India’s technology industry association Nasscom has appointed Srikanth Velamakanni, co-founder of analytics firm Fractal, as its new chairman, signaling an increased focus on artificial intelligence and data-led innovation at a time of rapid global technological change.
According to the article titled “Nasscom appoints Fractal cofounder Srikanth Velamakanni as chairman” published by The Economic Times, Velamakanni succeeds Rajesh Nambiar in the role. His elevation reflects the industry body’s intent to align more closely with emerging technology priorities, particularly in areas such as AI, digital transformation, and global capability building.
Velamakanni brings decades of experience in building analytics-driven enterprises, having co-founded Fractal in 2000 and grown it into a globally recognized artificial intelligence and advanced analytics company. His appointment comes as India’s technology sector navigates a complex environment shaped by generative AI advances, evolving client expectations, and geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
In his new role, Velamakanni is expected to guide Nasscom’s strategic direction, including strengthening India’s position as a global digital talent hub and advancing policy advocacy around responsible AI adoption. The industry body has increasingly emphasized the need to balance innovation with governance, particularly as enterprises accelerate AI integration.
The Economic Times report noted that Nasscom continues to play a central role in representing India’s $250 billion-plus technology industry, which is seeking to sustain growth while transitioning toward higher-value digital services. Velamakanni’s leadership is likely to prioritize collaboration between industry, government, and academia to address talent gaps and support next-generation capabilities.
His appointment also underscores a broader shift within the sector toward leaders with deep expertise in data science and AI, as Indian IT firms reposition themselves beyond traditional outsourcing models. As the global technology landscape evolves, Nasscom’s leadership choices are being closely watched for signals about the industry’s strategic priorities in the coming years.
