Pune News: AI Will Create New Opportunities, States Ravi PanditÂ

Pune News: AI Will Create New Opportunities, States Ravi PanditÂ
Pune, 21 January 2025 : “Pune has always been a hub of innovation, and it is expected to continue making great strides in the future. The information technology sector is currently at a point where new challenges are creating new opportunities. Increased use of AI will also generate significant opportunities”, said Ravi Pandit, a renowned entrepreneur in the IT sector and co-founder of KPIT. He was speaking during the award function wherein Ssoftware Exporters Association of Pune honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award recently.
The event also recognized outstanding achievements in the IT sector by presenting the SEAP Star Awards to distinguished organizations and individuals. Prominent attendees included Ajay Srivastava – Director of the Maharashtra and Goa Region, Software Technology Parks of India; Vinita Gera- President of SEAP; Anand Khandekar, Sridhar Shukla, Tarun Sharma, Shivraj Sable, Nitin Deshpande, Ashutosh Parasnis, Prashant K.S., Abhijit Atre, and Vidhyadhar Purandare.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not take away jobs, rather, it will enhance productivity”, opined Ajay Srivastava.
“Pune ranks second in the country for software exports, contributing a remarkable ₹2 trillion in exports. Bengaluru holds the top position. Efforts are needed to make Pune the leading city in software exports. He also announced that a Centre of Excellence for AI, Data Analytics, and Semiconductors is being planned in Maharashtra, with one centre being set up in Mumbai to promote startups in the IT sector”, Shrivastav added.
During the event, the SEAP Star Awards were presented in various categories. Harbinger Systems won the award for Best People Practices, while Evolent Health was recognized for Operational Excellence. Globant received the award for Best Technology and Innovation Practices. The Exemplary Woman Leader award was jointly conferred upon Dhanashree Bhat of Persistent Systems and Sonali Palkar of Globant for their notable leadership in the IT sector. Additionally, the Tech Role Model award was presented to Murari Ramuka for his significant contributions.
In the Special Mentions category, several organizations and individuals were acknowledged. Persistent Systems and Thoughtworks received special mentions for People Practices, while Persistent Systems was also recognized for Operational Excellence. Chistats earned a special mention for innovation in the Emerging Business category. For individual excellence, Sirisha Bhamidipati, Ritesh Menon and Ashish Khare were honoured.
Photo Caption : Ravi Pandit receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from SEAP. Also seen in the photo are Vinita Gera and Anand Khandekar.