Tech Titan Nandan Nilekani Says the Time for Data Democracy Is Now
The 85% speaks with the architect of India’s Aadhaar biometric database.
Nandan Nilekani is one of India’s most successful tech leaders. In 1981, he co-founded Infosys, the massive IT and outsourcing company. After more than 35 years there, he became the architect of the Indian government’s Aadhaar program, the biometric database that has registered more than a billion Indians with an ID number to access a range of government and private services. He’s also invested in several startups and founded the digital education platform EkStep. In his recent book, “Rebooting India,” Nilekani argues that data and technological innovation hold the key to improving Indian society, from healthcare to education to anti-corruption.
emerge85’s Vinay Chawla recently spoke with Nilekani at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, DC about the ways in which data can be harnessed to improve governance as well as ensure individuals have agency over their digital lives. Special thanks to emerge85 partner Future State for facilitating this interview.
Don’t forget to subscribe to The 85% for more great interviews with entrepreneurs and change makers across the 85 World.
