India AI Impact Summit 2026: ‘AI can make our students more effective’: Intel India’s Gokul V  Subramaniam on democratising AI

At the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) discussions, the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi showcased a shift from abstract corporate strategies to tangible, localized applications. Gokul V Subramaniam, President of Intel India and Vice President of the Client Computing Group at Intel Corporation, engaged with Business Today to elaborate on Intel's mission to democratize AI for students and small businesses across the nation. Subramaniam envisions a future where AI is not merely an exclusive tool, but a fundamental resource that offers personalized educational experiences to millions. He emphasized the importance of tailoring education to meet the needs of approximately 245 million students in India, advocating for technology that is 'personalized, vernacular, and interactive.' He stated, "By bringing more personalized education capabilities, AI can make our students more effective, allowing educators to teach in ways that resonate with individual learners." One of the standout innovations discussed was Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology, created in partnership with Tejas Networks. This system enables educational content to be streamed directly to smartphones and Intel laptops over terrestrial bands, similar to the broadcasting model of Doordarshan. This approach negates the requirement for costly data plans or consistent Wi-Fi access, particularly in remote regions. Moreover, Subramaniam highlighted that AI-powered PCs would enhance learning by offering real-time translation and transcription services in local languages, making educational resources accessible to all students, regardless of their primary dialect. Addressing the challenges faced by small and medium businesses (SMBs) in India, Subramaniam discussed the common misconception regarding the high costs associated with AI adoption. He pointed out Intel’s commitment to heterogeneous computing, which allows AI to operate efficiently on local devices, reducing reliance on expensive cloud infrastructures. "Intel’s heterogeneous compute capabilities mean we provide affordable AI solutions that function both in data centers and on user devices," he explained. This initiative, often referred to as 'AI in a box,' equips local retailers with tools for tasks like language translation and transcription, making AI more accessible. Looking ahead to 2027, Subramaniam believes that AI will evolve from experimental concepts to practical applications accessible to everyday users. He underscored the significance of Intel’s largest engineering center outside the US, situated in India, as crucial to this vision. He expressed a desire to see globally available content translated into various Indian languages and to foster AI utilization in sectors such as healthcare and agriculture, enhancing effectiveness for SMBs across the country.