Who is Kanishka Narayan? This Indian is leading Britain's tech revolution, becoming AI Minister

Bihar-born Kanishka Narayan has risen to one of the most influential positions in the UK government, becoming Britain's new Artificial Intelligence Minister. 

Just two years after entering Parliament, Narayan has been given a place at the Cabinet table, highlighting how crucial AI has become as countries compete to lead the next wave of technological innovation.

Announcing the appointment, Kanishka Narayan reflected on the significance of the moment, writing on X that countries have a short window of time to decide whether they will shape or be influenced by AI . Britain is in that moment right now. As long as that window is open… I will continue to focus on shaping AI.

His promotion comes after new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham made major cabinet changes. As part of the changes, the standalone Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), which was created in 2023, was abolished. 

Kanishka Narain's new role straddles both the Cabinet Office and the larger Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, placing him at the center of Britain's AI strategy.

Who is Kanishka Narayan?

Kanishk Narayan was born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, in November 1989. His family later moved to Delhi and then to Cardiff, Wales (UK) when he was 12. 

He has spoken about the difficulties his parents faced after moving to the UK, including minimum-wage and night-shift jobs. According to him, those experiences transformed his belief in social mobility and equal opportunities.

Kanishka Narayan first attended a government school in Cardiff, then won a scholarship to Eton College, one of Britain's most prestigious schools. He later studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Balliol College, Oxford University, before completing an MBA from Stanford University in the US.

What did Kanishka Narayan do?

Kanishka Narayan has built a career in finance, venture capital, and public policy. He worked at the investment bank Lazard, where he advised company boards, government finance ministries, and technology entrepreneurs in Europe and the US, focusing on AI, fintech, and climate initiatives.

He later joined venture capital firms Atomico and Clocktower Ventures, where he worked with technology startups and investment teams across Europe. 

Kanishka Narayan also served as an economist and senior advisor to the UK government, working with cabinet ministers and the Prime Minister's Office. During this time, he helped draft the UK's 25-year Environment Plan.