Narayana Murthy Urges Startups To Think Global; Here's What He Suggests
Murthy stressed that with each technological advancement, some jobs may be displaced. However, if implemented in a supportive way, technology can spur economic growth
Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy cautioned against what he described as "exaggerated" claims about artificial intelligence (AI) in India. He highlighted that addressing poverty requires innovation and job creation, not reliance on freebies.
Murthy observed that many systems being marketed as AI are merely traditional programs.
"I find that most of the so-called AI, I see, is silly and old programming," he remarked during his speech at TiEcon Mumbai 2025 on Wednesday.
"It has become a fashion in India to talk of AI in everything. Ordinary programs are touted as AI," he said, explaining that genuine AI is based on two key principles: machine learning, which enables large-scale data correlation for predictive analysis, and deep learning, which simulates human brain functions to manage unsupervised algorithms.
“Unsupervised algorithms which use deep learning and neural networks are the ones that have much greater potential to do things that will mimic human beings better and better,” he said.
Impact Of Tech Advancement
Murthy stressed that with each technological advancement, some jobs may be displaced. However, if implemented in a supportive way, technology can spur economic growth.
"In each tech, certain jobs will be eliminated, but if used in an assisted manner, we can grow the economy," he noted.
Referring to AI, he pointed out that while automation might replace certain roles, it also holds the potential to create entirely new industries and job opportunities.
"AI for example, if you use it in autonomous vehicles for transport, hospital care, it will lead to expansion of those companies and create jobs," he said. Murthy encouraged startups to set their sights on the best global standards.
"In the beginning, it looks impossible, but the moment the mindset has been created, you’ll start making progress," he explained. He also highlighted the importance of hiring talent who is "smarter than you" and fostering a workplace open to new ideas.
"That’s how you solve the problem, and not with freebies. Our poverty will vanish like dew on a sunny morning,” he added. “Every startup that failed did not follow this," Murthy remarked.
A proponent of compassionate capitalism, Murthy criticised government handouts, advocating that subsidies should be tied to tangible results.
"What you can do is, when subsidies are provided, you can ask for something in return. If you give free electricity for the first six months, at the end of it, we’ll find out if children are reading more and if their performance is better in school," he suggested.
Offering advice to entrepreneurs, Murthy stressed the importance of earning respect from all stakeholders—customers, employees, investors, and regulators.
“If you think in terms of doing good to society, you’ll get repeat business, employees will join and investors, vendors will put up with you in difficult times, politicians will want you to succeed,” he said.
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