Priya Lakhani Joins UK’s Science and Technology Council to Shape Future Policies

Priya Lakhani, a British entrepreneur of Indian origin, has been appointed as an advisor to the UK Prime Minister on science and technology policy.

Priya Lakhani, the founder and CEO of CENTURY Tech, has been appointed to the UK’s Council for Science and Technology (CST) as of February 3. This prestigious advisory body provides strategic recommendations to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, helping shape national policies on science and technology. The CST plays a vital role in driving economic growth, enhancing public services, and maintaining the UK’s leadership in these sectors.

Lakhani’s journey began in law as a barrister before she transitioned into entrepreneurship. In 2008, she launched a fresh cooking-sauce business that gained commercial success while making a meaningful social impact. Through its charitable initiatives, the venture delivered millions of meals and vaccinations to underprivileged communities in India and Africa, alongside supporting the establishment of schools in disadvantaged regions.

Her business acumen was widely recognized early on, earning her the title of Business Entrepreneur of the Year from the Chancellor in 2009. In 2014, she was honored with the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to business and social impact.

As the head of CENTURY Tech, Lakhani has pioneered AI-driven learning tools that are widely used across schools, universities, and corporate training programs globally. A strong advocate for responsible AI in education, she co-founded the Institute for Ethical AI in Education in 2018, an initiative dedicated to ensuring fair and responsible AI implementation for learners.

Her expertise in AI and data has made her a key figure in government advisory roles. Previously, she served as a business advisor to the UK’s coalition government and was appointed to the UK’s AI Council in 2019. Her new role in the CST further cements her influence in shaping the UK’s science and technology policies.

The CST recently welcomed eight distinguished experts, including Lakhani, with specializations in AI, data, chemical engineering, and venture capital. Their collective expertise is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the UK's strategic direction in science and technology.