My speech at World Digital Fest Summit, MIT, Jan 2025
It’s an absolute honor to stand here at MIT, a place where the future is not just imagined but built. MIT isn’t just a university — it’s a powerhouse of innovation. MIT researchers were behind the invention of radar, the development of the first computer, and even the creation of the World Wide Web. Let’s not forget that MIT alumni have founded over 30,000 active companies, generating annual revenues of nearly $2 trillion. To put that into perspective, if MIT were a country, its economic impact would rank among the top 10 nations in the world.
But what truly sets MIT apart is its culture of solving the impossible. From sending the first human to the moon to pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and renewable energy, MIT has consistently pushed the boundaries of what humanity can achieve. Standing here, I can’t help but feel inspired.
We live in a time of unprecedented change. Technology is evolving faster than ever, and it’s reshaping every aspect of our lives — from how we work and communicate to how we solve the world’s most pressing challenges. But with this rapid transformation comes a critical question: Are we preparing our children to not just adapt to this change, but to lead it?
At Cyber Square, we believe the answer lies in education. Not just any education, but one that equips young minds with computational thinking, coding skills, and a deep understanding of technology. We’re not just teaching kids how to use technology; we’re teaching them how to create it. Because the future doesn’t belong to those who consume technology — it belongs to those who innovate with it.
At Cyber Square, we believe the future belongs to those who create it — so we start early. We’ve seamlessly integrated coding, AI, and robotics into the school curriculum in the year 2014, striving to make them as important as maths and English. While these subjects are taught for five or more periods a week, we ensure at least one or two periods of coding and AI are compulsory in schools. Why? Because the earlier students dive in, the more fluent they become — just like learning their mother tongue. When introduced early, technology isn’t intimidating — it’s instinctive. It’s not just something they use; it’s something they master. By the time these students reach high school, they’re not just learning about AI — they’re building AI models. They’re not just reading about robotics — they’re designing robots. This early and consistent exposure ensures that they don’t just keep up with the future — they define it.
But none of this would be possible without the collective effort of educators, school leaders, and parents. Today, I’m happy to see some of these incredible individuals here with us, including principals, directors from India, UAE, Saudi Arabia and USA, as well as other educators who are shaping the future of education. Educators, you are the architects of this transformation. You bring technology into the classroom, inspire creativity, and ignite curiosity in young minds. And parents, you are the foundation of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and belief in the power of education empower your children to dream bigger and achieve more. Together, you are creating a generation of innovators who will shape the world of tomorrow.
We also understand the importance of global exposure in preparing students for a connected world. That’s why we strive to connect our students with global opportunities, including learning from institutions like MIT. After all, if you’re going to dream big, why not dream MIT big? By exposing them to world-class innovation and thought leadership, we help them dream bigger, think broader, and aim higher.
Here’s the thing: technology alone is not enough. The true power of innovation lies in its ability to solve real-world problems. That’s why, at Cyber Square, we focus on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. We encourage students to think beyond the screen, to ask questions like, How can we use AI to combat climate change? How can blockchain ensure transparency in governance? How can we build a more inclusive digital world?
These are the kinds of questions that will define the future. And the answers will come from young minds — minds like those here at MIT, and minds in classrooms around the world.
But let’s be honest: the journey isn’t easy. The digital divide is real. Access to quality education and technology is still a privilege, not a right. That’s why we at Cyber Square are committed to making coding and digital literacy accessible to every child, regardless of their background. Because talent is universal, but opportunity is not. And it’s our responsibility to change that.
As leaders, educators, and innovators, we have a shared mission: to create a future where every child has the tools and the confidence to shape the world they want to live in. A future where technology is a force for good, and where innovation is driven by purpose.
So, I leave you with this thought: The future is not something we wait for — it’s something we build. And together, we can build a future that is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing the incredible impact each of you will make in the years to come.