Top 10 Roles Kris Gopalakrishnan Plays Beyond Infosys – From Philanthropy to Policy

Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder of Infosys and one of India’s most respected technology leaders, is widely recognized for transforming the global perception of Indian IT services. But his legacy doesn’t stop at Infosys. After decades of steering the company to global success, Gopalakrishnan transitioned into a multi-dimensional role that spans philanthropy, entrepreneurship, policy advocacy, and deep technology.

This blog explores the top 10 impactful roles Kris Gopalakrishnan plays beyond Infosys, showcasing his dedication to building a knowledge-driven, ethical, and innovation-led India.

1. Championing Neuroscience Through the Pratiksha Trust

One of Gopalakrishnan’s most remarkable contributions is through the Pratiksha Trust, a philanthropic initiative he established with his family. The trust funds scientific research, education, and healthcare—especially in the area of brain sciences and aging.

His landmark contribution to the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) enables advanced neurological research in Alzheimer’s, dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders. This rare intersection of technology and human health reflects his visionary approach to philanthropy.

2. Co-Founder of Axilor Ventures – Powering Startups

In 2014, Kris Gopalakrishnan co-founded Axilor Ventures, an early-stage startup accelerator and seed fund. Focused on nurturing India’s next generation of entrepreneurs, Axilor has:

• Supported 150+ startups in AI, healthtech, edtech, SaaS, and fintech.
• Created a powerful platform for seed funding and mentorship.
• Played a pivotal role in India’s deep-tech and innovation startup ecosystem.

Through Axilor, Gopalakrishnan fosters disruptive ideas and nurtures founders solving complex, high-impact problems.

3. Visionary Leader in Deep Tech and AI Research

Beyond entrepreneurship, Gopalakrishnan is deeply invested in deep technology and artificial intelligence. He funded the Kris Gopalakrishnan Centre for Deep Learning and Data Science at IIT Madras, his alma mater. The centre:

• Drives interdisciplinary research in machine learning and big data.
• Supports PhD programs and fellowships.
• Builds India’s academic foundation for next-gen AI breakthroughs.

He believes India must not only adopt technology but also invent it—and this investment proves his commitment.

4. National Policy Advisor on AI, Data, and Innovation

Kris Gopalakrishnan plays an active role in shaping India’s tech and data policies. He chaired the Committee on Non-Personal Data Governance Framework under the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), providing crucial guidance on:

• Data sharing ethics.
• Data monetization for public good.
• Frameworks for digital sovereignty and trust.

His policy work bridges business, innovation, and governance, helping India navigate the complexities of AI, privacy, and national data infrastructure.

5. Education Reformer and Academic Patron

Gopalakrishnan has extended his influence into education with strategic support to premier institutions such as:

• IIT Madras – Supporting advanced research in AI and innovation labs.
• IISc Bangalore – Funding brain science and computational biology.
• IIIT-Bangalore – Contributing to curriculum design and industry partnerships.

He believes India’s growth must be rooted in a strong academic foundation. His endowments, chairs, and labs ensure Indian students can access world-class research facilities at home.

6. Chair of the Global Innovation & Technology Alliance (GITA)

Gopalakrishnan chairs GITA, a public-private partnership between CII and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The alliance:

• Encourages global R&D collaboration.
• Promotes applied innovation in industries.
• Provides funding for commercialization of indigenous technologies.

Through GITA, he promotes an innovation-first culture in Indian enterprises and builds bridges between academia, industry, and government.

7. President of CII and Industry Thought Leader

As the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in 2013-14, Gopalakrishnan:

• Advocated for digital transformation across sectors.
• Pushed for innovation in Indian manufacturing.
• Led trade delegations and global partnerships.

He remains one of the most trusted industry voices, regularly contributing to discussions on technology’s role in India’s GDP growth, employment generation, and ethical development.

8. Supporting India's Health and Biomedical Innovation

Beyond neuroscience, Gopalakrishnan supports innovation in biomedical engineering and healthtech startups through:

• Research grants.
• Support for biomedical incubators.
• Investment in health-focused AI solutions via Axilor.

He encourages convergence between life sciences and engineering, believing India can lead in affordable healthcare innovation for the Global South.

9. Board Member and Advisor to Global Institutions

Gopalakrishnan sits on the boards of several prestigious organizations, including:

• World Economic Forum (WEF) panels on future of jobs and digital economy.
• MIT’s External Advisory Board on AI and Ethics.
• Indian government think tanks like NITI Aayog and DST Innovation councils.

His international advisory roles reflect his status as a global thought leader in technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.

10. Cultural and Social Impact Champion

Apart from his work in tech and science, Gopalakrishnan supports Indian arts, literature, and heritage initiatives. His philanthropy extends to:

• Promoting Indian classical music and art forms.
• Supporting language-based learning initiatives.
• Encouraging tech integration in cultural preservation.

He strongly believes that while India competes globally in technology, it must also preserve its unique cultural identity.

Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Corporate Success

Kris Gopalakrishnan’s influence goes far beyond Infosys. He represents a rare breed of leaders who successfully bridge:

• Business and research.
• Private enterprise and public policy.
• Innovation and ethics.

By dedicating his post-Infosys years to nation-building efforts—through philanthropy, education, policy, and entrepreneurship—he has redefined what legacy leadership looks like in 21st-century India.

He is not just a co-founder of Infosys. He’s a founder of ideas, ecosystems, and institutions that will shape India’s future for decades to come.