TIME Names “Architects of AI” as 2025 Person of the Year

TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year: The Architects of Artificial Intelligence

TIME magazine has named “The Architects of AI” as its 2025 Person of the Year , recognising individuals who are shaping artificial intelligence at the intersection of technology, governance and global power. The choice reflects AI’s transformation from a niche innovation into a force influencing daily life, geopolitics and economic systems. Among those honoured are Indian-American leaders Karandeep Anand and Sriram Krishnan , whose work represents contrasting but complementary dimensions of AI’s rise.

From Innovation to System-Level Influence

Unlike earlier recognitions focused on individual inventors, the 2025 selection acknowledges leaders who design and steer complex AI ecosystems. Artificial intelligence is now embedded in consumer platforms, state policy and global competition. Anand and Krishnan exemplify how AI leadership today requires balancing scale, ethics, regulation and social impact rather than pure technological novelty.

Karandeep Anand: AI and Human Connection

As CEO of Character.AI , Karandeep Anand has positioned AI as an interactive and emotional presence rather than just a productivity tool. His platform allows users to engage in conversational, creative and role-based interactions with AI characters. While widely adopted—especially among younger users—the platform has also sparked debate around emotional reliance, digital well-being and ethical limits. Anand’s work has placed human-centred AI design at the centre of global discussion.

Sriram Krishnan: AI as Strategic Infrastructure

In contrast, Sriram Krishnan , a senior AI adviser at the White House , focuses on artificial intelligence as national infrastructure. His work addresses policy frameworks, data centres, semiconductor supply chains and regulatory speed. With experience across Big Tech, venture capital and government, Krishnan emphasises aligning innovation with national security and global competitiveness.

Indian-American Leadership in the AI Age

Their recognition highlights the growing influence of Indian-Americans in global AI leadership, alongside figures such as Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella and Arvind Krishna , underscoring AI’s role in shaping both personal experience and international power dynamics.

Exam Oriented Facts

• TIME Person of the Year honours individuals shaping global change.

• Character.AI specialises in conversational and role-based AI.

• AI is increasingly viewed as strategic national infrastructure .

• Indian-Americans lead several major global technology platforms.