Nilekani says applied AI and ONDC can help small businesses create jobs
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani said AI automation may make large companies net job losers over time, while small businesses could gain through applied AI, ONDC, Account Aggregator and simpler regulation that widen access to credit and markets.
What happened
Nandan Nilekani said AI-driven automation could make large firms net job losers, while small businesses create employment. He cited ONDC, Account Aggregator,
Why this matters
Large commerce, fintech and enterprise players should assess partnerships or acquisitions that add AI-enabled seller tools, ONDC capabilities and Account Aggregator-driven underwriting.
What to watch
- Expansion of ONDC transaction volumes, repeat purchase rates, active seller retention and category-level take rates.
- Policy actions simplifying digital compliance, consented data sharing, MSME credit underwriting or interoperable commerce standards.
- Bank, NBFC and fintech launches that use Account Aggregator and commerce data for unsecured MSME lending.
- Adoption of vernacular AI agents, automated catalog tools and AI-led merchant support by major commerce and payments platforms.
- Evidence of seller profitability deterioration from delivery costs, returns, discounting, fraud or marketplace advertising dependence.
- Large retailers and marketplaces announcing workforce reductions alongside increased AI investment and automation targets.
- Build low-friction AI onboarding for sellers: product listing, image generation, local-language descriptions, GST/compliance prompts and customer messaging.
- Use consented Account Aggregator data, payments history and ONDC order flows to offer dynamic inventory and working-capital products.
- Prioritize fulfillment, returns management and quality controls alongside seller acquisition; network reach without reliable service will not sustain demand.
- Create merchant education and assisted-commerce channels for low-digital-literacy retailers, especially outside major metros.
- Monitor whether ONDC buyer demand and repeat-order economics improve before committing heavily to seller subsidies or exclusive pricing.