“AI at scale is the next growth engine”

K. Krithivasan, CEO & MD, TCS, on leading the tech disruption and managing the fast-evolving AI landscape

- BY KRISHNA GOPALAN

Tata Consultancy Services has been the bellwether for the Indian IT industry, which is facing cost pressures and technology disruption, especially from artificial intelligence (AI). Despite this, TCS has retained its position in BT's list of the top 10 most profitable companies. K. Krithivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, explains what makes the company tick and the outlook for the future. Edited excerpts:

Q: From a strategic point of view, what has TCS got right in the last two-three years?

A: TCS has pursued a future-ready strategy built on three pillars: embedding AI at scale, bringing innovation closer to clients, and preparing our workforce for the skills of tomorrow. These aren't just ideas, but key drivers that have allowed us to thrive in an environment marked by technological disruption, shifting client priorities and global uncertainty.

We have stayed ahead by investing in AI research and innovation centres in key geographies. These are collaborative spaces where our teams and clients work to build solutions, rapidly prototype ideas, and deploy industry-specific AI capabilities at speed. This ensures that our innovations are context-rich, relevant, and immediately deployable. Enterprises that are focused on scaling up AI adoption across applications, workflows and data performance remain strong.

Q: Clearly, a lot is being done on AI...