AI, Trust and Alliances: The New Enterprise Imperative

VARINDIA captures exclusive perspectives from senior technology leaders on AI, cybersecurity, partnerships and the future of digital transformation.

Artificial Intelligence has moved beyond experimentation to become a strategic priority for enterprises across industries. As organisations transition from Generative AI to Agentic AI, the focus is increasingly shifting towards practical adoption, stronger governance and measurable business outcomes. Technology leaders recognise that AI is no longer a standalone capability but part of a broader digital ecosystem encompassing cloud, cybersecurity, automation, data governance and trusted partnerships. Success will depend not only on adopting emerging technologies but also on aligning them with business objectives, building secure digital foundations and preparing organisations for long-term transformation.

Against this backdrop, VARINDIA sat down with CIOs, CISOs, CTOs and other senior technology leaders on the sidelines of the 24th INFOTECH FORUM 2026 to gather their exclusive perspectives on the technologies, priorities and partnerships shaping the future of enterprise IT. Across industries, the conversations reflected a shared emphasis on responsible AI adoption, cybersecurity resilience, data privacy, enterprise-wide collaboration and practical AI use cases that deliver measurable business value. They also highlighted the growing importance of strong partner ecosystems and industry alliances in accelerating digital transformation. Collectively, these insights provide a comprehensive view of how enterprise leaders are preparing for an AI-driven future while ensuring technology adoption remains secure, trusted and aligned with evolving business priorities.

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Agentic AI will transform the way IT 

SANJEEV JAIN,
CIO,
INTEGREON MANAGED SOLUTIONS INDIA PVT. LTD.

Agentic AI is expected to create significant opportunities by automating end-to-end business processes, particularly across IT operations. One of the biggest areas of impact will be the automation of routine operational activities, including Level 1 and Level 2 support functions, enabling organisations to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual effort. As AI agents continue to evolve, they are expected to play an increasingly important role in managing enterprise IT operations. Over the next 20 to 30 months, Agentic AI has the potential to bring meaningful changes to the way organisations deliver and manage technology services.

AI, cloud and cybersecurity are all critical and should be viewed as complementary technologies. AI can help automate business processes, while cloud provides the platform required to build and operate digital environments. At the same time, cybersecurity remains essential for protecting enterprise infrastructure. Organisations should therefore strengthen all three capabilities together to support secure, scalable and effective digital transformation across the enterprise.

AI is increasingly becoming an integral part of modern business operations and is expected to remain a core component of enterprise technology strategies. As organisations implement AI, strong processes and appropriate guardrails become essential for using these technologies effectively and at enterprise scale. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities to exchange insights on AI, cybersecurity and emerging technologies while reinforcing the importance of combining technology adoption with robust processes, governance and operational discipline.

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AI is redefining the way organisations do 

VV JACOB, 
CHIEF GENERAL MANAGER – SYSTEMS/IT, 
MALAYALA MANORAMA CO. LTD.

Artificial Intelligence is changing the way organisations think, innovate and build products. While India may still be developing its own large language models, enterprises already have opportunities to leverage globally available AI models to accelerate business transformation. Organisations should redefine the way they operate, compete and develop products because AI is reshaping business models across industries. Enterprises that effectively adopt AI use cases will be better positioned to remain competitive, while those that fail to adapt risk falling behind as AI becomes increasingly integral to business.

Technology alliances are becoming increasingly important because no single organisation can independently develop every capability or innovation required for future growth. Collaboration enables enterprises to learn from new ideas, emerging technologies and the expertise of others across the industry. As innovation continues to accelerate, partnerships help organisations strengthen product strategies, identify new opportunities and create greater business value by bringing together complementary capabilities and shared knowledge.

AI also creates important business opportunities by helping organisations connect with the right customers, improve products and strengthen business strategies. It can support cost optimisation through improved efficiency, better resource utilisation and more effective decision-making, contributing to stronger business performance and improved profitability. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities to learn from emerging technology use cases, exchange innovative ideas and strengthen collaboration across the technology ecosystem, helping organisations accelerate innovation and business growth.

