That is where AIQ Talks, part of the TOI AI Quotient Awards 2026, brings a powerful line-up

That is where AIQ Talks, part of the TOI AI Quotient Awards 2026, brings a powerful line-up of industry voices. Artificial intelligence is changing the way India works, builds, invests, and serves millions of people. But understanding this transformation takes more than knowing the technology. It requires insights from leaders who have worked at the intersection of business, technology, finance, manufacturing, and digital transformation. The upcoming AIQ Talks will feature eight speakers from diverse fields. Here is a look at the first four speakers who will bring their experience and perspectives to the conversation around India’s evolving AI landscape.

Manu Lavanya, Chief Operating Officer at Axis Max Life Insurance, brings extensive experience in financial services and operations. His work has focused on modernising customer experiences, improving digital adoption, and making large-scale operations more efficient. As technology becomes increasingly important in insurance, AI has the potential to transform several parts of the industry, from distribution and underwriting to claims and customer service. Lavanya’s experience gives him a practical view of how technology can move beyond experimentation and become part of everyday business operations.

Garg also holds 16 patents and continues to contribute to discussions around the modernisation of India’s manufacturing sector. Sudhir Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Coforge, brings a global technology perspective to AIQ Talks. Under his leadership, Coforge has strengthened its position as a digital services and solutions company, with a strong focus on areas such as AI, cloud, and digital transformation. The company works across sectors including banking, insurance, travel, and government. His experience offers an important perspective on how businesses can use emerging technologies to rethink operations, solve complex problems, and compete in a rapidly changing digital economy. For Rahul Garg, Founder and CEO of Moglix and Chairman of the CII Manufacturing Council, technology has always been closely linked to the future of Indian industry. An IIT Delhi alumnus and former Google executive, Garg founded Moglix with the aim of transforming how businesses manage industrial procurement and manufacturing supplies. The company has grown into one of India’s major B2B e-commerce platforms, serving enterprises across procurement and supply chains. His experience is particularly relevant as AI begins to reshape manufacturing, logistics, procurement, and industrial operations. Soumya Kanti Ghosh: Understanding AI through the lens of India’s economy Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Advisor at State Bank of India, brings a different but equally important perspective to AIQ Talks. As one of India’s most prominent banking economists, Ghosh has spent years studying India’s economy, banking system, financial markets, and policy landscape. His research and economic commentary are widely followed by policymakers and industry leaders. He has also served as a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council on banking and contributed to the work of the Finance Commission. At a time when AI is influencing everything from financial services and customer experience to productivity and employment, Ghosh’s economic perspective can help place the technology within the larger story of India’s growth. That is changing. A powerful AI system means little if a company does not know where to use it, how to measure its results or how to ensure it is being used responsibly. Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day. Organisations can nominate innovations across areas including BFSI, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, media, travel, real estate, customer experience, marketing, operations, decision intelligence, product innovation, risk and compliance, and HR and talent. The awards also recognise AI-native enterprises, AI transformation, disruptive startups, and organisations successfully moving from legacy systems to AI-powered operations. This means the most interesting nomination may not necessarily come from a company whose entire identity is built around AI. It could come from a traditional business that has used AI to solve a problem that once seemed difficult to address.

Singh has also played a key role in Coforge’s transformation from its earlier identity as NIIT Technologies into a global digital partner. Earlier reporting noted: For years, discussions around artificial intelligence were largely centred on engineers, programmers and technology companies. Earlier reporting noted: Looking for trusted parenting advice? Earlier reporting noted: One of the strengths of the TOI AI Quotient Awards is the breadth of its categories.

Today, an effective AI leader also needs to understand people, business, ethics, investment and long-term strategy.

The first four AIQ Talks speakers bring together very different areas of expertise: insurance, digital technology, manufacturing, and economics. That diversity is what makes the conversation around AI more meaningful. AI is no longer limited to technology companies or engineering teams. It is becoming part of how businesses operate, how industries grow, and how economies evolve. These four speakers are part of an eight-speaker line-up for the upcoming AIQ Talks. More speakers will be featured as the series continues, bringing even more perspectives to the conversation around India’s AI future. The larger question is no longer simply what AI can do. It is how leaders across industries will use it to create meaningful change and what that transformation will mean for India’s businesses, workforce, and economy. Nominations are open now. Submit Your Nomination Here : https://toievents.indiatimes.com/ai-quotient-awards Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.