Athena Infonomics Appoints Nakul Jain as CEO of APLYD
Athena Infonomics has appointed Nakul Jain as Chief Executive Officer of APLYD, its dedicated platform focused on helping governments build the systems, capabilities and governance required to adopt artificial intelligence across public services.
Jain, who co-founded APLYD, will also join Athena Infonomics as a Partner. The appointment comes as governments increasingly move from experimenting with AI to integrating the technology into public institutions and services.
According to Athena Infonomics, APLYD brings together the firm's AI-related work under a dedicated identity, building on its experience of working with governments on data, digital transformation and public-sector technology.
Focus on Responsible AI Adoption in Government
Governments are increasingly looking at ways to move AI from pilot projects into practical applications across ministries and public institutions.
However, the transition requires more than technology. Governments also need appropriate policies, institutional capabilities and delivery systems to ensure AI can be deployed responsibly and at scale.
Athena Infonomics said APLYD will focus on helping public institutions build what it describes as institutional intelligence, with AI supporting decision-making, public systems and service delivery.
Nakul Jain Brings 15 Years of Public-Sector Experience
Jain brings around 15 years of experience in developing digital systems and AI solutions for the public sector.
Before joining APLYD, he served as CEO and Managing Director of Wadhwani AI Global, where he led the organization's expansion across Latin America and Africa.
Earlier, as Vice President of Products & Solutions for Wadhwani AI India, Jain oversaw more than 25 AI deployments across India, according to Athena Infonomics.
Jain said his experience working with ministries and public institutions has shown him how technology can create meaningful impact when it is designed to be accessible and focused on public needs.
He added that his focus at APLYD will be on expanding the reach of AI across ministries, districts and communities that could benefit from the technology.
Athena Infonomics Brings AI Work Under APLYD
Vijay Bhalaki, Co-Founder of Athena Infonomics and APLYD, said Jain's experience of implementing AI within government institutions would be important as APLYD expands its work.
He said the company was created to address the practical challenges involved in making AI work within government environments and at meaningful scale.
Deepa Karthykeyan, Co-Founder of Athena Infonomics and APLYD, said AI could enable governments to build on their existing use of evidence and data to strengthen institutional capabilities and decision-making.
APLYD to Expand Government AI Work Globally
Under Jain's leadership, APLYD plans to deepen Athena Infonomics' AI work with governments and public institutions.
The company said its experience includes more than 430 engagements for 259 unique clients across 69 countries.
APLYD will continue working with governments, foundations, multilateral organisations and impact-focused enterprises as it expands its AI-focused activities globally.
The appointment of Jain marks a new phase in Athena Infonomics' 16-year journey of working with governments on data, digital transformation and technology, with a greater focus on helping public institutions adopt AI responsibly and at scale.
