PTC Web Desk: India-born British MP Kanishka Narayan has been appointed as the United Kingdom's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Minister, marking a significant milestone in the country's growing focus on AI and emerging technologies.

Born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, Narayan moved to Cardiff, Wales, with his family when he was 12 years old. He now joins the UK Cabinet in the newly created AI Minister role.

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Google DeepMind CEO and Nobel laureate Demis Hassabis congratulated Narayan on his appointment through a post on X. He described the appointment as "great news for the UK AI ecosystem" and wished Narayan success in his new role.

Narayan later revealed that the first phone call he made after taking charge was to Hassabis. According to him, the discussion focused on how to turn the UK's strengths in artificial intelligence into more jobs and economic opportunities for the country.

From Bihar to Britain's Cabinet

Narayan's journey began in Bihar before his family settled in Wales. He has often spoken about the struggles his immigrant parents faced while working minimum-wage and night-shift jobs to build a better future. His academic achievements helped shape his career. After earning a scholarship to study at Eton College, he completed a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University and later earned an MBA from Stanford University in the United States.

Political career

Inspired by his family's experiences and a desire to improve public services, Narayan joined the Labour Party.  He was selected as Labour's candidate for Vale of Glamorgan in Wales in 2022. Although he narrowly missed winning the seat in that election, he remained active within the party.

After Labour returned to power, Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed him as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. This week, Narayan was promoted to become the UK's first AI Minister, taking charge of the newly created position as the government looks to strengthen its leadership in artificial intelligence.

A key role in UK's AI strategy

As the country's first AI Minister, Narayan is expected to play a leading role in shaping Britain's artificial intelligence policies, encouraging innovation and ensuring the technology contributes to economic growth and job creation.