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Scaling AI requires data readiness, secure infrastructure and strong partnerships

AVANEESH VATS, 
VP (DIGITAL INFRA & INNOVATION) & CIO, 
TECHNO ELECTRIC & ENGINEERING CO. LTD.

As organisations work towards scaling AI from proof-of-concepts to enterprise deployments, the biggest challenge lies in data readiness, governance and security rather than the AI model itself. While many enterprises have initiated AI pilots, only a small percentage have successfully moved them into production because inference environments introduce new complexities around data management, compliance and security. With the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework becoming increasingly important, organisations must ensure that AI-driven outcomes remain secure, compliant and supported by appropriate governance and human oversight wherever required.

Building a successful AI ecosystem also requires a strong digital infrastructure. AI workloads can no longer rely on retrofitted legacy data centres, making purpose-built, high-performance infrastructure essential for supporting advanced analytics, AI-driven decision-making and future-ready enterprise workloads. Looking ahead, Agentic AI is expected to be among the most influential technologies over the next two years, as organisations across industries increasingly explore intelligent systems to enhance business operations, improve efficiency and drive innovation.

A strong partner ecosystem is equally critical in helping organisations navigate an increasingly diverse technology landscape. While OEMs provide the underlying technologies, partners play a vital role in identifying and bringing the right solutions to customers. Events such as INFOTECH FORUM 2026 also provide valuable opportunities to exchange insights on AI, cybersecurity and emerging solutions, enabling organisations to stay aligned with evolving technology trends and make more informed technology decisions.

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Responsible AI and data will shape the next phase of digital transformation

BHARAT B ANAND,
GROUP CITO, 
CONTEC GLOBAL

Over the past three decades, technology has transformed not only the way organisations operate but also the way individuals live and interact with the world. Digital technologies have become an integral part of everyday life, making connectivity, digital payments and online services indispensable. India has led this transformation through initiatives such as Digital India, Aadhaar, Jan Dhan Yojana and UPI, demonstrating technology adoption at an unprecedented scale. As AI continues to evolve, data has become a critical asset, creating an opportunity for India to develop indigenous AI models and strengthen its digital capabilities.

Responsible AI should be viewed as a shared responsibility rather than the obligation of any single stakeholder. Consumers must use AI responsibly, technology and data providers should implement appropriate governance mechanisms, governments need to establish balanced policy frameworks, and enterprises must foster ethical practices while deploying AI across their organisations. A collaborative and federated approach is essential, ensuring accountability while enabling innovation to progress responsibly. Platforms such as VARINDIA's INFOTECH FORUM play an important role in bringing together industry leaders to exchange ideas on emerging technologies and future challenges. While AI can generate answers with increasing sophistication, real intelligence lies in asking the right questions and identifying the most relevant issues for discussion. Curating such conversations requires extensive research and sustained effort, making these forums valuable for encouraging knowledge sharing, industry collaboration and informed technology leadership.

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Privacy and responsible AI are reshaping enterprise cybersecurity

DR. HARSHA THENNARASU, 
FOUNDER & CISO, 
HKIT SECURITY SOLUTIONS

Privacy and data protection have become central to the cybersecurity agenda as organisations face increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and the potential for significant penalties in the event of non-compliance. At the same time, emerging technologies such as quantum computing are creating new security challenges by reshaping the future of encryption. These developments require enterprises to strengthen their security posture while preparing for evolving cyber risks.

As organisations move from AI pilots to enterprise adoption, it is equally important to understand both the opportunities and the risks associated with AI. Enterprises need clear guidance on what information can be shared with AI models, how these systems learn from organisational data, and the safeguards required to protect sensitive information. AI is a double-edged sword—it can significantly improve productivity, but without proper governance, user awareness and well-defined boundaries, it can also expose confidential data and create serious business risks. Building awareness around AI threats and responsible AI usage is therefore essential for secure adoption.

Our focus is on helping organisations strengthen cyber resilience through cybersecurity audits, forensic investigations and proactive identification of anomalies that could lead to sensitive data exposure or financial loss. By providing actionable insights into security gaps, we help enterprises mitigate risks before they escalate. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM also provide valuable opportunities for cybersecurity experts, industry leaders and technology providers to exchange knowledge and collaborate on emerging security challenges.

