Priya Lakhani OBE

Priya is the founder and CEO of CENTURY Tech, an award-winning education company that aids the implementation of AI and machine learning in classrooms. She is part of the AIDecoded team on the flagship BBC programme The Context, sharing her expertise into tech and business. 

Priya founded CENTURY Tech in 2013 with the vision to use technology to combat low rates of achievement in schools. Now operating in over sixty countries, CENTURY personalises learning for both students and educators, using AI to enhance student performance through offering real-time insights that aid their educational needs being met.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Priya is actively involved in non-executive advisory roles. She co-founded the Institute for Ethical AI and served as a Non-Executive Board Member at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and on the UK Government's AI Council. Priya also worked with Sir Patrick Vallance and the Chancellor's team on the Government's review of AI regulation. As a recognised authority in AI and education, she has been honoured with prestigious business and entrepreneur awards, including an OBE, the Mayor's Fund Award, World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, National Economic Innovator of the Year by the Spectator, and awarded an honorary doctorate by Coventry University's engineering faculty. She is also the author of Inadequate: The System Failing our Teachers and Your Children.

Prior to launching her career in tech, Priya had a varied career as a barrister and serial entrepreneur. In her presentations, she covers business, entrepreneurship, innovation, disruption, AI and creating a culture where innovation can thrive.  She highlights the necessity for adaptability in leadership and the centrality of values in organisational success.