AI Will Strengthen IT Companies, Not Replace Them: Nandan Nilekani

Amid growing concerns that artificial intelligence could lead to widespread job losses in the IT sector, Infosys co-founder and chairman Nandan Nilekani has said that AI will not replace IT companies but instead make them stronger and more capable.

Speaking at Infosys’ 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Nilekani said the company is well-positioned to benefit from a massive $400 billion AI-first services opportunity by 2030, despite rapid technological disruption in the industry.

“AI Is an Opportunity, Not a Threat”

Nilekani emphasized that even three years after the rise of Generative AI, companies like Infosys remain highly relevant.

He noted that while AI-powered tools are improving productivity, large-scale software development still requires significant human expertise, particularly in enterprise environments.

According to him, the biggest opportunity lies in bridging the gap between AI adoption and enterprise readiness among global clients.

Enterprise AI Needs More Than Automation

Nilekani highlighted that enterprise-grade AI solutions require:

  • Strong system architecture

  • Rigorous testing processes

  • Advanced cybersecurity frameworks

  • Strict data governance standards

He explained that these requirements cannot be fully met by relying solely on external AI platforms, making experienced IT companies essential in the AI transition.

Modernization Driving New Growth

The Infosys chairman said the AI revolution is accelerating the modernization of legacy systems across industries, creating new opportunities for IT service providers.

He added that clients trust Infosys to help navigate the complexity of enterprise AI due to its long-standing experience in large-scale technology transformation.

Strong AI Pipeline Across Clients

According to Nilekani, Infosys is currently working on AI-related initiatives with around 90% of its top 200 clients, reflecting the growing integration of AI across enterprise operations.

Conclusion

Rejecting fears of AI-driven disruption to IT jobs, Nandan Nilekani said the technology will ultimately strengthen companies that adapt quickly and lead with purpose, positioning them for long-term growth in a rapidly evolving digital economy.