Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Nilekani Says Small Businesses Could Shield Indian Jobs From AI
Nandan Nilekani is worried that artificial intelligence could reduce some jobs at large companies.
He said big businesses may use AI to do more work with fewer employees.
His idea is to help millions of small businesses grow and create jobs.
He believes jobs spread across many small companies could be safer as AI changes the economy.
Digital tools could help small businesses work more like large companies.
These tools might include digital agents, online analysis, marketplaces, and access to loans.
Nilekani said technology should reach everyone, not just a few companies.
He also supported public digital systems for markets involving tokenized assets.
Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani said millions of small businesses could help India address AI-related job risks.
He warned that large companies may use AI to improve efficiency while reducing their workforces.
Nilekani argued that broad-based job creation should come from millions of small companies rather than a few large corporations.
He said digital infrastructure could give small businesses access to advanced tools, marketplaces, financing, and analytical capabilities.
Nilekani called for inclusive technology and supported public-chain infrastructure for global markets involving tokenized assets.
- Who
- Nandan Nilekani, chairman of Infosys, made the remarks.
- What
- He proposed expanding millions of small businesses to help protect employment from AI disruption.
- When
- The remarks were made while speaking at the Global Fintech Fest; no date was specified.
- Where
- Mumbai, India.
- Why
- Nilekani said large companies could use AI to increase efficiency while reducing their workforces, creating a need for broader small-business job creation.
- Speaker
- Nandan Nilekani, Infosys chairman
- Event
- Global Fintech Fest
- Location
- Mumbai
- Main concern
- Artificial intelligence could reduce jobs at large companies
- Proposed solution
- Support millions of small businesses as job creators
- Technology role
- Digital infrastructure could give small firms advanced capabilities at relatively low cost
- Additional proposal
- Use public-chain infrastructure to support global markets for tokenized assets