AI Impact Summit: How to future-proof your job in the age of automation

At the AI Impact Summit 2026, technology leaders advised young professionals to stay composed and embrace lifelong learning to safeguard their careers amid rising layoffs across major technology firms and multinational corporations (MNCs). 

According to data compiled by Layoffs.fyi, nearly 30,000 jobs have been cut in the global tech sector since the beginning of 2026. This is particularly driven by the rise of AI tools, which are expected to replace most of white-collar jobs in the near future. 

Amid fears of job losses, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder, Info Edge (which owns Naukri.com), said, “Don't worry about policy. Just think what you should do so that AI does not make you lose your job and instead help you get a job.” 

Speaking at a session on “The Future of Employability in the Age of AI", he said, “AI is happening, it is relentless, if you don't do AI, AI will be done to you... Set a personal target of learning how to use three AI platforms within the next three months. The more you do that the more your job is safe.” 

Mounting layoffs at MNCs: What’s the solution? 

The rising AI is taking over many job roles earlier performed by humans. However, this trend is visible across every sector, with the tech industry being impacted the most. For example, the online retail and tech giant Amazon alone announced more than 16,000 job cuts in late January. 

According to Layoffs.fyi, 26 other major companies that announced workforce reductions include Salesforce, Meta, Workday, Autodesk, Pinterest, Expedia, Zillow, Ericsson, and ASML. While several firms reduced job roles by hundreds of employees, smaller companies cut fewer roles. 

Considering this trend of layoffs across the globe, tech leaders advised youngsters to respond to it by embracing AI tools and adapting to emerging technologies to remain relevant in the much faster-evolving job market. 

EdgeVerve Systems CEO Sateesh Seetharamiah said AI will function as a faster capability multiplier and said that "life-long learning ability" will be the core mantra for navigating the AI wave. 

He noted that AI has already driven higher productivity for businesses but underlined that human oversight will remain essential. “So, the jobs are not going anywhere, the nature of jobs will change,” he said. 

AI may displace some jobs, but will create new opportunities 

Sampark Foundation Founder Chairman Vineet Nayar said while 50% of existing jobs may be lost due to AI, an equal number of new roles are expected to emerge, creating demand for skilled professionals who can work with the technology. 

"AI offers us scope to reskill ourselves. But what skills are required (in respective professions) that we need to figure out," Nayar added.