Wipro on Thursday launched its global Wipro Innovation Network to accelerate co-innovation with clients using cutting-edge technologies. The initiative brings together global expertise to address complex industry challenges, focusing on Agentic AI, robotics with embodied AI, quantum computing, digital ledger tech, and quantum-safe cyber resilience. Sandhya Arun, chief technology officer, Wipro spoke to Padmini Dhruvaraj about how this initiative will leverage Wipro’s broader innovation ecosystem, spanning Innovation Labs, Wipro Ventures, Topcoder, academic alliances, and a global talent pool. Excerpts:
Q You mentioned various technology networks like quantum and agentic. Which one is driving the most monetisation?
A. At this stage, it’s agentic enterprises. We see strong traction with robotics and embodied AI in some industries. Blockchain is gaining traction in BFSI, especially in Europe. Cyber resilience, AI safety, and quantum safety are also becoming key as enterprises aim to maintain trust despite varying maturity levels in these technologies.
Q Can you share something innovative Wipro is doing in agentics beyond the market?
A. We have a strategic approach called AI-powered Wipro, to deliver better for clients, operate better internally, and change the game. Agentic AI is being absorbed into IT to improve productivity, efficiency, and quality. We’re also transforming enablement functions like HR, finance, and marketing. We have solutions like agentic AI SDLC – evolving from human-led work to fully autonomous AI with human oversight. AI in IT operations is gaining traction too, with agents doing more decision-making and preventative actions. Internally, our marketing and CFO teams use agentic AI; recruitment is next. We’re also deploying unique solutions like Inspect AI, for example in oil & gas flare monitoring via drones.
Q What internal efficiencies are you seeing from agentic AI when delivering to clients and what efficiencies are clients seeing?
A. It varies by technology and client. We see 20–35% effort savings, combining automation, agentic AI, and strong processes. We focus less on productivity and more on developer experience and effort reduction. Removing mundane tasks enables developers to focus on higher-value work. True enterprise value lies in business impact, not just productivity numbers.
Q Quantum computing still seems far from being business-ready. When Wipro says it’s quantum ready, what does that mean?
A. We’re ready in terms of talent and capability, with active special interest groups and joint innovation efforts. Many clients were caught off guard by rapid AI advances, so we aim to keep eyes wide open with quantum. Quantum as a service is already being used commercially by a few clients, for use cases like drug discovery, material science, and supply chain optimisation, through hyperscalers like IBM, AWS, Microsoft, and Google.
Q You’ve spoken about tangible benefits from innovation networks. Can you quantify them? Are they for just efficiency or more?
A. It’s business impact, new revenue streams, customer retention, cost takeout, operational efficiency, even brand equity. The Wipro Innovation Network is about delivering business value through client-centric, strategic co-innovation.
Q As a CTO, do you think GenAI is misunderstood, especially in the context of workforce fears? What is Wipro doing differently?
A. Yes, there is a fear of psychosis. But GenAI is an amazing technology. Humans adapt, like we did with computers or mobile phones. Technology is about building tools for better lives. At Wipro, we believe the key skill is learning how to learn. Tech will evolve regardless, so we focus on responsible AI, governance, and using these tools to deliver value through client-centric innovation. Humans remain central.