New Delhi: India-born British Member of Parliament Kanishka Narayan has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) Minister, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push to strengthen its AI ecosystem.
Soon after his appointment, Google DeepMind CEO and Nobel laureate Demis Hassabis congratulated Narayan, describing the move as a major boost for the UK’s artificial intelligence ambitions.
“Congratulations @KanishkaNarayan on your new role as UK’s AI Minister in the Cabinet, great news for the UK AI ecosystem!,” Hassabis wrote on X.
Hassabis, one of the world’s leading AI researchers and himself the son of immigrant parents, welcomed the creation of the new ministerial role dedicated to artificial intelligence.
First Call As AI Minister Was To Demis Hassabis
Following his appointment, Narayan revealed that the first phone call he made as the UK’s AI Minister was to Demis Hassabis.
According to Narayan, the discussion focused on how to transform Britain’s technological strengths into employment opportunities.
He said the conversation centred on turning the country’s “British advantage into British jobs,” though he did not disclose additional details.
From Bihar To Britain’s Cabinet
Kanishka Narayan was born in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, before moving to Cardiff, Wales, with his family at the age of 12.
He has often spoken publicly about his family’s immigrant journey and the hardships they faced after settling in the UK. His parents worked minimum-wage jobs and night shifts while building a new life for the family.
Their experiences, Narayan has said, played a major role in shaping his commitment to public service and politics.
Academic Journey
Narayan’s academic achievements have been equally remarkable.
After studying at a state-funded school in Cardiff, he earned a scholarship to Eton College, one of Britain’s most prestigious schools.
He later graduated from Oxford University, where he studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), before completing an MBA at Stanford University in the United States.
Political Rise
Inspired by his family’s experiences and a desire to improve public services, Narayan joined the Labour Party.
His parliamentary journey began in 2022, when he was selected as Labour’s candidate for Vale of Glamorgan in Wales. Although he narrowly lost that election, he remained active within the party.
Following Labour’s return to power, Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Narayan as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
This week, he received another promotion, becoming the first person to hold the newly created position of UK AI Minister, a role aimed at driving the country’s artificial intelligence strategy and innovation agenda.
The appointment reflects the UK’s growing focus on AI as a key pillar of economic growth, technological leadership, and job creation.