Bengaluru: Stressing the need to strengthen India's deep-tech and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, Krish Gopalakrishnan on Tuesday said building a robust research and entrepreneurship ecosystem is crucial for the country's long-term economic growth.

The co-founder of Infosys said new platforms are emerging that connect industries with startups by allowing companies to share real-world challenges and seek innovative solutions. Such initiatives not only foster innovation but also encourage entrepreneurship, he said.

Noting that deep-tech companies often originate from research conducted in universities and scientific institutions, Gopalakrishnan underlined the need to convert research into innovative products and technologies. A strong ecosystem would attract investments from both domestic and global investors, he added.

Addressing concerns over job losses due to AI and automation, he said the IT and BPO sectors may witness a temporary dip in employment over the next two years. However, in the long term, IT services are expected to expand, leading to overall job growth.

He urged students and IT professionals to upgrade their AI skills, stating that learning AI tools today is as essential as mastering basic software applications in the past. Strengthening research, innovation and investment in AI and healthcare can help India achieve developed nation status by 2047, he added.