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Philips CEO: India Poised to Lead Global AI Development, Especially in Healthcare

Roy Jakobs, CEO of Royal Philips, stated that India is exceptionally well-positioned to take a global leadership role in developing Artificial Intelligence. He highlighted that Philips's largest population of software innovators, based in India, is now focused on AI development. Jakobs identified healthcare as the primary sector that will benefit most from AI to address challenges like patient volume and cost. He emphasized that AI can digitize services to extend care beyond cities into rural areas, making healthcare more accessible.

Key Points: India to Lead Global AI Development, Says Philips CEO

  • India's software strength positions it for AI leadership
  • Healthcare is the primary sector for AI benefit
  • AI can make healthcare accessible in rural areas
  • A collaborative ecosystem is needed for responsible AI
2 min read

"India positioned to take leadership role in developing AI for the world", says Philips CEO Roy Jakobs

Philips CEO Roy Jakobs says India is positioned to develop AI for the world, with healthcare as the primary sector to benefit from innovation.

"I strongly believe that India should be a powerhouse in AI. - Roy Jakobs"

New Delhi, February 19

India has always been a powerhouse in software and is now positioned to take a leadership role in developing Artificial Intelligence for the world, said Roy Jakobs, CEO of Royal Philips, on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI at the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Jakobs said, "I strongly believe that India should be a powerhouse in AI. India has always been a powerhouse in software. I think India is very well positioned to take a leadership role, not only developing AI for India, but also developing AI for the world."

Jakobs noted that Philips, which has operated in India for 97 years, maintains its largest population of software innovators in the country. These innovators are currently focused on AI development. "As Philips, we have been in India for 97 years. We have the biggest population of software innovators in India, and they're now working on AI," Jakobs said.

The CEO highlighted healthcare as the primary sector that stands to benefit from these technological advancements. "Healthcare is, in my view, the primary area that will benefit most, but also have the most necessity to use AI for the big challenges we have in healthcare. There are too many patients, too many disease states and not enough people, but also not enough cost to take care of that. So innovation and AI innovation have to step in to really help solve that problem," he explained.

Regarding the impact on the global South, Jakobs emphasised that AI can make healthcare more accessible to large populations. He stated that the technology allows for the digitisation of services, moving care away from centralised hospitals and into rural areas.

"You can actually serve all of India, not only the populated cities," he said, adding that AI brings healthcare to the people instead of requiring people to travel to hospitals.

Jakobs also stressed the importance of a collaborative ecosystem involving the government and policymakers to ensure AI progresses in a responsible manner. He noted that forums like the AI Summit are critical for bringing together stakeholders to navigate the development of the technology.

"Innovation and AI innovation have to step in to really help solve that problem," Jakobs said in reference to global healthcare demands.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Absolutely! Our IITs and young engineers are second to none. But we need more than just talent - we need government policies that support startups and protect data privacy. The potential for telemedicine in villages is huge.
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Rohit P
Hope this isn't just corporate talk. Many MNCs say nice things but their R&D budgets still flow mostly to their home countries. Philips has been here 97 years, true, but actions matter more. Let's see real investment in Indian-led AI research centers, not just outsourcing.
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Sarah B
As someone working in tech between Bangalore and San Francisco, I see this daily. The problem-solving mindset here, especially for scalable, low-cost solutions, is unique. AI for healthcare in India could become a blueprint for the entire developing world.
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Vikram M
My father is a doctor in a small town. He struggles with patient overload. An AI assistant for preliminary checks could be a game-changer. Proud to see our country leading in meaningful tech, not just apps for delivery. 🙏
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Karthik V
The key is "responsible manner" as he said. We must develop our own ethical frameworks for AI, suited to our diverse society. Can't just copy Western models. Collaboration between govt, companies, and academia is crucial.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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