From G20 leadership to blockbuster VFX: Meet the speakers at AIQ Talks by TOI AI Quotient Awards 2026

Artificial intelligence is no longer limited to technology companies or coding labs. It is influencing government policy, education, e-commerce, entertainment and almost every part of modern life. AIQ Talks, part of the TOI AI Quotient Awards 2026, brings together voices from these different worlds to explore how AI is shaping the future. The speaker lineup features eight accomplished leaders and experts with experience across technology, policy, business, education and creative industries. In this first part, we introduce four of the eight AIQ Talks speakers. The remaining four speakers will be featured separately.Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog and India's former G20 Sherpa, has played an important role in shaping India's economic and technology journey. During his tenure as CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016 to 2022, he was associated with major national initiatives, including Make in India, Startup India, and Incredible India. As India's G20 Sherpa, he represented the country at a crucial global platform and was closely involved in India's G20 presidency in 2023. His experience gives the jury a strong policy and governance perspective. His understanding of India's digital transformation and innovation ecosystem will be particularly relevant when assessing how technology can create wider economic and social impact.Vishal Talwar, Chief Operating Officer of the University of Southampton, brings a different but equally important perspective to the jury. The University of Southampton is a leading research-intensive university in the UK and a member of the Russell Group. Talwar's role involves overseeing strategic and operational functions that support the institution's academic mission. His experience sits at the intersection of technology, education, and institutional transformation. As AI reshapes classrooms, research, digital infrastructure, and the future of work, his perspective can help assess how organisations are adapting to these changes and using technology responsibly and effectively.When AI is used by millions of people every day, its impact can be seen in everything from recommendations to logistics. Balaji Thiagarajan, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Flipkart, brings direct experience of building technology at this scale. At Flipkart, he leads product and technology functions across areas that power India's vast e-commerce ecosystem. His work involves product development, engineering, and data and AI capabilities that support personalisation, supply chains, customer experiences, and seller enablement. His presence on the jury adds the perspective of a technology leader who understands what it takes to turn AI and data into products that work for millions of users.AI is not limited to business and technology. It is also transforming creative industries, and Srinivas Mohan brings decades of experience from the world of visual effects. Known for his work as a VFX supervisor on major Indian films including 'Robot,' 'Baahubali,' and 'RRR', Mohan has helped push the technical boundaries of Indian cinema. His experience represents another side of innovation: using advanced technology to turn ambitious creative ideas into something audiences can see and experience. His understanding of visual effects and filmmaking technology adds a valuable creative perspective to the jury.What makes this first group of jury members particularly interesting is the range of their experience. Amitabh Kant brings a 'policy and national transformation' perspective. Vishal Talwar represents 'education and institutional leadership.' Balaji Thiagarajan brings 'large-scale product and technology expertise,' while Srinivas Mohan represents 'creative technology and visual innovation.' Together, they offer four different ways of looking at AI, from government and education to business and entertainment.The TOI AI Quotient Awards 2026 have a total of "eight distinguished speakers/jury members". The remaining four bring their own expertise and perspectives to the table and will be explored in the next part. For organisations and leaders participating in the awards, that diversity matters. AI impact cannot be measured through one lens alone. It requires an understanding of strategy, technology, people, creativity, and the larger world in which these innovations operate. The first four names already show the breadth of expertise behind the TOI AI Quotient Awards 2026. The remaining four complete the picture.Nominations are open now. Submit Your Nomination Here: toievents.indiatimes.com/ai-quotient-awards