From drones to AI: WEF’s C4IR India reshapes 1.25 million lives, aims for 10 million by 2025

The World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India has directly impacted 1.25 million citizens over the past six years, according to the organisation’s sixth annual impact report.

Established in 2018 in collaboration with NITI Aayog and Reliance Industries as founding partners, the centre has launched seven initiatives, including three exclusively tailored for India: AgriTech (AI4AI), Health (FIRST Cancer Care), and Drones for Social Impact (AVIATE India).

This year, the organisation aims to scale its flagship projects to benefit 10 million citizens globally. By June 2025, it targets reaching 1 million farmers worldwide through 30 agritech solutions, 30% of which are designed for women.

“C4IR is now focusing on cutting-edge areas such as AI, climate tech, and space tech,” said Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director, World Economic Forum, in a statement.

Over the past six years, the centre has collaborated with 200 partner organisations, nine state governments, and six national governments. In the coming year, the focus will be on developing AI playbooks for priority sectors under the AI for India 2030 initiative.

Highlighting the initiative, S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), said, “AI for India 2030 is a significant partnership with MeitY, enabling collaboration between industry, start-ups, and government to unlock AI’s potential.”

In the mobility sector, the AVIATE India initiative aims to pave the way for future aerial mobility by addressing urban congestion and improving rural connectivity. By 2025, the programme seeks to establish a drone implementation sandbox in partnership with at least two states, reaching 100,000 citizens to enhance last-mile delivery services.

With its ambitious plans and growing partnerships, the World Economic Forum’s C4IR India continues to expand its impact across critical sectors, driving innovation and inclusive growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.