Global software giants will emerge from India in 5-10 years: Google CEO Pichai

Asked on the next big thing at Google, Pichai said: “I can’t quite tell exactly but advances in AI and machine learning, we are making a big bet on that. Advances in machine learning will bring a difference in many many fields.”

Google Inc CEO Sundar Pichai gestures as he addresses students during a forum at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, around 120km west of Kolkata. (AFP Photo)

Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Thursday expressed confidence that big global software companies will start emerging from India in the next five to 10 years.

Pichai earned his degree in Metallurgical Engineering from IIT-Kharagpur.

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Asked on India catching up with China on the digital front, Pichai stressed the goal should be a little different.

"In five- to 10-year time frame, we will see big global software companies coming out of India and we will be used to it."

"We are focused on getting Google in as many languages as possible to ensure access to people. I would love to see cheaper smartphones, entry-level smartphones. We need to further bring prices down. Connectivity is extremely important," he said.

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Referring to the start-up scenario, the Google CEO said Indian companies should aim higher and compete with MNCs, as the Indian market is not large enough to invest in technology.

"Part of the problem is that in India, the potential is there and market is developing. It will take a few more years for it to realise it's potential. Digital market is still developing. It's a problem we run into. It's just a moment in time," he said.

"Hopefully, Indian companies are also more thoughtful so that when they produce something, they ensure that their target is areas such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. Those markets are developed. They need to set their sights a bit bigger. The trend lines are strongly in favour," he added.

On the next big thing at Google, Pichai said his organisation is "betting big" on advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in the coming years.