Priya Lakhani OBE is an extraordinary entrepreneur, AI visionary, and one of the UK's leading voices on responsible innovation, leadership, and education reform. Beginning her career as a barrister specialising in libel law, Priya made the bold decision to leave legal practice in 2008 and channel her passion for purpose-driven business into founding Masala Masala, a social enterprise supplying premium Indian cooking sauces. The business combined commercial success with philanthropy, delivering millions of meals, thousands of vaccinations, and education initiatives in India and Africa. Her early success as an entrepreneur demonstrated not only sharp business acumen but also her commitment to solving global social challenges through innovative business models.
In 2013, Priya founded CENTURY Tech, an artificial intelligence-powered learning platform that revolutionises education by personalising learning pathways for students while supporting teachers with real-time data insights. Today, CENTURY operates in over 60 countries, enhancing educational outcomes and reducing teacher workload by up to six hours per week. Priya’s work has positioned her at the forefront of global discussions on the ethical integration of AI in education, drawing recognition from organisations such as the World Economic Forum, where she was named a Tech Pioneer, and MIT Solve, which awarded her team for its innovative solutions. Priya also authored the critically acclaimed book 'Inadequate: The System Failing Our Teachers and Your Children', further cementing her influence on educational policy and practice.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Priya has taken on multiple high-level advisory roles, reflecting her expertise across sectors. She has served on the UK Government’s AI Council, acted as a board member for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), and is currently a member of the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology. Her leadership extends into ethics, co-founding the Institute for Ethical AI in Education, a pioneering body advocating for responsible and transparent AI development. In recognition of her services to business, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2014.
Today, Priya is a sought-after keynote speaker, known for her ability to distil complex technological trends into clear, actionable insights. She regularly appears in the media, including as co-host of BBC’s AI Decoded, offering audiences across industries a unique blend of legal, entrepreneurial, technological, and ethical expertise. Priya’s inspiring story and forward-thinking vision empower organisations to embrace innovation responsibly while cultivating resilience, purpose, and leadership in an increasingly AI-driven world.
