development. Creating a robust digital talent ecosystem would further enable us to be future- ready and leverage the opportunities of a digital future.
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Opinion | A human-centric approach to unlock growth
Mint
See publicationThe availability of relevant talent (or the lack of it) will decide which way industries (and nations) will go. Re-skilling/upskilling is the only way out and will have to be undertaken by every stakeholder. Even from a mid-term standpoint, the opportunities are simply massive—the global digital transformation market is expected to grow from $ 445.4 billion in 2017 to $ 2,279.4 billion by 2025. The cost of not changing is frightening. By 2022, about 54% employees will need significant…
The availability of relevant talent (or the lack of it) will decide which way industries (and nations) will go. Re-skilling/upskilling is the only way out and will have to be undertaken by every stakeholder. Even from a mid-term standpoint, the opportunities are simply massive—the global digital transformation market is expected to grow from $ 445.4 billion in 2017 to $ 2,279.4 billion by 2025. The cost of not changing is frightening. By 2022, about 54% employees will need significant re-skilling/ upskilling.
More activity by Debjani
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So, yesterday was a big day for China...first the Kimi K3 weights dropped. Then, China delivered another major semiconductor sovereignty milestone..…
So, yesterday was a big day for China...first the Kimi K3 weights dropped. Then, China delivered another major semiconductor sovereignty milestone..…
Shared by Debjani Ghosh
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It was a privilege to meet Prof. Abhay Karandikar sir, Member, NITI Aayog, former Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), and former…
It was a privilege to meet Prof. Abhay Karandikar sir, Member, NITI Aayog, former Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (DST), and former…
Liked by Debjani Ghosh
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Some months ago, I wrote to Shri Ajay Piramal ji asking whether he would consider writing the foreword to my forthcoming book, The Inner Charioteer…
Some months ago, I wrote to Shri Ajay Piramal ji asking whether he would consider writing the foreword to my forthcoming book, The Inner Charioteer…
Liked by Debjani Ghosh
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À great act of forward thinking from NITI Aayog . Thankful for including CynLr as a voice to contribute to the ideas and needed developments…
À great act of forward thinking from NITI Aayog . Thankful for including CynLr as a voice to contribute to the ideas and needed developments…
Liked by Debjani Ghosh
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Congratulations to Team Skyroot Aerospace on the successful maiden test flight of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle.…
Congratulations to Team Skyroot Aerospace on the successful maiden test flight of Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital launch vehicle.…
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A huge congratulations to Pawan Kumar Chandana , Naga Bharath Daka , and every member of Team Skyroot Aerospace on the successful…
A huge congratulations to Pawan Kumar Chandana , Naga Bharath Daka , and every member of Team Skyroot Aerospace on the successful…
Liked by Debjani Ghosh
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In frontier technologies, leadership is decided long before markets are fully formed. Countries that move early don’t just capture the most value —…
In frontier technologies, leadership is decided long before markets are fully formed. Countries that move early don’t just capture the most value —…
Shared by Debjani Ghosh
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Thank you Prof Abhay Karandikar , Ms. Debjani Ghosh, and the Frontier Tech Hub at NITI Aayog for an insightful Physical AI consultation. Representing…
Thank you Prof Abhay Karandikar , Ms. Debjani Ghosh, and the Frontier Tech Hub at NITI Aayog for an insightful Physical AI consultation. Representing…
Liked by Debjani Ghosh
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A historic new frontier for India’s space journey! At 11:30 AM today, Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1…
A historic new frontier for India’s space journey! At 11:30 AM today, Skyroot Aerospace will undertake the maiden orbital launch of Vikram-1…
Liked by Debjani Ghosh
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Chaired the Physical AI Startups Consultation, organised by the Frontier Tech Hub (FTH) at NITI Aayog. The consultation was coordinated by Ms Debjani…
Chaired the Physical AI Startups Consultation, organised by the Frontier Tech Hub (FTH) at NITI Aayog. The consultation was coordinated by Ms Debjani…
Liked by Debjani Ghosh
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#NITIFrontierTechHub convened a highly productive roundtable with robotics founders, academia, and senior officials from Ministry of IT and…
#NITIFrontierTechHub convened a highly productive roundtable with robotics founders, academia, and senior officials from Ministry of IT and…
Shared by Debjani Ghosh
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Dr. Sandip Chatterjee
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Ajay Khanna
Public Affairs Forum of India The Gig Shift: Securing India’s New Workforce India’s gig and platform economy is reshaping the world of work. Driven by rapid urbanisation, smartphone penetration, and a youthful workforce, it has grown from 7.7 million workers in 2020–21 to nearly 12 million in FY 2024–25. The trajectory ahead is even more striking — 23.5 million by 2030 and 62 million by 2047. Policy interventions are evolving too: identity cards, e-Shram registration, PM-JAY healthcare cover, and innovative state are shaping a more secure and inclusive future for gig workers. At the 12th PAFI Annual Forum, our panel “The Gig Shift: Securing India’s New Workforce” will bring together leaders from government, industry, and civil society to explore how policy, technology, and business models can come together to build resilience and opportunity in this sector. A big thank you to our outstanding panellists for leading this important conversation. & Sanjay Chadha from Uber & chair of Pafi Gig Council Javed Sayed vandana gurnani Mike Orgill Dhanya M B michiko miyamoto
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