AI Fosters Entrepreneurship: Anil Agarwal of Vedanta

Vedanta is accelerating its digital transformation journey by deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep technologies and intelligent industrial solutions across its businesses. Its core focus areas are  predictive analytics, intelligent automation, operational efficiency and digital transformation.

“Young India should embrace AI. It is the most powerful tool to improve productivity, create jobs, foster entrepreneurship and help build a Viksit Bharat,” said Anil Agarwal, chairman, Vedanta. The company aims to unlock USD 300 million through AI & deep-tech initiatives. 

Through V-Spark DeepTech Ventures, Vedanta’s global corporate innovation and accelerator platform, AI-led initiatives have already delivered nearly four times return on investment (ROI). 

Vedanta continues to scale AI, predictive analytics, IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), digital twins, machine learning, industrial data platforms, intelligent automation and connected manufacturing technologies across its operations to enhance production volumes, improve operational efficiency, reduce cost of production, strengthen ESG performance and advance digital safety across businesses. 

Akarsh Hebbar, Chairman, V-Spark DeepTech Ventures and president, Vedanta Group, said, “As India advances towards becoming a global manufacturing and technology powerhouse, Vedanta is leveraging AI, automation and deep-tech innovation as key drivers of operational excellence and sustainable growth. Through V-Spark DeepTech Ventures, we are accelerating the deployment of scalable technologies across businesses to improve productivity, optimize costs, strengthen safety and build future-ready industrial operations that are globally competitive, efficient and resilient.” 

As part of this vision, the group plans to engage with over 1000 startups through V-Spark to build a strong innovation ecosystem focused on AI, industrial digitalization, sustainability and next-generation manufacturing technologies. 

The company has also deployed more than 500 AI-enabled safety cameras across operations to strengthen workplace safety through real-time monitoring and analytics. In mining operations, AI-driven fleet optimization initiatives have improved haulage efficiency and reduced fuel consumption, while tele-remote mining technologies are enabling safer and smarter underground operations, reducing man-machine contact.

Vedanta’s digital manufacturing initiatives are also delivering measurable business impact. For instance, automated monitoring systems in smelter operations have generated nearly USD 4.2 million in value creation, while Mine Excellence initiatives are expected to contribute an annual EBITDA impact of nearly USD 10 million through process optimization and intelligent operational controls. 

The company is further integrating AI-led command centres, digital dashboards and advanced analytics platforms to strengthen enterprise-wide visibility and operational agility. Beyond core operations, Vedanta is integrating AI into procurement and supply chain functions through intelligent buying and inventory management systems designed to improve planning efficiency and optimize working capital. 

V-Spark DeepTech Ventures continues to strengthen Vedanta’s innovation-led growth strategy by enabling rapid deployment of emerging technologies across industrial operations through collaborations with startups, technology companies and innovation ecosystems.