Panel Discussion: Creating AI-Ready Talent - Preparing Young People for the AI-Driven Economy
Our Panelists:
Kapil Joshi – CEO, Quess Corp
Manisha Saboo – CEO, Infosys Foundation
Narendra Kumar G – Director General, NIRDPR
Neha Chauhan – Head of CSR and Social Performance, Shell Foundation
Nupur Bahl – Vice President, Reliance Foundation
Moderator: Arun Nalavadi, Chief of Programmes –Livelihood, Magic Bus India Foundation
India’s demographic dividend represents a tremendous opportunity, but it can only translate into long-term economic growth if young people—especially those from underserved backgrounds—are equipped with the skills relevant to an AI-driven economy. This panel focuses on how high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and philanthropic leaders can play a pivotal role in ensuring that youth from low-income, rural, and peri-urban regions have access to AI-related skills and future-ready job opportunities.
While the tech industry drives the AI revolution, HNIs and impact investors have the unique ability to influence systemic change by funding and scaling AI-driven skilling programs and educational pathways. Drawing from Magic Bus India Foundation’s experience, the session will explore how philanthropy and impact capital can support AI readiness through foundational digital skills, AI literacy, and practical workforce preparation.
The panel will examine how corporate philanthropy, investment models, and cross-sector partnerships can create pathways from learning to livelihoods and ensuring that AI becomes a driver of equity and inclusion, rather than further deepening the skills gap.