Bill Gates Discusses Innovation, AI, and Philanthropy at Express Adda in Mumbai

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and global health philanthropist, is in Mumbai for his third visit to India in three years. He will attend the Express Adda event, where he will talk with Anant Goenka about his new book, Source Code: My Beginnings. The book explores his childhood, early vision, and passion for innovation. Gates views AI as a transformative technology, particularly in healthcare, helping bridge gaps and accelerating research. He praises India’s progress in public health, including polio eradication and expanding childhood immunization.

Gates also highlights India’s digital advancements, such as Aadhaar and digital payments, reshaping daily life. Since stepping down from Microsoft, Gates has dedicated himself to philanthropy, focusing on public health, sanitation, agriculture, and the well-being of women and children in India. His foundation collaborates with various organizations to drive change. Express Adda hosts informal discussions with influential figures, and past guests include Nobel Laureates and government ministers.

Bill Gates Discusses Innovation, AI, and Philanthropy at Express Adda in Mumbai

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a well-known figure in global health charity work, is back in Mumbai for his third visit to India in three years. This time, he’ll be part of Express Adda, a relaxed discussion event hosted by The Indian Express Group. Here, he’ll chat with Anant Goenka, the Executive Director of the media group, about his life, his ideas for the future, and his latest book, Source Code: My Beginnings. The book dives into Gates’ early years, sharing stories from his childhood, his dreams about technology, and how his love for innovation shaped his journey.

During the event, Gates is expected to highlight the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a game-changing technology, especially in healthcare. He believes AI can make a huge difference in remote areas by supporting health workers with tools for diagnosis and treatment. For example, AI could help identify diseases faster or analyze medical data to speed up drug development. Gates also thinks AI could level the playing field in global health by bringing advanced resources to underserved communities. He often points out that India, with its mix of challenges and strengths, is perfectly positioned to lead in using AI for social good.

India’s progress in public health over the years has impressed Gates. The country’s success in eliminating polio, reducing HIV infections, and boosting childhood vaccination rates shows what’s possible with strong policies and partnerships. He has praised India’s ability to scale health programs efficiently, even in densely populated regions. Beyond healthcare, Gates has applauded India’s tech innovations, like the Aadhaar system—the world’s largest digital ID program—and the widespread adoption of digital payments. These tools, he says, are not just changing how people access services but also setting an example for other nations.

Gates’ connection to India goes beyond admiration. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has partnered with Indian governments, NGOs, and businesses to tackle issues like sanitation, farming, and women’s health. For instance, the foundation has supported campaigns to improve toilet access in rural areas, which has helped reduce diseases linked to poor sanitation. They’ve also worked on projects to help small farmers grow more nutritious crops and adapt to climate challenges. Gates often emphasizes that empowering women and girls is key to these efforts, whether through better healthcare, education, or economic opportunities.

Since leaving Microsoft’s board in 2020, Gates has doubled down on his philanthropic work. He sees India as a critical player in solving global challenges, from health crises to climate change. During his visits, he meets with scientists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss collaborative projects. For example, he’s shown interest in India’s strides in renewable energy and vaccine production, especially after the country’s role in manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines for the world.

Express Adda is known for hosting candid conversations with influential leaders, thinkers, and artists. Past guests include Nobel Prize winners, government leaders, and cultural icons. Gates’ participation underscores the importance of open dialogue in driving change. The format allows him to share personal anecdotes—like how his parents encouraged his curiosity as a child or why he left Harvard to start Microsoft—while also addressing bigger questions about the future. His book, Source Code, ties into these themes, offering readers a glimpse into the experiences that fueled his ambition to solve complex problems through technology and philanthropy.

When asked about his optimism for the future, Gates often points to younger generations. He believes today’s innovators have more tools than ever to address inequality, disease, and environmental issues. In India, he’s inspired by startups working on low-cost medical devices, apps that connect farmers to markets, and platforms making education accessible in rural areas. He also stresses the need for governments and private groups to work together, sharing knowledge and resources to avoid duplicating efforts.

Gates’ visit comes at a time when global health remains a pressing concern. Climate change, pandemics, and economic gaps continue to threaten progress, but he remains hopeful. By investing in science, technology, and grassroots partnerships, he argues, even the toughest challenges can be overcome. For India, he sees a future where its digital expertise and spirit of innovation make it a model for inclusive growth.

In short, Bill Gates’ trip to Mumbai isn’t just about promoting a book—it’s a chance to celebrate India’s achievements, discuss lessons from his own journey, and brainstorm ways to build a healthier, fairer world. Whether talking about AI or vaccines, his message is clear: Innovation, when guided by empathy and collaboration, can transform lives.