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Security by design is essential in the age of AI

DR. RAKSHIT TANDON, 
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR,
RT CYBER ACADEMY

Cybersecurity is evolving rapidly as AI transforms both the threat landscape and the way organisations defend their digital assets. Since 2022, our focus has expanded to helping enterprises, government agencies, defence personnel and law enforcement understand AI-driven cyber threats while strengthening capabilities in cybercrime investigation and digital forensics. AI has accelerated threats such as deepfakes, voice cloning, synthetic content and advanced malware, but it also offers powerful opportunities to strengthen cyber defence. The priority should be to develop more AI-driven security solutions that help defenders stay ahead of evolving threats while strengthening resilience against emerging cyber risks.

As organisations accelerate AI adoption, security must become an organisational culture rather than being limited to periodic awareness programmes. Strengthening digital infrastructure, conducting regular security audits and adopting security-by-design principles are essential for reducing cyber risks. The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act is a welcome step as it places greater emphasis on data privacy, user consent and organisational accountability, encouraging enterprises to take data protection more seriously while strengthening their security posture.

Collaboration is equally critical in building a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem. Organisations, technology providers and security partners must combine their expertise to address emerging challenges and accelerate innovation. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking and meaningful collaboration, helping organisations discover practical solutions while strengthening India's cybersecurity ecosystem through continuous awareness, innovation and collective action.

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Embedding AI across business processes to drive transformation

GAURAV VIJ,
FOUNDER & CIO,
HOOLIV

AI is at the core of our vision to transform the co-living industry by delivering a more seamless, convenient and digitally enabled experience for residents. As a digital-first organisation, we have built an in-house technology platform that serves as the operating system for our business, integrating functions across operations, finance, compliance and other critical processes. Through digitalisation, automation and sustainable practices, we are focused on improving operational efficiency, optimising costs and creating long-term value while enhancing the overall resident experience.

We view Agentic AI as far more than a tool for isolated use cases. Its real potential lies in augmenting people and transforming the way organisations operate across functions. Whether it is sales, business development, operations, finance or technology, AI can act as an intelligent assistant that enhances productivity, supports decision-making and enables more efficient workflows. Embedding AI across business processes will help organisations unlock meaningful enterprise-wide transformation and maximise its value across the business.

As AI adoption accelerates, governance, compliance and robust security frameworks will become increasingly important, alongside evolving zero-trust approaches for AI-enabled environments. Building secure and trusted AI ecosystems will be critical to sustaining long-term innovation. Industry platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities for technology leaders to exchange practical use cases, learn from cross-industry experiences and evaluate how proven innovations can be adapted within their own organisations to deliver stronger business outcomes and measurable returns on investment.

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AI, cloud and data security will shape the next phase of digital transformation

GOLOK KUMAR SIMLI, 
PRESIDENT - TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION, 
BLS INTERNATIONAL

Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, and data security and privacy will be among the most influential technologies shaping the next phase of digital transformation. Whether organisations are delivering government services, developing enterprise solutions or building digital platforms, these three pillars will play a defining role. AI, in particular, presents significant opportunities to derive insights from large datasets, identify meaningful patterns and drive innovation at scale, creating new possibilities for improving services and operational efficiency.

Realising AI's full potential, however, requires a balanced approach that combines innovation with responsible governance. Organisations must address challenges such as AI bias, explainability, security by design and continuous risk monitoring as integral elements of their AI governance framework. Enterprises that successfully embed these principles while responsibly scaling AI adoption will be better positioned to create sustainable value and build greater trust in AI-driven systems.

A strong ecosystem comprising industry, government, academia, research institutions and startups is equally essential for accelerating innovation and large-scale digital transformation. While governments provide policy direction, industry contributes products and solutions, academia advances research, and startups bring speed and disruptive thinking. The success of large public digital initiatives demonstrates the value of such collaboration in delivering better citizen services. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM further strengthen this ecosystem by bringing together diverse experts to exchange ideas, nurture AI talent and identify priorities that can help shape the future of India's technology landscape.

