Debjani Ghosh, a respected and transformative leader in the technology industry, serves as a Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog, with the charter to set up a pioneering frontier tech think tank dedicated to advancing the country’s readiness in these technologies for accelerated economic growth and societal development. With a stellar career spanning over 28 years, including pivotal leadership roles at Intel and as the first female President of Nasscom, Debjani has been at the forefront of driving India’s emergence as a global innovation powerhouse. A leading voice in AI, her leadership embodies a passionate commitment to fostering a human-centric approach to technology, ensuring that advancements not only propel economic progress but also uplift societal well-being.
During her tenure at Nasscom from April 2018 to November 2024, Debjani redefined the organisation’s focus, elevating its influence on frontier technologies and championing the development of a robust deep tech ecosystem in India. Through her collaborative efforts, Nasscom became a global thought leader and a dynamic force driving positive technological change at both domestic and international levels.
An outspoken advocate for India’s leadership in the tech space, Debjani consistently emphasised the nation’s unique position to spearhead international collaborations grounded in human-centric and environmentally conscious innovation. Her rallying cry, “Think Digital. Think India,” played a key role in transforming India’s tech narrative—from a low-cost outsourcing hub to a global powerhouse of top-tier talent and cutting-edge innovation. In 2020, she introduced the concept of the “Techade”—a vision of a transformative decade where technology transcends traditional boundaries to reshape industries, governance, and daily life. Her visionary “Inevitable India” strategy further established India as the world’s most trusted partner for innovation and digital transformation, cementing its critical role in shaping the future of global technology.
Guided by a philosophy of lifelong learning, Debjani attributes her success to insatiable curiosity, adaptability, and resilience. Her inspiring journey—from studying economics and political science to becoming the first woman to lead Intel’s South Asia operations, and later making history as the first female President of Nasscom —exemplifies her commitment to continuous growth and her refusal to be constrained by traditional boundaries.
In recognition of her extraordinary achievements, Debjani was honored by the President of India in 2018 as a pioneer among India’s “First Ladies.” In 2022, she was featured in FemaleOneZero Magazine’s “40 over 40 – World’s Most Inspiring Women” list and Vogue named her “Tech Leader of the Year” in 2020 for her exemplary leadership in steering the tech sector through the pandemic. Additionally, she was recognized among the “100 Most Influential in UK-India Relations: Celebrating Women,” underscoring her global influence and stature.
Debjani serves on the boards of Karmayogi Bharat and RBI Innovation Hub.
