Priya Lakhani OBE

AI Entrepreneur, Founder CEO CENTURY Tech, UK AI Council Member & Government Science Advisor

Priya Lakhani’s Biography:

Priya Lakhani OBE is a pioneering entrepreneur, artificial intelligence authority and internationally sought after keynote speaker transforming education and business through technology. As Founder and CEO of CENTURY Tech, she has built an award winning AI education platform used by schools, universities and employers worldwide. Awarded an OBE for services to business, community and voluntary service, Priya is widely recognised as one of Britain’s most influential leaders in ethical AI, innovation and future skills.

Priya began her career in law after completing a BA in Law and Economics at Queen Mary University of London, an LLM in Media and Broadcasting Law at UCL and further study in US media law at New York University. Practising as a barrister specialising in libel, privacy and reporting restrictions, she advised major media organisations. However, her entrepreneurial drive led her to leave the Bar and establish Masala Masala, a successful FMCG venture supplying fresh sauces to retailers and restaurants while delivering significant social impact through its charitable arm.

In 2013, Priya founded CENTURY Tech, integrating AI, cognitive neuroscience and data analytics to personalise learning at scale. Her leadership has led to appointments as a Member of the UK AI Council, Non Executive Director at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Member of the Prime Minister’s Council of Science and Technology. She is also Co Founder of the Institute for Ethical AI in Education and a frequent commentator on BBC platforms.

Recognised among Sifted’s 100 Women in Tech in Europe 2025 and a TEDNext 2025 speaker, Priya addresses AI governance, innovation, resilience and the future of work, equipping organisations to adopt technology responsibly and strategically.

Why Hire Priya Lakhani?

Priya is hired for her ability to combine entrepreneurial execution with national policy insight. Drawing on experience building a global AI company and advising government at the highest level, she delivers commercially grounded perspectives on digital transformation, AI ethics and workforce evolution. Her presentations demystify complex technologies and translate them into actionable strategies for leaders. Audiences gain clarity on responsible AI deployment, innovation culture and long term competitiveness in a rapidly shifting economic landscape.

Priya Lakhani’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Priya Lakhani’s impressive career:

• 2025 – Joined the lineup of speakers at TEDNext, Atlanta
• 2025 – Named as one of Sifted’s 100 Women in Tech in Europe
• 2025 – Member of the UK Prime Minister’s Council of Science and Technology
• 2023 – Freelance Contributor, BBC AI Decoded
• 2021 – Digital Patron, Cottesmore School
• 2021 – Non-Executive Director, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
• 2019 – Member, UK AI Council
• 2018 – Co-Founder, Institute for Ethical AI in Education
• 2018 – Non-Executive Director, The Teaching Awards Trust
• 2010 – Member, Secretary of State’s Entrepreneur Forum, Department for Business, Education and Skills
• 2009 – Business Entrepreneur of the Year, Chancellor’s Award
• 2008 – Founder & CEO, Masala Masala and Founder of iamSOCO Charity
• 2004 – LL.M. in Media, Broadcasting Law, UCL; Postgraduate, New York University
• 2003 – B.A. Law and Economics, Queen Mary University of London
• 2014 – Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)