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Future-proofing Career amid Global Tech Layoff: Exclusive with Padmashree Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur
With global tech innovation accelerating through AI, deep tech, and quantum breakthroughs, India is positioning itself as a key driver in shaping the next decade of digital transformation. Padmashree Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur and one of India’s most respected academicians, has been at the forefront of shaping the country’s technological and educational landscape.
In this exclusive conversation, he shares his insights on India’s evolving role in the global tech revolution, the deep-tech initiatives that will define the next decade, and how IIT Kanpur is preparing students with future-ready skills in AI, data science, and intelligent systems. Prof. Agrawal also addresses the challenges of an uncertain job market and highlights why strong fundamentals and adaptability remain the cornerstones of a sustainable tech career.
How do you see India’s role in the global technology revolution evolving over the next decade?
The Indian government is making concrete efforts to build a strong deep tech ecosystem within the country. India’s role in the global technology revolution is set to expand significantly over the next decade, driven by a strong focus on building a deep tech ecosystem.
The government has launched transformative national missions across critical domains such as the National Semiconductor Mission to strengthen chip design and manufacturing capabilities, the IndiaAI Mission to drive large-scale adoption and research in artificial intelligence, the National Quantum Mission to advance quantum communication and computing, and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems to integrate IoT, robotics, and advanced automation into core sectors.
What makes these initiatives particularly impactful is the scale of investment backing them. The recently announced ₹1 lakh crore fund dedicated to the deep tech sector will catalyze the indigenous development of strategic technologies and reduce dependency on imports in critical areas like semiconductors, quantum computing, and AI infrastructure.
These efforts are not just about self-reliance; they are about creating an innovation pipeline that enables India to contribute original research, scalable solutions, and globally competitive products.
In my view, these developments mark a paradigm shift: India is moving from being a consumer of global technologies to becoming a co-creator and eventually a leader in shaping the trajectory of the global technology revolution.
What advice would you give to students aspiring to build a thriving career in technology amid rapid industry changes?
My foremost advice to students is to develop a strong command over the fundamental concepts of their discipline, because solid foundations never become obsolete. Equally important is the ability to translate that knowledge into solving real-world challenges. This mindset is what differentiates innovators from followers.
At the same time, the pace of industry change requires students to go beyond traditional learning and build proficiency in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, and Analytics. These are not just standalone domains but enabling technologies that can be applied across sectors—from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and space research. Students who combine conceptual clarity with hands-on expertise in these tools will be well-equipped to build sustainable, future-ready careers in the technology sector.
How does IIT Kanpur adapt its curriculum to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the tech industry?
At IIT Kanpur, our approach to curriculum design is rooted in anticipating the future needs of the technology ecosystem rather than reacting to them. Recognizing that AI and data-driven technologies are becoming foundational across industries, we are integrating AI education across disciplines, not limiting it to computer science students.
A typical core course on AI is now being designed for all undergraduates, ensuring that every student, regardless of their specialization, gains a working knowledge of these technologies. Additionally, we have introduced a minor in Machine Learning to provide a deeper technical foundation for those who wish to specialize.
To institutionalize this vision, IIT Kanpur has recently established the Wadhwani School of AI & Intelligent Systems, which will offer a dedicated undergraduate program in Intelligent Systems. This program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with a significant component of hands-on training, so students not only learn theoretical principles but also apply them in practical, real-world contexts.
Through such initiatives, we aim to prepare our graduates with the adaptability, interdisciplinary exposure, and technical depth needed to thrive in an industry that is evolving at an unprecedented pace.
The tech sector has witnessed several high-profile layoffs globally and in India. How do you counsel graduating students to prepare for such uncertain times?
Layoffs are often a natural outcome of technological advancement, especially as AI and automation replace repetitive, low-level tasks. However, this also creates opportunities in newer, more advanced areas.
My advice to graduating students is twofold: first, build a strong foundation in core concepts, because these fundamentals remain relevant regardless of how the industry evolves. Second, continuously upskill by embracing emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and data analytics.
Those who combine solid fundamentals with adaptability and hands-on knowledge of new tools will not only remain resilient in uncertain times but also position themselves at the forefront of future opportunities. In today’s world, one must be ready to welcome new challenges and learn, adapt and evolve constantly.
