AI at the Grassroots

From April 29 through May 1, 2026, Sehgal Foundation team members Roma Bose and Swathi Adiseshu attended the annual TiEcon 2026 conference in Santa Clara, California, hosted by TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) Silicon Valley. The conference theme, “AI & You: Human-Centered, AI-Powered,” brought together leading entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, researchers, corporate innovators, and changemakers for three dynamic days of dialogue on the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on society.

With more than 80 sessions spanning topics such as Applied AI, cybersecurity, AI infrastructure, climate and sustainability, healthcare innovation, and go-to-market strategies in the AI era, the conference offered a unique opportunity to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping industries and communities worldwide. For Sehgal Foundation, this was also an opportunity to reflect on how thoughtful and responsible uses of AI can strengthen rural development efforts and improve the lives of underserved communities.

Roma and Swathi engaged with entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and professionals from across the Bay Area and beyond, sharing the mission and impact of S M Sehgal Foundation in advancing sustainable rural development initiatives across India. Conversations focused on the foundation’s integrated work across climate-resilient agriculture, water management, education, local participation, and community empowerment. Many individuals expressed genuine interest in learning more about the organization’s grassroots impact and exploring opportunities to volunteer, collaborate, and support Sehgal Foundation’s vision for rural transformation.

The conference sessions also provided valuable insights into the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem and encouraged reflection on how emerging technologies might be thoughtfully incorporated into Sehgal Foundation’s ongoing programs and outreach efforts. Discussions around ethical AI, accessibility, and inclusive innovation resonated strongly with the foundation’s people-centered approach to development.

One of the most memorable moments of the conference was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron Technology, who spoke movingly about how his father’s perseverance, discipline, and values shaped his personal and professional journey. He emphasized the importance of resilience, long-term vision, and meaningful partnerships in building successful organizations and impactful careers. During the fireside chat that followed, he reflected on the extraordinary pace of technological change and acknowledged the contributions of Micron’s global teams and leadership in transforming the company into a worldwide technology leader. Like many participants at the conference, he also shared thoughtful concerns about the kind of world future generations—including his own grandchildren—will inherit as AI continues to evolve and reshape society.

The exceptional lineup of keynote speakers and thought leaders included Nobel Laureates John M. Martinis and Randy Schekman, as well as senior leaders from companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Google, and many others. Across sessions and panel discussions, speakers explored how AI can be leveraged responsibly to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges—from healthcare and education to sustainability and economic inclusion—while ensuring that innovation remains deeply human-centered.

Beyond the learning and networking opportunities, the conference reinforced the importance of building bridges between technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. As Sehgal Foundation continues its mission to empower rural communities in India, experiences such as TiEcon provide valuable perspectives, new relationships, and fresh inspiration to create innovative and sustainable pathways for development.