Bhavish Aggarwal’s Vision: Driving India’s Leadership in AI and EV with Ola and Krutrim

Bhavish Aggarwal, the visionary founder of Ola, has outlined a transformative roadmap to position India as a global leader in two of the most revolutionary sectors of our time: artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs). In a recent interview at the prestigious Business Today India@100 summit, Aggarwal shared his ambitious plans for both Ola Electric and his latest venture, Krutrim, aimed at building India’s AI ecosystem from the ground up.

A Bold Vision for India’s Technological Future

Aggarwal is widely recognized as one of India’s most forward-thinking entrepreneurs, with Ola having already made its mark as a disruptor in the mobility sector. However, his ambitions go far beyond ride-hailing services. Aggarwal now seeks to catapult India into a leadership position in global AI development and EV production, sectors poised to define the future of technology and environmental sustainability.

Aggarwal’s dual focus on these areas stems from his belief that India, with its vast talent pool and growing technological ecosystem, can become a global hub for both AI innovation and sustainable energy solutions. He envisions India as not just a consumer of global technologies but as a major producer and leader, positioning Indian companies like Ola at the forefront of the technological revolution.

Expanding Ola Electric: Leading the EV Revolution in India

Ola Electric, which recently made its debut on the Indian stock market, has already seen its stock value double, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s vision and growth potential. Ola Electric’s mission is simple yet bold: to democratize electric mobility, particularly in the developing world, while tackling the critical issue of climate change.

Aggarwal has often contrasted his company’s mission with that of Tesla. While Tesla’s focus is on serving affluent markets in the West, Aggarwal is committed to addressing the needs of the developing world. “Tesla is for the West, Ola is for the rest,” he remarked, highlighting his belief that the future of EVs lies in affordable, innovative solutions tailored for the majority of the global population, especially in countries like India.

Ola’s product lineup reflects this philosophy, with two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and small cars designed to meet the transportation needs of the average Indian consumer. These vehicles will be powered by cutting-edge battery technology developed at Ola’s giga factory, the first of its kind in India. Over the next decade, Ola Electric aims to expand its Li-ion cell production to 100 GWh, underscoring its commitment to leading the EV revolution not just in India but globally.

Krutrim: A New Venture to Build India’s AI Infrastructure

While Aggarwal’s efforts in the EV space are well-known, his ambitions for AI are equally far-reaching. Krutrim, Aggarwal’s latest venture, aims to build an indigenous AI tech stack for India, challenging the dominance of global technology giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. According to Aggarwal, India has long relied on foreign technologies without fully understanding the long-term consequences of such dependence.

In his interview, Aggarwal pointed out a startling disparity: while India generates 20% of the world’s data, only 10% of that data is stored in the country. This, he argues, Is a new form of digital colonialism, where valuable data generated in India is controlled and utilized by foreign companies. The solution, Aggarwal believes, lies in developing India’s own AI infrastructure an endeavor Krutrim is spearheading.

Aggarwal stressed the importance of data sovereignty, warning that India’s future in the global digital economy depends on its ability to control its data and build homegrown technologies. Krutrim’s goal is to enable India to harness its vast data resources, develop proprietary AI technologies, and ultimately become a global leader in AI.

AI and EV: India’s Twin Pillars for Global Leadership

Aggarwal’s vision for India extends beyond just business success for Ola or Krutrim. He sees the development of AI and EV as the twin pillars that will secure India’s leadership in the global technology landscape. While India has benefited from the global IT services boom becoming a key player in a $30 trillion global tech industry , its IT services market cap still represents only 1% of the global tech landscape.

For Aggarwal, this needs to change. He advocates for a shift in India’s role, from a service provider to a technology leader. India’s vast population, rich talent pool, and growing technological infrastructure give it a unique opportunity to become a global powerhouse in both AI and EV production. Aggarwal’s strategic investments in Ola Electric and Krutrim are aimed at positioning India at the forefront of these industries, ensuring the country is not just a follower but a leader in global innovation.

The Global Impact: AI, EVs, and Climate Change

Both AI and EVs hold the potential to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, particularly climate change. Aggarwal’s vision for Ola Electric aligns closely with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to more sustainable energy sources. By creating affordable electric vehicles tailored for developing markets, Ola Electric is not only contributing to the fight against climate change but also ensuring that sustainable mobility solutions are accessible to billions of people around the world.

Meanwhile, Krutrim’s efforts in AI could have equally transformative effects. AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, improve healthcare, enhance education, and create new economic opportunities. By building India’s AI infrastructure, Krutrim is positioning the country to take full advantage of these opportunities, ensuring that India’s technological future is in its own hands.

Conclusion: A Bold New Era for India’s Technological Future

Bhavish Aggarwal’s ambitious plans for Ola Electric and Krutrim represent a bold new era for India’s technological future. By focusing on electric vehicles and artificial intelligence, Aggarwal is positioning India to lead in two of the most transformative sectors of the 21st century. His vision for Ola Electric as a solution for the “rest of the world” and Krutrim’s role in building India’s AI ecosystem reflect a commitment to ensuring that India is not just a participant in the global technology landscape but a leader.

As India continues to evolve as a technological powerhouse, Aggarwal’s efforts will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future. With strong investor confidence, groundbreaking projects, and a clear vision for the future, both Ola Electric and Krutrim are set to redefine India’s role in the global economy, ensuring that India not only keeps pace with global innovation but leads the way.