AI Kiran, a Kirthiga Reddy initiative with government and industry support, will empower 1 million Indian women in AI (artificial intelligence) through mentorship, learning, global exposure, blockchain-verified recognition, and key partnerships to build women leaders.

Fifteen years ago, Kirthiga Reddy became the first Indian leader at a major US tech firm, heading Facebook India (now Meta). Her subsequent roles as SoftBank’s first female AI investing partner, managing over $130 billion, showcased her exceptional capabilities and unwavering belief in women’s potential and the importance of inclusive leadership.

Kirthiga Reddy, CEO of Verix, is launching ‘AI Kiran’ on UN Creativity and Innovation Day to globally showcase and support Indian women in AI with connectivity, funding, and mentorship, tackling their underrepresentation in GenAI (33% women in junior roles, 19% in senior roles).

India’s AI market will reach $17 billion by 2027, which demands women’s leadership. AI Kiran, a national initiative by the Principal Scientific Adviser’s office and INK Women, aims to empower women in AI through collaboration.

AI Kiran empowers Indian women in AI through a cross-functional community on the Manthan Platform. This platform features blockchain-verified credentials, mentorship, learning, and events which connect women nationwide for growth and leadership, contributing to India’s global AI leadership.

The $3M AI Kiran fundraise through INK Women Foundation (corporate, VC, govt), supports summits, partnerships, scholarships, and showcases Indian women in AI worldwide.

Source: https://www.financialexpress.com/business/start-ups/over-the-next-year-we-aim-to-reach-a-million-women-in-ai-kirthiga-reddy/3816101/