Ayesha Khanna

Dr. Ayesha Khanna is a prominent AI entrepreneur, advisor, and advocate for women in technology. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Addo AI, a globally recognised artificial intelligence (AI) consulting firm. Addo AI was featured by Forbes as one of Asia's leading AI companies. She advises corporations and governments on AI, smart cities, and emerging technologies. Her clients include Pfizer, Smart Dubai, Singtel, and SMRT.

Dr. Khanna serves on several boards, including Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), where she is a member of the Governance Committee, and NEOM Tonomous in Saudi Arabia, where she chairs the Investment Committee for the $500 billion smart city project. She also advises L’Oréal on the future of disruptive technologies as a Scientific Advisory Board Member.

Dr. Khanna has authored two books: Straight Through Processing and Hybrid Reality. She is also working on a new book, U+AI, focusing on generative AI’s impact. Her insights have been featured in global publications such as The New York Times and Forbes.

In Singapore, Dr. Khanna has played key roles in government initiatives. She served on the boards of the Infocomm Media Development Authority and the Health Promotion Board. She contributed to the SkillsFuture programme, aligning education with economic needs for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

She is the founder of 21st Century Girls, a charity teaching coding and AI to young women, and currently leads Amplify, a platform empowering women to upskill for AI-driven careers.

Her educational qualifications include a BA in Economics from Harvard University, an MS in Operations Research from Columbia University, and a PhD in Information Systems from the London School of Economics.Dr. Khanna is a recognised thought leader on AI and technology, with her work influencing industries, governments, and communities worldwide.

Dr Ayesha Khanna is a globally recognised expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, known for her contributions to AI innovation, advisory roles, and advocacy for women in technology.

Dr Khanna was born and raised in Singapore. Her early education laid a strong foundation for her career in technology and data science. She earned a BA in Economics (Honours) from Harvard University, an MS in Operations Research from Columbia University, and a PhD in Information Systems from the London School of Economics, focusing on digital innovation in smart cities.

In 2017, Dr. Khanna co-founded Addo AI, a Singapore-based AI consulting firm. Addo AI was recognised by Forbes as one of Asia's leading AI companies. Under her leadership, the firm provided strategic advisory to multinational companies and governments, helping them adopt AI to optimise operations and enhance decision-making. Her clients include Pfizer, Smart Dubai, Singtel, SMRT, and SOMPO.

Dr. Khanna has also served on various boards. She is a Governance Committee Member at Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) and the Chairwoman of the Investment Committee for NEOM Tonomous in Saudi Arabia, overseeing technology infrastructure for the $500 billion smart city project. Additionally, she is a Scientific Advisory Board Member for L’Oréal, advising on technological trends and innovations.

Dr. Khanna has authored two books: Straight Through Processing (2008), focusing on financial technology, and Hybrid Reality: Thriving in the Emerging Human-Technology Civilisation (2012). She is currently working on a new book, U+AI, examining generative AI's effects on work and relationships. Her insights have been published in The New York Times, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review.

In Singapore, Dr. Khanna contributed to the SkillsFuture programme, aligning education with economic needs for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She served on the boards of the Infocomm Media Development Authority, Health Promotion Board, and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, where she leads the AI and Digital Committee.

Dr. Khanna is deeply committed to empowering women in technology. She founded 21st Century Girls, a charity offering free coding and AI training to thousands of girls. Currently, she is developing Amplify, a platform for mid-career women to upskill for AI-driven careers.

Today, Dr. Ayesha Khanna continues to lead Addo AI and provide strategic advisory on AI, smart cities, and the metaverse, shaping the future of technology and innovation globally.

Dr. Ayesha Khanna envisions a world where technology, particularly artificial intelligence, empowers individuals and organisations to achieve their fullest potential. She strives to make AI accessible and impactful by fostering innovation, improving efficiency, and enabling smarter decision-making across industries. Her vision includes creating opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in technology through education and skills training. She is committed to building a future where AI drives sustainable growth, enhances quality of life, and bridges inequalities. Dr. Khanna believes in the ethical and inclusive use of technology to shape a better, more equitable global society.

Dr. Ayesha Khanna has received global recognition for her work in artificial intelligence and technology. She was named one of Southeast Asia’s groundbreaking female entrepreneurs by Forbes and featured in ZDF’s documentary on “Leading Women” worldwide. Her contributions to AI and smart cities have been highlighted in major publications like The New York Times, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review. Dr. Khanna was also recognised as one of Singapore’s leading women in tech by the Singapore Computer Society. Her advisory roles and thought leadership continue to influence industries, governments, and communities on a global scale.