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AI is evolving into an enterprise-wide capability

KAMAL MATTA, 
CIO & CISO, 
SONIC BIOCHEM EXTRACTIONS

AI is rapidly evolving from an individual productivity tool into an enterprise-wide capability that can enhance organisational intelligence and improve business outcomes. Enterprises are increasingly exploring how AI can be integrated into their existing technology landscape with appropriate guardrails, enabling it to support decision-making, streamline operations and improve key performance indicators across the organisation. The real opportunity lies in embedding AI with appropriate guardrails so that it delivers measurable value while aligning with organisational objectives.

As AI adoption accelerates, organisations must recognise that it also expands the cybersecurity threat landscape. Establishing clear boundaries around what information can be shared with AI systems and implementing appropriate governance controls are essential for secure adoption. The emergence of ‘shadow AI’ highlights the need for greater visibility, user awareness and robust safeguards to prevent sensitive organisational information from being inadvertently exposed. When combined with cybersecurity and automation, AI has the potential to become a powerful enabler of business transformation over the coming years.

A strong partner ecosystem is equally critical to successful technology adoption. Organisations cannot build every capability internally and therefore benefit from working with knowledgeable partners who understand their operational landscape and recommend the most appropriate solutions rather than simply offering products. Events such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities to identify trusted technology partners, exchange practical insights and build long-term collaborations that support secure, effective and sustainable digital transformation.

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AI as a human assistant is driving secure and practical enterprise adoption

RAJESH K THANUA, 
GM - TECHNOLOGY & CISO, 
SMAS AUTO LEASING INDIA PVT. LTD.

Artificial Intelligence is becoming an important enabler for enterprise operations, but its adoption must be approached with appropriate caution and governance. Rather than replacing human expertise, AI should serve as an intelligent assistant that improves efficiency while keeping people at the centre of decision-making. In our organisation, AI is already being used across service operations, including maintenance and insurance services, as well as document processing to automate information extraction from PDFs. We are also applying AI to analyse customers' financial statements to support informed credit- related assessments, while ensuring deployment remains measured, controlled and aligned with business requirements instead of pursuing an all-in approach to AI adoption.

As AI adoption expands, organisations must remain equally focused on managing associated risks. For enterprises handling sensitive financial and customer information, compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) is a key priority. Building a strong privacy framework through recognised standards such as ISO 27701 helps organisations strengthen preparedness for evolving regulatory requirements while reinforcing trust in digital operations.

A strong partner ecosystem is equally important for delivering secure and reliable technology services. Technology and business partners extend an organisation's capabilities, making collaboration essential for addressing emerging challenges and delivering better outcomes. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities to exchange experiences with industry peers, understand evolving technology trends and help organisations prepare more effectively for future risks and opportunities across the industry.

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AI adoption depends as much on people as technology

RAJVEER SINGH, 
SENIOR RISK OFFICER - TECHNOLOGY SECURITY FOUNDATION, 
SAXO BANK

Artificial Intelligence has evolved beyond being a productivity tool and is becoming an important driver of enterprise transformation. As AI progresses from executing tasks to making recommendations and collaborating across applications and business environments, organisations must focus not only on adopting the technology but also on preparing people to use it effectively. Successful AI adoption requires a balanced approach that considers AI governance, risk management, model oversight and business outcomes together. The real challenge is not simply creating AI-ready environments, but enabling people to understand, adopt and utilise AI responsibly across the organisation while maximising its long-term business value.

While AI is reshaping cybersecurity, people remain the most common target for cyberattacks. AI has made phishing, identity-based attacks and other threats faster, more relevant and increasingly sophisticated. As attackers leverage AI, defenders must also integrate AI into their security strategies. However, technology alone is not enough. Effective cyber resilience depends on the right combination of people, processes and technology, with organisations adopting AI in line with their business priorities and operational requirements.

Technology partnerships and industry collaboration are essential for navigating an evolving threat landscape. Organisations must prioritise technologies that best address their business needs while delivering measurable value. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities to understand cross-industry security challenges, explore emerging technologies and exchange practical insights, helping organisations strengthen resilience and prepare more effectively for future risks.

