India’s Digital Trailblazers Honored at the 32nd Dataquest ICT Awards

The 32nd Dataquest ICT Awards celebrated the visionaries and pioneers shaping India's digital and technology ecosystem. Held in New Delhi, the event recognized exceptional contributions across policy, entrepreneurship, education, and innovation in artificial intelligence, IT services, and digital transformation. These awards, hosted annually by Dataquest, India’s leading technology publication, have remained a benchmark for excellence in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) since their inception in 1982.

This year’s awards honored individuals whose work has redefined India’s technology landscape, driving policy reforms, entrepreneurial ventures, and groundbreaking research. Their contributions have positioned India as a global leader in emerging technologies, strengthening its digital economy and advancing AI-led transformation.

Ashwini Vaishnaw: IT Person of the Year

The IT Person of the Year award was conferred upon Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, for his instrumental role in shaping India’s technology-driven future. Under his leadership, India has witnessed major advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, AI adoption, and digital infrastructure.

Vaishnaw has played a pivotal role in crafting India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), spearheading initiatives in 5G rollout, indigenous chip production, and regulatory frameworks for AI and cybersecurity. His efforts in expanding electronics manufacturing have attracted global investments, making India a key player in the technology supply chain. His strategic vision continues to strengthen India’s digital economy, enhance digital inclusion, and foster technological self-reliance.

Prof. S. Sadagopan: Lifetime Achievement Award

Prof. S. Sadagopan, Founder Director of IIIT Bangalore, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering contributions to IT education and research. As the architect behind one of India’s leading technology institutions, Prof. Sadagopan has played a transformative role in shaping the future of digital education, research, and entrepreneurship.

Under his leadership, IIIT Bangalore has emerged as a hub for AI, data science, and digital governance research, fostering global collaborations with institutions like MIT and the University of Berlin. He has also driven initiatives that integrate experiential learning and entrepreneurship, ensuring that India’s workforce is equipped for the AI revolution. His contributions have bridged academic excellence and industry innovation, reinforcing India's status as a tech-driven economy.

Dr. Sridhar Mitta: Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognized for revolutionizing India's IT services sector, Dr. Sridhar Mitta, Founder & MD of NextWealth, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Dr. Mitta played a foundational role in Wipro’s transformation into a global IT powerhouse, pioneering chip design, software engineering, and R&D partnerships with global tech giants.

Through NextWealth, Dr. Mitta has redefined India’s IT workforce model by establishing technology delivery centers in tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, generating employment and decentralizing IT services. His socially-driven tech model combines AI-powered solutions with economic upliftment, setting a benchmark for inclusive growth in India’s digital economy. His contributions have not only strengthened India’s outsourcing capabilities but have also created a new paradigm in AI-driven service delivery.

Agnishwar Jayaprakash: Pathbreaker of the Year

The Pathbreaker of the Year Award was presented to Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, for transforming India's drone industry and leading its expansion into AI-driven aerial solutions.

Garuda Aerospace has pioneered AI-powered drones for agriculture, defense, and infrastructure, positioning India as a global leader in drone technology. The company holds a 55% market share in agricultural drones, with over 2,500 operational drones and 4,000 trained pilots across 400 districts.

Under Jayaprakash’s leadership, Garuda Aerospace has secured key partnerships with Lockheed Martin and Elbit Systems, enhancing India’s defense capabilities. The company is now on a trajectory to become India’s first drone unicorn, with expansion plans across 50 countries, targeting a ₹1,000 crore revenue milestone by 2025.

A Celebration of India’s Digital Future

The 32nd Dataquest ICT Awards celebrated visionary leadership, technological breakthroughs, and policy reforms shaping India’s digital economy. The contributions of Vaishnaw, Sadagopan, Mitta, and Jayaprakash underscore India’s rapid transformation into a global technology hub.

As India navigates the AI revolution, these leaders continue to drive innovation, digital inclusion, and economic progress, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of the global technology landscape.