Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy Criticizes AI Hype in India, Calls for True Innovation

Narayana Murthy Challenges AI Hype in India

Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy has taken a strong stance against the growing artificial intelligence (AI) hype in India, cautioning that much of what is being marketed as AI is nothing more than "silly, old programs" repackaged with exaggerated claims 1

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. Speaking at TiE Con Mumbai 2025, Murthy criticized the trend of companies branding basic software as AI innovations, stating, "This fashion of labelling ordinary software as AI is misleading" 1

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Defining True AI

Murthy emphasized that genuine AI is fundamentally built on two core concepts: machine learning and deep learning 1

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. He explained that machine learning involves feeding data into algorithms to enable systems to improve through experience, while deep learning aims to mimic the workings of the human brain 1

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. "Unsupervised algorithms that use deep learning and neural networks are the ones that have much greater potential to do things that will mimic human beings better and better," Murthy elaborated 2

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Impact on Employment and Economy

While acknowledging that AI will inevitably lead to job losses in certain sectors, Murthy stressed that it can also drive economic growth if used in an assistive manner 2

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. He encouraged entrepreneurs to become job creators, stating, "I have no doubt that each of you will create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and that is how you solve the problem of poverty" 2

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Call for Innovation and Adaptation

Murthy has consistently highlighted the importance of innovation in the Indian tech industry. He urged Indian entrepreneurs to focus on developing solutions tailored to the country's unique socio-economic conditions, rather than simply replicating Western AI solutions 1

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. This approach, he believes, will be more effective in addressing local challenges and driving genuine progress.

Historical Context and Consistency

Murthy's recent comments are consistent with his long-standing views on AI and automation. Eight years ago, at the Mood Indigo fest at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B), he expressed similar sentiments, stating, "There is this whole thing about automation and artificial intelligence. That is much more hype than the reality, at least in software services" 1

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Broader Implications for India's Tech Landscape

The Infosys co-founder's remarks come at a crucial time when India's tech industry is witnessing a surge of startups and enterprises promoting AI-powered solutions 1

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. His cautionary stance serves as a reality check for the industry, encouraging a more measured and authentic approach to AI development and implementation.

By calling out the misrepresentation of basic software as AI, Murthy aims to redirect focus towards genuine innovation and the development of technologies that can truly benefit society and drive economic growth. His emphasis on job creation and poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship underscores the potential of technology to address broader societal challenges 2

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