Priya Lakhani OBE

Priya Lakhani OBE is a visionary entrepreneur, artificial intelligence expert, and advocate for the ethical and innovative use of technology in education and business. As the Founder and CEO of CENTURY Tech, she has transformed how educational institutions worldwide deliver personalised learning, harnessing AI and neuroscience to optimise both teaching and student outcomes. With her deep understanding of technology’s potential to drive positive societal impact, Priya has become a sought-after keynote speaker, advisor, and media commentator, sharing her insights with global audiences eager to navigate the complexities of the AI era.

Priya’s career began in law, having trained as a barrister specialising in libel, but her entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to pivot into the business world. In 2008, she founded Masala Masala, a social enterprise that not only introduced Indian cooking sauces to the UK market but also operated on a one-for-one giving model, delivering millions of meals and thousands of vaccinations to underprivileged communities in India and Africa. For her outstanding contributions to business and society, Priya was awarded Business Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009 and later received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2014. Her transition from law to entrepreneurship set the stage for her next and most influential venture: educational technology.

In 2013, Priya founded CENTURY Tech, a platform that integrates artificial intelligence with cognitive neuroscience to create adaptive learning paths for students and provide actionable data insights for educators. Today, CENTURY Tech is used in over 60 countries, delivering measurable improvements in student retention and significantly reducing teacher workloads. In recognition of her groundbreaking work in AI, Priya has been named a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, an MIT SOLVE awardee, and an Innovator of the Year by The Spectator. She has also become a leading voice in the development of responsible AI, co-founding the Institute for Ethical AI in Education and serving as a member of the UK Government’s AI Council, where she advises on national AI policy and governance.

Priya’s expertise extends far beyond the education sector. She regularly appears on platforms such as the BBC, where she contributes to discussions on AI through programmes like AI Decoded, offering thought leadership on the ethical implications of emerging technologies. In 2025, she joined the lineup of speakers for TEDNext 2025 in Atlanta, further cementing her reputation as a global thought leader in responsible AI. Her engaging keynote speeches cover a wide range of topics, including AI strategy, innovation culture, future skills, and ethical AI adoption. With her dynamic delivery and evidence-based approach, Priya empowers businesses, governments, and educational institutions to harness AI responsibly, foster cultures of innovation, and navigate the profound changes shaping the future of work.