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Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys and one of the most respected names in the Indian IT landscape, continues to shape the trajectory of technological and scientific advancement in India. More than a decade after stepping down from his executive role at Infosys, his influence has only grown—now reaching far beyond the IT services sector. From pioneering deep tech research and promoting startups to shaping national science policy, Kris Gopalakrishnan remains one of the most visionary minds India has produced.

This blog explores how his work has transcended corporate boundaries, placing him firmly at the intersection of technology, innovation, and public good.

A Foundational Force at Infosys

As one of the seven founding members of Infosys in 1981, Kris Gopalakrishnan played a pivotal role in transforming a small software company into a global IT powerhouse. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director from 2007 to 2011, and later as Vice Chairman until 2014, he helped Infosys scale operations, deepen its technological capabilities, and embrace global delivery models.

His technical acumen and calm leadership style earned him respect across the board, not only within Infosys but also in the wider tech community. During his leadership tenure, Infosys became synonymous with trust, delivery excellence, and innovation.

Championing Scientific Research Through Pratiksha Trust

Post-Infosys, Gopalakrishnan has focused on philanthropy and long-term investment in science and research. Through the Pratiksha Trust, founded by him and his wife Sudha Gopalakrishnan, he has contributed hundreds of crores towards scientific advancement in India.

Key initiatives include:

• Centre for Brain Research (CBR) at IISc: A pioneering effort to study age-related brain disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia.
• Brain Computation and Data Science Initiative: Fostering advanced research in AI and cognitive neuroscience.
• Fellowships and Grants: Supporting young scientists in computer science, data analytics, and life sciences.

These investments signal his deep belief that India's future hinges on building robust scientific infrastructure and nurturing a talent pool grounded in fundamental research.

Thought Leadership in Emerging Technologies

Kris Gopalakrishnan’s interests are not limited to legacy IT systems. He is a strong advocate for deep tech—including AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology. His ability to foresee technology's evolution and back it with funding, mentorship, and ecosystem development has positioned him as a leading tech visionary.

His engagement with startups through Axilor Ventures, an early-stage accelerator co-founded with other Infosys alumni, reflects his commitment to building India’s next-generation tech companies.

He often speaks about:

• The ethical use of AI
• India’s need to invest in homegrown R&D
• Data privacy and digital trust

Bridging the gap between academia and industry

His voice carries weight not just because of his past success, but due to the clarity and conviction with which he addresses future challenges.

Role in National Science Policy and Institutional Building

Gopalakrishnan's influence extends into policymaking and national development. He has served on several committees and advisory boards constituted by the Government of India, including:

• Chairing the Mission High-Performance Computing Committee
• Member of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister
• Involvement with NITI Aayog and National Innovation Council

He is also the Chairman of Axilor Ventures, Chairman of the Vision Group on IT for Karnataka Government, and Board Member at IIIT Bangalore, among many other academic and institutional affiliations.

His consistent presence in these spaces underscores how his contributions shape not only technology but also science governance in India.

A Role Model for Industry-Academia Collaboration

One of Kris Gopalakrishnan's lasting legacies will be how he has effectively bridged the often-fragmented relationship between academia and industry. Through targeted donations, collaborative research initiatives, and active participation in academic councils, he has brought together the best of both worlds.

For example:

His endowments at IIT Madras, IISc Bangalore, and IISER Pune have led to new research centers, interdisciplinary programs, and faculty fellowships.

The Gopalakrishnan-Deshpande Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at IIT Madras serves as a hub for incubating ideas and driving applied research.

By creating infrastructure where cutting-edge ideas can thrive and get commercialized, he’s helping India move up the global innovation ladder.

Advocating for an Indian Innovation Renaissance

Kris Gopalakrishnan often talks about the need for an “Indian Innovation Renaissance”—a phase where the country transitions from being a service provider to a creator of original intellectual property. His vision includes:

• Doubling down on AI for social good
• Creating scalable solutions in healthcare, education, and agriculture
• Incentivizing research-led entrepreneurship

He sees India’s massive demographic dividend as both an opportunity and a responsibility. Through thought leadership, philanthropy, and policy influence, he’s laying the groundwork for an innovation-first India.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, Kris Gopalakrishnan has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards that reflect both his corporate and societal impact:

• Padma Bhushan (2011) – India’s third-highest civilian award
• IEEE Founders Medal
• Philips Innovation Award
• Numerous Honorary Doctorates from universities in India and abroad

These accolades are not just testaments to past achievements but also endorsements of his ongoing contributions.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy in the Making

What sets Kris Gopalakrishnan apart is not just what he’s done but how he continues to stay relevant and forward-thinking. He could have easily retired from the limelight after Infosys, but instead, he chose a path of deeper societal engagement.

From brain research and deep tech investment to public policy and academic collaboration, his work represents a rare blend of technological vision, social responsibility, and ethical foresight.

He represents the kind of leader modern India needs—one who is not only an innovator but also a nation-builder.

Conclusion

Kris Gopalakrishnan remains one of the most influential minds in India’s tech and science ecosystem because he continues to push boundaries, invest in the future, and inspire new generations of innovators. His journey from co-founding Infosys to enabling brain research and startup growth shows that true influence lies in creating impact across domains—and doing so with humility, foresight, and unwavering purpose.

India’s digital future is brighter because of leaders like him—visionaries who build beyond businesses, toward a better tomorrow.