On the occasion of National Technology Day 2026, prominent industry leaders have highlighted India’s transformation from a technology services hub to a global innovation powerhouse, emphasizing the nation’s shift toward sovereign, secure, and inclusive digital infrastructure.
Sovereignty and Security in the AI Era
Sudiptaa Paul Choudhury, CMO at QNu Labs, stressed the importance of secure, indigenous technology infrastructure. “National Technology Day is a reminder that sovereign innovation, indigenous technologies, and secure digital infrastructure will define India’s next decade of economic and technological leadership,” she said.
Choudhury warned of emerging cybersecurity challenges: “The rise of agentic AI, Mythos AI, and quantum computing is rapidly reshaping cybersecurity, exposing the limitations of traditional encryption and accelerating next-generation cyber threats.”
She underscored India’s global position: “India is one of the global leaders in quantum communications and sovereign quantum-safe technologies designed to protect critical infrastructure, defence networks, financial systems, healthcare ecosystems, and citizen data.”
A Shift from Participation to Leadership
Saloni Jain, Cofounder of Plus91Labs, stated: “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.”
She further noted that technology has become a strategic lever across sectors. “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,” she said.
Digital Infrastructure as Foundation for Growth
Dr. Ramya Chatterjee, CEO, Solitaire Brand Business, Director – ProintekGlobal Innovations (Manufacturing Division of Supertron Electronics), highlighted the role of government initiatives in democratizing innovation. “Technology is fundamentally reshaping India’s journey toward innovation, self-reliance, and global competitiveness by creating a scalable and inclusive digital foundation,” he explained.
Chatterjee emphasized the impact of landmark programs: “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.”
Industry Perspective on Precision, Sustainability, and “Make in India”
Industry voices also underscored the role of deep-tech manufacturing and advanced analytics in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem. Dr. Rajeev Gautam, President, HORIBA India, noted:
“National Technology Day reflects India’s growing innovation ecosystem and the role of technology in nation-building. At HORIBA India, we contribute through advanced analytical and measurement technologies that enable precision, sustainability, and innovation across industries.
With over 73 years of global expertise, we focus on AI-enabled analytics, smart automation, and reliability-driven solutions. In India, our work spans automotive, energy, healthcare, and research sectors, supporting safer mobility, cleaner environments, and sustainable growth.
As India advances toward high-precision manufacturing and clean energy solutions, we remain committed to strengthening ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ while contributing to India’s aspiration to become a global technology leader.”
Responsible AI and Trusted Innovation
Ashish Chandra, Global AI Thought Leader and Partner at Big 4, emphasized that technology’s role extends beyond business transformation to shaping national competitiveness. “Technology today is no longer being viewed only as an enabler of business transformation. It is increasingly shaping how economies grow, how institutions evolve, and how nations build long-term competitiveness,” he noted.
On artificial intelligence, Chandra stated: “We are entering a phase where intelligent systems will not just automate processes but fundamentally influence how enterprises make decisions, optimise operations, and create value at scale.”
He highlighted the importance of responsible deployment: “The future of innovation will depend as much on accountability and trust as it will on scale and speed. India’s strength lies in the combination of engineering talent, entrepreneurial ambition, digital infrastructure, and strong policy momentum, alongside a growing focus on responsible AI, governance, cyber resilience, and trusted technology development.”
The industry consensus reflects India’s readiness to transition from technology adoption to technology leadership, with emphasis on indigenous innovation, digital sovereignty, and responsible development practices that can serve as a global model for sustainable technological growth.
Industry Insight on India’s Tech Evolution
Sahil Thakur, Director & Head of Tech-Enabled Business, Grassik Search, added a broader historical and strategic perspective:
“For the past 28 years, India has celebrated 11th May as the National Technology Day. Over time, its meaning has evolved, shifting from self-reliance and strategic autonomy to a broader vision of inclusive growth, where technology is built responsibly and benefits society at large. Today, this day is a reminder of India’s transition from being primarily a technology consumer to a global innovation hub.
With the potential to shape the entire value chain for critical technologies like semiconductors, AI, and sovereign cybersecurity & with programmes like Viksit Bharat, Digital India, and Make in India, we are better placed to make leaps in technological advancement. In 2026, this day is not just a celebration but a call to work harder to ensure India is seen as a beacon of technological leadership, globally.”
Infrastructure & Mobility: Technology-Led Urban Development
Adding a mobility and infrastructure perspective, Dr. Nishith Gupta of SYSTRA Group India highlighted how engineering and digital transformation are reshaping India’s physical development.
“As India marks National Technology Day, it is important to recognise that the country’s infrastructure ambitions will increasingly be driven by technology-led engineering and smarter execution. At SYSTRA Group India, we see technology not just as an enabler but as a critical force shaping more efficient, resilient, and future-ready urban infrastructure.
Across metro rail, mobility, and transportation projects, the use of digital engineering, advanced design capabilities, automation, and data-led planning is helping improve execution timelines, optimise costs, and enhance long-term sustainability. Projects such as India’s first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata, innovative engineering solutions for the Mumbai Coastal Road Project, and value engineering across metro projects in Chennai, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, resulting in large CAPEX and OPEX savings, demonstrate how technology can help deliver complex infrastructure more efficiently and at scale. As India continues to urbanise rapidly, sustained investments in intelligent infrastructure, innovation-led engineering, and faster construction methodologies will play a critical role in strengthening connectivity, supporting economic growth, and improving the quality of life across the country.”
Conclusion
The industry consensus reflects India’s readiness to transition from technology adoption to technology leadership, with emphasis on indigenous innovation, digital sovereignty, and responsible development practices that can serve as a global model for sustainable technological growth.