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Monitoring AI, data flows and governance will define the next phase of cybersecurity

ROHIT PONNAPALLI,
CISO,
ENVOY GLOBAL

AI is reshaping cybersecurity priorities by expanding the scope of security beyond traditional infrastructure to include AI models, data flows and interactions across enterprise environments. As organisations adopt GenAI and Agentic AI, it becomes increasingly important to understand how different business functions use AI, what data is accessed, and how appropriate security controls can prevent data leakage while enabling innovation. At the same time, enterprises should look beyond point- in-time compliance towards a more continuous approach to security posture and compliance management that evolves alongside new applications, infrastructure and business requirements.

AI also presents significant opportunities to strengthen cybersecurity operations. While organisations must ensure employees use authorised AI platforms and protect sensitive data from unintended exposure, AI can also improve security efficiency through faster incident detection, investigation and response. As cyberattacks become increasingly automated and faster to execute, leveraging AI-driven security capabilities can help organisations respond more effectively while supporting stronger business resilience. Security today is not just a support function but an important business enabler that builds trust and enables growth. Strong industry alliances remain fundamental to advancing cybersecurity maturity. Collaboration with technology partners, security communities and industry peers helps organisations understand emerging threats, evaluate new capabilities and prepare for future challenges. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM create valuable opportunities to exchange practical insights, discover innovative security solutions and strengthen long-term security planning through continuous learning and collaboration.

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Agentic AI is driving practical enterprise transformation

SANDEEP PANDITA, 
AVP - IT, 
AGI GROWTHX PVT. LTD.

Agentic AI is beginning to deliver tangible business value by enabling enterprise-scale automation and operational transformation. Our recent deployment of multilingual Agentic AI within customer care has demonstrated how intelligent automation can improve operational efficiency while reducing dependence on manual processes and optimising costs. As organisations continue to explore practical AI use cases, the focus will increasingly shift towards embedding AI across business functions in ways that enhance customer experience, improve service delivery and generate measurable business outcomes.

Alongside AI, cloud, cybersecurity and automation will remain fundamental drivers of enterprise transformation. These technologies are closely interconnected and together provide the foundation for secure, scalable and efficient digital operations. As organisations accelerate digital adoption, protecting customer information and maintaining strong control over enterprise data become even more important. With data privacy regulations such as the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework gaining prominence, enterprises must strengthen data governance and implement appropriate security controls to safeguard sensitive information while supporting business growth.

Technology partnerships and industry collaboration play an important role in helping organisations adopt emerging technologies securely and effectively. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM create valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, understand evolving cyber threats and learn about new technology innovations. Such interactions enable organisations to evaluate practical solutions, strengthen their security posture and make more informed technology decisions while delivering a seamless and secure experience for customers and the business.

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AI, quantum computing and industry alliances will shape enterprise growth

SARITA PADMINI, 
SR. DIRECTOR, 
PROTIVITI INDIA

Indian enterprises have a significant opportunity to accelerate growth by investing in emerging technologies and future-ready business models. Artificial Intelligence is among the most important opportunities today, enabling organisations to drive innovation and create new business value. At the same time, the continued expansion of GCCs presents a strong avenue for growth, while quantum computing represents a strategic area that organisations should begin preparing for now. Investing early while evaluating long-term returns will help enterprises build the capabilities needed for the next phase of digital transformation.

Industry alliances are equally critical in helping organisations navigate an evolving business and technology landscape. Collaboration enables enterprises to better understand market trends, emerging risks and growth opportunities while supporting more informed investment decisions. Alliances also provide valuable insights into technology adoption, digital transformation strategies and risk-based approaches, helping organisations strengthen resilience and plan their future roadmap with greater confidence. Building a strong collaborative ecosystem is therefore essential for driving sustainable growth and innovation.

Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM play an important role in bringing together industry leaders to exchange ideas and discuss the technologies shaping the future. As conversations increasingly extend beyond AI to the long-term potential of quantum computing, such forums help organisations better understand future technology priorities. They provide valuable insights into emerging trends, encourage strategic thinking and support more informed decisions as enterprises plan their long-term technology and business transformation journeys.

