Nandan Nilekani calls for open AI framework for next-gen models

Infosys cofounder Nandan Nilekani has encouraged business leaders to move beyond the buzz around current AI tools and focus instead on creating resilient systems designed to stand the test of time.

“How do you design an architecture that allows you to bring in new AI capabilities, new models, new agents, new whatever, and make them plug into your whole architecture?” Nilekani asked during a fireside chat with Robbert van Rutten, Shell’s Chief Information and Digital Technology Officer, at Shell’s Changemakers of Tomorrow 2025 event in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

In simple terms, Nilekani is saying not to get distracted by new AI models being released every day. Instead, focus on building strong underlying systems so future technologies can plug in smoothly.

For Nilekani, the risk is not in falling behind on the latest model, but in getting locked into it. “It’s not about specific products because the products will come and go… many companies are spending billions building technology and the leads will keep changing,” he said. “The real challenge is making sure we don’t lock into that, and that we can glide on top of the changing technology.”