Infosys TechForGood initiatives impact over 125M lives, focus on AI and global impact

Infosys’ TechForGood program, a core pillar of its ESG 2030 vision, has already touched over 125 million lives worldwide. In this interview, Mohammed Rafee Tarafdar, Chief Technology Officer of Infosys, discusses how platforms like MOSIP and SightConnect have been instrumental in scaling impact, the role of AI in addressing societal challenges, and the company’s strategy to expand these efforts through inclusive design, community engagement, and next-generation technologies.

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Infosys's "Tech for Good" initiatives have impacted over 125 million lives, surpassing its target. How have specific platforms like the Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) and the SightConnect app been instrumental in achieving this scale?

Our 'TechForGood' program falls under Infosys’ ESG ambitions and goals. We formulated and published our ESG vision for 2030 with multiple pillars - one of which is using technology to drive social good. TechForGood is a strategic area of focus. We believe the technology we use with clients in India and around the world can also help drive social impact and change.

SightConnect and MOSIP contributions have played pivotal roles in achieving this scale.

Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) by Indian Institute of Information Technology Bangalore enables governments to implement cost-effective, interoperable digital identity systems and is currently being adopted by 10+ countries. Infosys is contributing to MOSIP by designing and developing modules like eSignet and an Android registration client. For instance, we are working with MOSIP on a module for enabling single sign-on for using the respective country’s digital identity platform. This module allows individuals to authenticate themselves when availing government services. By verifying their identity, the system recognises them, granting access to the services they are eligible for. Additionally, we are working with MOSIP to create solutions for certifying, verifying, and managing digital credentials. Our approach involves identifying specific modules where the Infosys TechForGood team can contribute. We work closely with the MOSIP team to write open-source code, which is then integrated into their platform and distributed to various countries and stakeholders, driving digital identity initiatives worldwide.

SightConnect app, designed and launched in collaboration with the LV Prasad Eye Institute & Infosys Foundation, empowers individuals in small towns and villages to check their eyes for vision issues, cataracts, red-eye, and other conditions from the convenience of their homes. The app helps identify potential problems and guides users to a nearby vision care centre for further assistance, while supporting multiple Indian languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities. Ophthalmology expertise is provided by the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI). So far, approximately 1.72 lakh users across the country have utilised the app, with nearly 40% being referred for further medical intervention. The app now also supports eye bank functionality and is live in 5 LVPEI eye banks.

AI and open-source platforms are key to accelerating progress in healthcare, education, and governance. Could you provide a specific example of how Infosys has leveraged AI to solve a complex societal problem?

A good example in the domain of education is Infosys Springboard - an open-source platform designed to digitally skill citizens. The platform has been tailored and localised to support various Indian languages, aiming to reskill around 10 million individuals. Additionally, we conduct on-the-ground initiatives through Springboard. For instance, our team is collaborating with the Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka to provide skill development programs for prison inmates. We also operate Springboard Lab on Wheels, a mobile unit equipped with Raspberry Pi devices, bringing education directly to villages and remote communities. AI is used within the Infosys Springboard platform to provide personalised learning experiences. It tracks learner progress, offers tailored recommendations, and ensures accurate and consistent evaluations through AI-proctored certification exams. These AI-driven features make education more engaging and accessible, especially for rural and underserved populations.

Another example is how Infosys Foundation has made AI integral to the SightConnect app, where the technology powers features like triaging, visual acuity tests, and accessibility across multiple Indian languages. The app uses AI to detect conditions like cataracts and red-eye, and even measures the distance between the smartphone camera and the user's eye for accurate diagnostics. This innovative use of AI has enabled early detection and intervention for eye-related issues, significantly improving healthcare outcomes in underserved communities.

In the realm of e-governance, as mentioned earlier, Infosys has contributed to the Modular Open-Source Identity Platform. We are collaborating with the Indian Institute of Information Technology, BanBengale, to build a digital identity for citizens across the world. 

What are the key strategies you use to ensure these technologies are not only accessible but also actively used and trusted by the communities they are designed to serve?

All the ‘TechForGood’ initiatives are designed and rolled out keeping in mind the needs and environment of the target user base, communities. The digital platforms are designed to be available anytime, anywhere and on any device. They have a lightweight memory footprint, support vernacular languages and multiple modes – visual, audio and text- are checked against the accessibility and inclusivity guidelines and operate in both offline and online models.

Platforms like Springboard and SightConnect are designed to support multiple languages and modes (visual, audio, and text), ensuring they cater to diverse user needs. For instance, SightConnect uses the Bhashini model to overcome language barriers, making eye care accessible to India's multilingual population.

Many of Infosys' digital platforms are optimized for low-resource environments. They operate in both online and offline modes and have a lightweight memory footprint, ensuring usability even in areas with limited connectivity.

We involve target communities in the design and rollout of its initiatives. For example, the Springboard Lab on Wheels brings digital education to rural villages, while Maker Labs foster innovation among rural students by exposing them to Industry 4.0 technologies.I

The company integrates accessibility and inclusivity guidelines into its platforms and ensures compliance with global standards. Initiatives like the Accessibility Living Lab provide hands-on experiences to address accessibility gaps, fostering trust and confidence among users.

How does Infosys plan to evolve its "Tech for Good" vision? What new technologies or partnerships are you exploring to scale these initiatives for even greater global impact?

Infosys is investing in several applied research areas critical for the next 1-3 years, including advanced AI, new interaction models, autonomous machines, cybersecurity, and evolving technology spaces. These technologies will be embedded into our platforms and offerings to drive greater societal impact. We collaborate with organisations like the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ESG initiatives and with INCO to upskill job seekers in Europe. In healthcare, we are pioneering a digital cornea bank powered by agentic AI to optimise cornea preservation and distribution, reducing wastage and ensuring more donated corneas reach patients in need.

Our vision for TechForGood is focused on leveraging AI, edge computing, and robotics to address challenges in agriculture, healthcare, and education. For example, edge computing will enhance technology accessibility in remote areas, while frugal robotics will automate tasks in farming and cattle management. By leveraging these technologies and collaborations, we aim to scale these initiatives and create even greater global impact.