AI Kiran Initiative

April 26, 2025

AI Kiran is a national movement launched to promote women’s leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India. As the nation’s AI market is projected to reach $17 billion by 2027, the initiative aims to address the gender disparity in this rapidly evolving field. It is co-led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, Verix (Blockchain-powered credentialing platform) and INK Women.

Background

Despite more women enrolling in STEM education, their representation in AI jobs is low:

33% at the junior level in GenAI roles
Only 19% at the senior level
65% more men than women at Head/Director levels in GenAI roles (as per BCG and LinkedIn reports)

This disparity puts stress on the urgent need for diverse leadership to mitigate algorithmic bias and enhance AI systems’ inclusivity. India’s AI sector could add up to $1 trillion to the economy by 2035. Inclusive AI leadership is crucial to harness this potential.

Goals

Empower women innovators, changemakers, and leaders in AI and Machine Learning.
Create a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem that supports women in becoming innovators and leaders.
Develop funding support for women to advance their AI careers.
Provide access to mentorship, learning programs, global exposure, and leadership opportunities.

The initiative initially highlights over 250 women leaders in AI across sectors like education, healthcare, sustainability, and tech.

Empowerment Through Recognition

AI Kiran shines a spotlight on over 250 prominent women in AI across various sectors such as education, healthcare, and sustainability. By celebrating their contributions, the initiative aims to amplify their voices and inspire future generations of female technologists.

Collaborative Approach

AI Kiran advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach. It encourages partnerships among government bodies, corporate organisations, and civil society to create pathways for women to access resources and support. This collaboration is essential for encouraging an environment where women can thrive in AI. AI Kiran will be hosted on the Manthan Platform for wider reach among students, researchers, and professionals.

Future Initiatives

Between April 21 and June 5, AI Kiran will work with partners to ensure ongoing support for its honorees. This includes developing funding pathways that will help women advance their careers in AI. The initiative seeks to create lasting change in how India nurtures its female technologists.

Vision for Inclusive AI

AI Kiran embodies a vision where the future of AI is shaped by diverse perspectives. The initiative aims to encourage an environment where women are not only visible but also actively contribute to the innovation landscape. It is a step towards ensuring that AI development is guided by compassion, courage, and collective power.

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