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Define the business problem before adopting AI

SONAM MALLIK, 
HEAD - IT, 
INTERARCH BUILDING SOLUTIONS

Artificial Intelligence, whether Generative AI or Agentic AI, is emerging as a powerful enabler of enterprise transformation by improving efficiency, productivity and enabling new business models. However, organisations should avoid adopting AI simply because it is gaining momentum. The first priority should be to clearly identify and define the business problem that needs to be solved. Once that foundation is in place, selecting the right AI solution becomes far more effective and aligned with organisational objectives. Enterprises that adopt this problem-first approach will be better positioned to derive meaningful value from AI investments while supporting long-term business transformation.

Beyond AI, technologies such as machine learning, augmented reality, virtual reality and the Internet of Things will also play an important role in shaping enterprise innovation. For manufacturing organisations, technology partnerships are essential because their primary focus remains manufacturing excellence. Successful digital transformation increasingly depends on co-creating, co-designing and co-building technology solutions with trusted partners who bring complementary expertise and implementation capabilities.

Partnerships deliver the best outcomes only when organisations first establish clear business goals and understand the specific challenges they want to address. Different partners may contribute to solution design and implementation, making ecosystem collaboration essential. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities to learn from industry use cases, evaluate relevant technologies and gain practical insights into engaging leadership teams while advancing technology-driven business transformation.

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Agentic AI can be a game changer for enterprise transformation

SUJOY BRAHMACHARI, 
CIO & CISO, 
ROSMERTA TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

Agentic AI has the potential to become a digital workforce within enterprises by improving productivity, enhancing accuracy and supporting business processes. However, its effectiveness depends on being properly trained so that it performs reliably and minimises errors. When implemented with the right data models and appropriate oversight, Agentic AI can become a significant enabler of enterprise transformation, helping organisations improve operational efficiency, strengthen process execution and deliver better business outcomes across different functions.

The greatest business value will come from the combined adoption of AI, cloud, cybersecurity and automation rather than from any single technology. AI has the potential to strengthen each of these areas through its capabilities, provided it is configured appropriately. Equally important is ensuring that the data models used for AI are accurate and transparent, as a strong data foundation is essential for enabling reliable outcomes, improving trust in AI-driven initiatives and supporting sustainable technology adoption across the enterprise.

Technology partnerships remain critical for successful digital transformation. Enterprises and technology vendors must work together closely, with partners bringing the right implementation skills and expertise to deliver sophisticated technology solutions effectively. Such collaboration enables organisations to maximise the value of technology investments. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM continue to provide valuable opportunities to explore emerging technology trends, learn from expert discussions, exchange practical insights and strengthen collaboration across the technology ecosystem while encouraging innovation across the industry.

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AI will augment healthcare, not replace human expertise

SURJEET THAKUR, 
CIO, 
RAJAGIRI HOSPITAL, KOCHI

Artificial Intelligence is creating significant opportunities across healthcare by supporting precision medicine, advancing drug discovery and improving patient care. AI is becoming an important enabler across the healthcare ecosystem, helping clinicians make more informed decisions and improving the quality of care. However, AI should be viewed as an assistive technology rather than a replacement for doctors or nurses. Its real value lies in augmenting healthcare professionals, enabling better clinical outcomes while preserving the central role of human expertise in patient care.

Beyond AI, robotic process automation (RPA) and cybersecurity will remain key priorities for healthcare organisations. As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, safeguarding sensitive patient information is more important than ever, with cybersecurity also receiving greater emphasis in evolving healthcare standards. At the same time, awareness continues to be one of the biggest cybersecurity challenges. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, organisations must strengthen user awareness and encourage responsible digital practices, as even a single click on a malicious email or message can lead to serious consequences.

Technology will continue to play a critical role in meeting growing expectations for faster, more accessible services while ensuring continuity during unforeseen situations. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities to learn from peers across industries, explore emerging technology solutions, understand evolving challenges and engage with technology partners, helping organisations make better-informed decisions as they advance their digital transformation initiatives.

