Nandan Nilekani

Nandan Nilekani is an Indian entrepreneur, technologist, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Infosys and the architect of India's Aadhaar digital identification system. Born on June 2, 1955, in Bangalore, India, Nilekani is widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to the Indian information technology industry and his efforts to drive social and economic development through technology and innovation. With a background in computer science and a passion for entrepreneurship, he has become a prominent figure in the Indian and global business communities.

Early Life and Education

Nandan Nilekani was born and raised in Bangalore, where he developed an early interest in mathematics and technology. After completing his primary and secondary education, he pursued higher studies in India, earning a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. His education provided him with a strong foundation in engineering and technology.

Career

Nilekani's career in the technology industry began in the 1970s when he joined Patni Computer Systems, a leading software services company in India. In 1981, he co-founded Infosys Technologies Limited with six other entrepreneurs, including Narayana Murthy. Under Nilekani's leadership as CEO and later as co-chairman, Infosys grew rapidly, becoming one of the largest and most respected IT services companies in the world.

In addition to his role at Infosys, Nilekani played a key role in shaping India's digital transformation as the chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). He led the development and implementation of Aadhaar, India's biometric-based identification system, which has become the world's largest digital identity program, providing over a billion Indian residents with a unique identification number linked to their biometric data.

Philanthropy and Other Activities

Nandan Nilekani is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives aimed at promoting education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and digital inclusion in India. He and his wife, Rohini Nilekani, have donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes through their philanthropic foundation, EkStep, which focuses on leveraging technology to improve access to education and literacy for underserved communities.

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Nilekani is a member of various industry associations, advisory boards, and committees, where he provides guidance and support to initiatives aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in India and the global technology industry.

Wealth

Nandan Nilekani's entrepreneurial success and leadership roles have translated into significant wealth, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in India. As of 2024, his net worth exceeds several billion dollars, primarily derived from his ownership stake in Infosys and its affiliated businesses. His wealth portfolio includes investments in various sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and philanthropy.

Personal Life

Nandan Nilekani maintains a relatively private personal life and prefers to keep a low profile outside of his business endeavors. He is married to Rohini Nilekani, a philanthropist and author, and they have children. Despite his immense wealth and influence, Nilekani remains committed to his corporate responsibilities and philanthropic endeavors, with a long-term vision for the continued growth and success of Infosys and its contributions to the Indian technology ecosystem.

Nandan Nilekani's entrepreneurial journey from co-founding Infosys to leading India's digital transformation exemplifies the transformative power of technology and innovation in driving social and economic development. His impact on the Indian and global technology industries, as well as his contributions to philanthropy and social welfare, continue to inspire entrepreneurs, technologists, and leaders around the world, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and impact.