In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping every aspect of modern life, India has emerged as a hotbed of tech talent. Yet, a significant portion of that talent continues to migrate overseas in search of better opportunities. Venture capitalist Rajat Khare, the founder of Boundary Holding, believes that this ongoing brain drain is one of the biggest challenges holding India back from becoming a global AI leader. His vision is simple but powerful: retain talent, invest locally, and foster innovation at home.
The AI Potential of India
India produces millions of STEM graduates each year. The country is home to prestigious institutions like the IITs and IISc, which regularly churn out some of the world’s brightest minds. Indian professionals already play crucial roles in global tech companies, leading research in machine learning, robotics, and AI development.
But Rajat Khare asks the essential question: "If India can educate and nurture these minds, why can’t it also provide the ecosystem they need to innovate here?"
Understanding Brain Drain in Tech
Brain drain refers to the migration of skilled professionals from their home country to more developed nations for better pay, research opportunities, or working conditions. For decades, Indian tech talent has fueled innovation in Silicon Valley and European tech hubs. While this reflects the strength of India’s education system, it also highlights the domestic gap in infrastructure and investment.
Khare believes this trend can be reversed with targeted action from both the public and private sectors. His approach focuses on building AI ecosystems in India that match the opportunity and quality found abroad.
Rajat Khare's Vision for Retaining Talent
As a venture capitalist, Rajat Khare has a track record of investing in AI-powered startups across Europe and Asia. Through Boundary Holding, he funds companies involved in defense tech, predictive analytics, robotics, and industrial automation.
His key recommendation for India: "Create an environment where innovation is valued, rewarded, and protected."
This includes:
Funding early-stage AI startups within India
Partnering with academia to create industry-ready research hubs
Establishing strong IP frameworks so that innovators feel secure
Encouraging government policy reforms to support deep-tech industries
India’s Role in the Global AI Landscape
Globally, AI is projected to contribute over $15 trillion to the world economy by 2030, according to PwC. Rajat Khare sees India as a critical player in this revolution—not just as a service provider, but as a technology creator.
He emphasizes that India must own its AI narrative by developing homegrown solutions for problems in healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and smart cities.
Building the Infrastructure to Keep Innovators at Home
According to Khare, solving the brain drain issue is not only about financial incentives—it’s about creating an inspiring and enabling environment. This means:
World-class AI research parks
Public-private innovation zones
AI mentorship and incubation programs for young technologists
Tax and policy benefits for AI-focused enterprises
He argues that Indian investors and policymakers should think long-term—investing in deep-tech innovation rather than short-term gains from IT services or software outsourcing.
The Role of Venture Capital in AI Growth
Venture capital plays a vital role in shaping emerging technologies. Rajat Khare's own journey with Boundary Holding reflects this power. By funding AI startups globally, he understands what ecosystems thrive on—access to capital, mentorship, talent pools, and a risk-taking mindset.
By channeling these investments back to India, Khare believes the country can build an AI future that competes globally. India must become not just a source of coders but a center of invention.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Rajat Khare’s belief is not just a theory—it’s a call to action. If India wants to lead the global AI revolution, it must first stop the continuous outflow of its best minds. That means investing in local talent, building world-class AI labs, and fostering a culture of innovation from within.
By doing so, India can shift from being the world’s back-office to becoming the global nerve center of AI development. The future is bright, but only if we choose to build it at home.