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Agentic AI will drive the next phase of enterprise productivity

VIJAY SETHI, 
CHAIRMAN & CHIEF MENTOR, 
MENTORKART

Agentic AI is emerging as a significant opportunity for enterprises by improving productivity and reducing errors associated with manual processes. As organisations increasingly combine Generative AI with Agentic AI, they can automate routine tasks more effectively while enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy. However, AI cannot deliver its full potential in isolation. Its success depends on a strong foundation comprising cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity and automation, with each technology complementing the others. Together, these capabilities have the potential to significantly transform the way organisations operate over the next 12 to 18 months.

Technology alliances have become essential for accelerating enterprise transformation. No organisation can succeed in isolation, and collaboration must extend beyond technology companies to include academia, startups and the broader innovation ecosystem. Enterprises should increasingly focus on working together, sharing knowledge and co-creating solutions rather than relying solely on competition. Such partnerships help organisations access diverse expertise, encourage innovation and strengthen their ability to respond to changing business and technology requirements.

Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM continue to evolve by reflecting the changing priorities of the technology industry. As discussions increasingly focus on areas such as cybersecurity, quantum computing, Generative AI and Agentic AI, these forums provide valuable opportunities for technology leaders to exchange ideas, understand emerging trends and learn from peers. By adapting to the evolving needs of CIOs and IT leaders, they help organisations prepare more effectively for the future.

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Technology teams will become more efficient with Agentic AI

VIVEKANANDA NASKAR, 
DIRECTOR - IT, 
PROTEGRITY INDIA PVT. LTD.

Agentic AI represents the next stage in enterprise AI adoption by addressing more specialised technology and operational challenges. While Generative AI has become widely accessible across different user groups, Agentic AI offers greater value from a technical perspective by helping technology teams resolve issues more efficiently and reduce the time spent on routine problem-solving. When implemented effectively, it can improve productivity and enable IT professionals to focus on higher-value activities. As organisations continue to adopt AI, Agentic AI has the potential to simplify technology operations and make the work of technology teams more efficient.

Technology alliances are essential because no single organisation possesses expertise across every technology domain or can independently deliver every capability required by enterprises. Organisations can achieve better outcomes by bringing together partners with complementary strengths and leveraging their respective areas of expertise. Such collaboration enables businesses to deliver more comprehensive technology solutions while addressing evolving business and technology requirements more effectively. A strong partner ecosystem therefore remains an important enabler of enterprise transformation and innovation.

Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities to gain insights into emerging technology trends and industry developments. By bringing together technology leaders, government representatives and industry experts, these forums help participants better understand the evolving landscape and make more informed decisions. The exchange of knowledge and practical perspectives supports stronger technology strategies and continuous learning across the industry.

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AI and automation must be aligned with business growth

YOGENDRA SINGH,
CIO/ CTO/HEAD - IT/SAP,
BARISTA COFFEE CO. LTD.

Artificial Intelligence and automation will continue to be important drivers of business value, provided their adoption is aligned with business objectives and practical use cases. Technology investments should always be guided by business requirements and measurable outcomes that contribute directly to business growth rather than technology alone. AI and Generative AI can help organisations make faster and better- informed decisions that support business growth. We have implemented AI-driven use cases, including real-time inventory management integrated with enterprise systems, which have delivered measurable business benefits. The success of any AI initiative ultimately depends on its ability to create tangible business value while delivering a clear return on investment.

Cybersecurity is another critical priority as organisations increasingly require real-time visibility across their operations. AI and Generative AI can support a more proactive approach to threat detection and strengthen security capabilities. Technology also enables faster and more effective business decision- making. Strong partner ecosystems are equally important because they help organisations build integrated platforms that improve collaboration, streamline operations and support business growth through connected enterprise systems.

Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities for CIOs and technology leaders to exchange practical experiences, discuss emerging use cases and explore new technologies showcased by OEM partners. Such interactions help organisations understand evolving technology trends, evaluate relevant solutions and make more informed decisions while planning future technology initiatives aligned with changing business requirements and industry needs.

