Romesh Wadhwani
About Romesh Wadhwani
Romesh Wadhwani is a prominent entrepreneur and founder known for his leadership roles in various technology companies and philanthropic initiatives. He founded the Wadhwani Institute for AI for Social Good and has significantly contributed to economic development through the Wadhwani Foundation.
Work at Wadhwani AI
Romesh Wadhwani serves as the Founder of Wadhwani AI, a position he has held since 2018. The organization focuses on developing AI-based solutions aimed at addressing challenges faced by underserved communities. Wadhwani AI is also known for its commitment to open-sourcing code and data to support the AI community. Under his leadership, the institute has made significant strides in applying artificial intelligence to sectors such as agriculture and health.
Professional Background
Romesh Wadhwani has a diverse professional background with extensive experience in technology and leadership roles. He founded Symphony Technology Group in 2002 and served as its CEO until 2016. He also held the position of Chairman and CEO at American Robot Corporation from 1982 to 1990. Wadhwani has been actively involved in various organizations, including serving as Chairman and Founder of SAIGroup since 2022 and SymphonyAI since 2017, as well as Chairman of ConcertAI since 2017.
Education and Expertise
Romesh Wadhwani has a strong educational foundation in engineering. He studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He furthered his studies at Carnegie Mellon University, achieving a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in the same field. In 2018, he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
Achievements and Contributions
Romesh Wadhwani has made notable contributions to the field of technology and social impact. He founded the Wadhwani Institute for AI for Social Good in Mumbai, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in 2018. The institute received the Google Prize in 2019 for its innovative initiatives. Additionally, he founded Aspect Development Inc., which was acquired in 2000 for $9.3 billion, marking a significant milestone in software acquisitions at that time.
Involvement in Philanthropy
Romesh Wadhwani is the Founder and Chairman of the Wadhwani Foundation, established in 2001. The foundation operates in over 20 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, focusing on job creation and economic development. His philanthropic efforts align with his commitment to leveraging technology for social good, particularly in enhancing opportunities for underserved communities.