Futurense Introduces AI Think Tank, FLC To Bridge Talent Gap

With the Futurense Leadership Council (FLC), India would be advancing education, mentorship and innovation to close the AI skills gap and inspire future leaders
Futurense Introduces AI Think Tank, FLC To Bridge Talent Gap

Futurense has introduced the Futurense Leadership Council (FLC), India’s first AI think tank, addressing the surging demand for AI talent amid rapid technological advancements. Launched at a time when Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are expanding operations in India and intensifying the competition for top-tier AI professionals, the FLC aims to bridge the talent gap. It brings together the brightest minds in AI with a network of CXOs and industry leaders from over 40 Fortune 500 companies and MAANG firms, fostering innovation and collaboration in the field.

The brand film is now live on YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn, highlighting Futurense's commitment to societal impact. Through partnerships with leading institutions like IITs, IIMs, and top U.S. universities such as Drexel University, Rutgers University, and the University at Buffalo, the Futurense Leadership Council (FLC) aims to cultivate a sustainable pipeline of AI leaders. This initiative is designed to address industry talent demands while empowering the next generation to excel in the rapidly advancing AI landscape.

The FLC will seamlessly integrate into IIT programs in collaboration with Futurense, covering domains such as AI and Data Engineering. Students enrolled in these programs will gain exclusive access to mentorship, workshops, and masterclasses conducted by FLC members, equipping them to secure high-demand roles in the tech industry.

A key pillar of the FLC is its masterclass series, led by council leaders, which will feature prominently across all Futurense programs. These sessions will offer invaluable insights into emerging trends in AI, data science, and technology while providing students with critical networking opportunities to advance their careers.

“The members of the FLC will play an instrumental role in shaping India’s AI future. The current gap between industry needs and academic training is about 4-5 years, with academia struggling to keep up with industry developments,” explains Raghav Gupta, CEO and Founder of Futurense. "By introducing an FLC into our IIT’s partnered programs, we aim to address this as we leverage the expertise of industry leaders to design curriculum, mentor students, and provide real-world, hands-on training", he adds.

The FLC leaders are driven by a shared vision of giving back to society and fostering the next generation of Indian tech talent. Comprised of influential figures from over 40 Fortune 500 companies and unicorns, the council boasts members from renowned organizations such as Amazon, Flipkart, Google, JC Penney, Microsoft, Walmart, Myntra, Nykaa, Paytm, Aditya Birla Group, Ather Energy, TVS Motors and Lowe’s India. With a growing roster, the FLC continues to welcome leaders committed to shaping the future of tech talent in India.

Notable FLC members include:

  • Pankaj Rai, Group Chief Data Analytics Officer, Aditya Birla Group
  • Kaushik Das, Managing Director, JCPenney
  • Ishu Jain, Head of Analytics, Myntra
  • Ankit Mogra, Director of BI & Analytics, Ather
  • Indrani Goswami, Director of Analytics, Nykaa
  • Tushar Sahu, Director of Engineering, Google
  • Nithya Subramanian, Head of Data & Analytics, Kellanova
  • Anirban Nandi, Vice President, Head of AI Producers & Analytics, Rakuten
  • Vishal Nagpal, Data Science and Analytics Leader, Amazon
  • Anand Das, Chief Digital & AI Officer, TVS

FLC leaders will also play an active role in government forums, contributing to policies that bolster India's position as a global AI hub. The collaboration between industry and governance will ensure a future-ready ecosystem that evolves alongside technological advancements.

As Futurense advances its mission, the focus remains on building a robust ecosystem that bridges academia and business, addressing the rising demand for AI talent while positioning India as a global leader in the AI landscape.

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