Accelerating India's Shift from Tech Execution to Ownership
By Srividya Kannan, CEO & Founder, Avaali Solutions
During a roundtable conference, Srividya Kannan, CEO & Founder of Avaali Solutions, shares how Indian enterprises can unlock the full potential of automation and AI, while simultaneously building resilience across critical sectors like pharmaceuticals and agriculture. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between business and technology leaders, the role of government in supporting local innovation, and the need for India to move beyond its image as a global back office to one of a creator of world-class intellectual property.
What opportunities do Indian enterprises have to adopt automation and AI?
Indian enterprises are on the brink of massive opportunities in automation and AI across every functional business process. The challenge is the disconnect between business function owners, who understand processes in depth, and technology teams, who know how to build solutions. India has both kinds of talent in abundance, but collaboration is key. By bridging this gap, India can pioneer automation-led transformation not just for global corporations through GBS and GCC models but also for domestic enterprises. The real opportunity lies in conviction and taking action for the nation’s growth.
How can India build resilience in sectors like pharmaceuticals and agriculture?
In sectors such as pharma and agri, operational efficiencies and cost optimization are crucial. In uncertain growth environments, internal processes are where enterprises have maximum control. Automation in these areas opens a wide space for innovation. With initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, there is strong potential to create homegrown technology solutions that reduce reliance on foreign providers while strengthening India’s competitiveness in vital sectors.
What role should government play in accelerating the adoption of local technologies?
Government support is essential. Extending Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes beyond manufacturing to cover software and applications would be a strong step forward. Public sector buying programs should also provide additional evaluation scores for homegrown technologies. Today, Indian providers are often overlooked in favor of foreign solutions, even though local talent and market understanding are unmatched. The assumption that foreign technologies are safer is a myth that needs to be challenged.
Also Read: Why the Recent Layoffs are a Turning Point for the Indian IT Sector to Adapt and Innovate
How can homegrown solutions empower Indian enterprises?
Solutions like Avaali’s Velocious are strong examples of how Indian enterprises can reduce dependency on foreign technologies. Beyond government incentives, market adoption and confidence in local solutions are crucial. India has world-class technology talent, but without a level playing field and structured access to markets, enterprises may hesitate to invest their finite resource—time—into building indigenous innovations.
Can India create its own ‘Fab Four’ in technology consulting?
Absolutely. India does not lack talent—what is needed is a shift in perception, stakeholder alignment, and taking the first difficult steps. The country’s talent already powers the largest organizations in the world. The same talent can drive India’s consulting story if there is focus and commitment. However, Make in India too often remains lip service, with limited alignment across enterprises, media, and government. To achieve technological sovereignty, urgency and unified action are critical.
Also Read: Leading the Ergonomic Revolution in Modern Workspaces
What is the way forward to accelerate this transformation?
Creating impact requires more than intent. It demands conviction, collaboration, and ecosystem-wide alignment. India must prioritize intellectual property creation, move beyond being a back office for global firms, and build technologies that deliver value locally and globally. With government incentives, better market access, and strategic cooperation across industries, universities, and policymakers, India can accelerate this shift. The time is now to secure technological sovereignty and showcase what the country is capable of achieving.
