5 Key Instances of Ratan Tata’s Involvement in Artificial Intelligence

Veteran industrialist and Tata Sons Chairman Emeritus, Ratan Tata, passed away at 86 on Wednesday, leaving a deep loss in both the business and philanthropic worlds. His death followed a sudden health scare earlier in the week, when he was hospitalized in Mumbai due to a sharp drop in blood pressure. Tributes have poured in from across the country, reflecting the immense respect and admiration he earned throughout his life.

Ratan Tata’s influence extended far beyond the corporate world. Known for his humility, ethics, and philanthropic spirit, he was a driving force behind modern India’s development. His visionary leadership shaped industries from automobiles to telecommunications, leaving a legacy that will be felt for generations.

However, a lesser-known aspect of Ratan Tata’s legacy was his deep interest in artificial intelligence (AI). The silver-haired tycoon made several eye-opening remarks about AI, highlighting its potential to revolutionize industries and the importance of managing its risks responsibly.

Here Are 5 Times When Ratan Tata Engaged with AI Through Insight and Investment

1. AI and the Future of Startups at TiEcon Mumbai (2020)

During the 11th edition of TiEcon Mumbai in 2020, which focused on “The Decade of Start-Ups, Kickstarting the Future,” Ratan Tata shared his vision of how technology would shape the business landscape. 

He highlighted the pivotal role AI would play:

“Many startups depend extensively on technology. Startups of the future will be in the AI, predictive business space.”

2. AI and the Impact on Jobs (2017)

In an interview with a Tata Group in-house publication in 2017, Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, expressed concern about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on jobs and human intervention. He warned that advancements in AI, including robotics and analytics, could replace human roles and reshape the future of work. 

Tata stressed the need for Tata Group companies to adapt to these changes, saying:

“Technology is going to decide how businesses are run, and that’s not a new phenomenon. We are many decades into information technology and the automation that it has enabled. Interestingly, artificial intelligence and analytics may replace the information technology tools of the past. We don’t think much of it when we go to Google and ask a question and get immediate responses, sometimes before we finish asking the question. That kind of capability is going to becoming widespread, eliminating human inputs and impacting jobs. Tata companies in this space will need to reinvent themselves.”

3. Tata Denounces AI-Generated Deepfake Video (2023)

In December 2023, Tata became a victim of the deepfake technology trend. Tata took to Instagram Stories to denounce a video that falsely claimed to feature him giving investment advice. 

The video, uploaded by an Instagram user named Sona Agarwal, suggested that Tata was offering a “one-in-a-million chance” to make risk-free investments. 

Tata swiftly responded by labeling the video as “FAKE,” highlighting the dangers of AI-generated content that can mislead people and manipulate public trust.

4. Ratan Tata’s Investment in Infinite Analytics (2015)

In 2015, Ratan Tata made an investment in Infinite Analytics, a company spun out of MIT that specialized in predictive analytics. Tata’s backing aimed to help the startup expand its technology beyond retail and e-commerce sectors. 

Akash Bhatia, Co-founder and CEO of Infinite Analytics, expressed immense pride in Tata’s support, calling it a “dream come true.” He added, “We have grown up admiring Mr. Tata’s business acumen, and this is a great opportunity for us to learn from him directly.”

5. Tata’s Support for AI Startup Niki.ai (2016)

In 2016, Tata also invested in Niki.ai, an AI-powered chatbot startup. Along with Ronnie Screwvala’s Unilazer, Tata’s investment supported Niki.ai’s expansion, enabling the company to grow its merchant base and enhance its technological capabilities. 

Ratan Tata’s Vision for India’s Startups

Ratan Tata’s passing leaves a profound void, but his legacy will continue to inspire the Indian startup ecosystem for years to come. 

Tata, over the years, had invested in various startups that went on to become some of the leading players. But he wasn’t just an investor; he was a mentor who believed in the power of vision and integrity over quick wins. 

His strategic investments in companies like Snapdeal, Paytm, Ola, and Lenskart were grounded in his belief that the true essence of entrepreneurship lies in the founder’s passion and commitment to building something sustainable and impactful. 

He often spoke about the importance of working with founders who weren’t merely seeking a quick exit, but were driven by a genuine desire to make a difference. For Tata, it was the entrepreneur’s vision, ethics, and willingness to push boundaries that determined success. 

In addition to his insights on entrepreneurship, Tata also understood the transformative potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. He recognized AI’s ability to revolutionize industries and reshape the future, but he also cautioned about its risks, emphasizing the need for responsible management to ensure it serves humanity’s greater good.

As we remember his contributions, the lesson is clear: the future of India’s startup ecosystem lies in nurturing visionary founders who prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains. By following Tata’s example, the next generation of entrepreneurs can continue to build on the strong foundation he laid, propelling India’s innovation and growth in the years to come.