India has officially launched AI Kiran, a nationwide initiative aimed at empowering women in artificial intelligence. This movement comes at a critical time as the country’s AI market is set to reach $17 billion by 2027, offering immense opportunities but also raising the question of inclusivity.
Despite significant progress in STEM education, where women now outnumber men, the AI sector remains largely male-dominated—especially at leadership levels. Only 33 percent of GenAI roles at the junior level are held by women, dropping to just 19 percent at the senior level. At the director level, male professionals outnumber women by 65 percent. This gender imbalance not only limits opportunities for women but also impacts the fairness and inclusiveness of AI systems being built.
AI Kiran is co-led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Verix, and INK Women. It is designed to celebrate, elevate, and support women in AI and machine learning by creating a vibrant ecosystem that enables them to thrive as leaders and innovators.
At its launch, AI Kiran is spotlighting over 250 prominent women in AI who are transforming sectors like education, healthcare, enterprise tech, and sustainability. These women bring diverse and interdisciplinary insights, which are key to developing responsible and impactful AI technologies.
Lakshmi Pratury, founder of INK and INK Women, said, “AI Kiran is that mic — amplifying the voices, journeys, and brilliance of women who have always belonged at the forefront of innovation. We’re not just celebrating women in AI – we’re co-creating a future where their stories lead the way.”
Between April 21 and June 5, AI Kiran will collaborate with government agencies, corporate partners, and donor organizations to build long-term support for these women. This includes funding pathways, career development opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
With a fundraising target of $3 million, the initiative will support scholarships, global storytelling campaigns, academic partnerships, and major summits focused on women in AI.
As India’s AI sector aims to contribute up to $1 trillion to the economy by 2035, AI Kiran is a timely and bold investment in the nation’s human potential. It marks a turning point where women are not just included in the AI revolution but are leading it with vision, purpose, and innovation.