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AI is an evolving journey for enterprise transformation

GAURAV RANADE, 
CTO, 
TECHNOCENTRIC ADVISORY

Artificial Intelligence, whether Generative AI or Agentic AI, is an evolving journey that is reshaping industries rather than a technology confined to any single domain. Organisations across sectors are exploring practical AI use cases that address their business and operational requirements. At the same time, the rapid pace of AI innovation makes the next 18 to 24 months particularly significant as enterprises evaluate how these technologies evolve and can be adopted responsibly. The long-term impact will depend on how organisations utilise AI effectively while adapting to an evolving technology landscape.

Cloud, cybersecurity and AI should not be viewed as competing priorities but as complementary capabilities that together support enterprise transformation. Cloud has become an essential requirement for modern organisations, cybersecurity remains integral to protecting digital infrastructure, and AI is increasingly enhancing technology platforms and business processes. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, enterprises should adopt an integrated approach that enables these capabilities to work together while remaining adaptable to changing business and technology requirements.

Technology alliances play a vital role in strengthening enterprise architectures by bringing together multiple technologies and areas of expertise. Rather than relying on a single technology provider, organisations benefit from complementary solutions that work together effectively. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM enable vendors, partners, consultants and customers to exchange knowledge, understand emerging trends and strengthen collaboration, helping organisations make better-informed technology decisions while strengthening the broader technology ecosystem.

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Trust and governance are essential for responsible AI adoption

NARESH GURU,
GM - IT SERVICE DELIVERY, 
IBM

Enterprise-scale AI adoption should begin with a structured pilot phase that helps organisations understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI. Training employees is an important first step, alongside preparing AI models and establishing clear governance around how information is processed and used. As organisations move from pilot projects to production environments, transparency with customers becomes equally important. Clear contractual agreements, appropriate data handling practices and well-defined data retention policies help customers understand how their information will be used and managed. Such an approach enables organisations to scale AI responsibly while building trust and confidence across the enterprise.

AI and quantum computing are among the emerging technologies that have the potential to reshape enterprise innovation over the coming years. While AI continues to evolve rapidly, organisations should adopt it with a balanced perspective and realistic expectations. The combination of AI and quantum computing could unlock significant new possibilities, but its long-term impact will depend on how these technologies are managed, governed and integrated into enterprise environments.

Trust should remain at the centre of every AI initiative. Organisations need to maintain an appropriate balance between innovation, cybersecurity, infrastructure and responsible technology adoption while understanding both the opportunities and the potential risks associated with emerging technologies. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM provide valuable opportunities to exchange perspectives on AI governance, trust and emerging technologies, helping organisations foster responsible innovation and strengthen confidence in the adoption of emerging technologies.

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Responsible AI adoption requires awareness, guardrails and governance

PANKAJ MITTAL,
FOUNDER & CEO,
DIGIZEN CONSULTING

Enterprise AI adoption is progressing steadily, although many organisations are still moving cautiously from proof-of-concept initiatives to production-scale deployments. CIOs and CISOs are carefully evaluating how AI pilots can transition into enterprise environments while addressing emerging AI risks and establishing appropriate guardrails. Sandbox environments, risk awareness, evaluation of different AI platforms and rollback planning are important steps in helping organisations understand potential challenges before wider deployment. Building organisational awareness and preparedness will therefore remain essential as enterprises gradually scale AI adoption in a responsible and controlled manner.

Artificial Intelligence will continue to evolve, but its long-term success will depend on maintaining the right balance between AI, security and privacy. Organisations should adopt a holistic approach that also considers people, processes and financial priorities rather than focusing only on technology. A balanced framework enables enterprises to strengthen governance, manage evolving risks and create a stronger foundation for sustainable AI adoption.

Strong partner ecosystems have become increasingly important as organisations operate across interconnected digital environments. Enterprises should carefully evaluate technology partners, establish appropriate contractual safeguards and strengthen third-party risk management as supply chain risks continue to evolve. Choosing the right partners and understanding how closely technology ecosystems are connected are essential for building resilient digital operations. Platforms such as INFOTECH FORUM bring together relevant stakeholders to exchange perspectives on emerging technologies and support collaboration across the evolving technology ecosystem.