Tech Mahindra CEO Mohit Joshi Chooses Perplexity: Here's the Scoop!

In a candid discussion at BT Davos 2026, Mohit Joshi, the Managing Director and CEO of Tech Mahindra, sat down with Siddharth Zarabi, the Group Editor of Business Today, to provide insights into his personal AI toolkit and preferences. According to Joshi, his favored application, Perplexity, stands out due to its remarkable ability to seamlessly integrate across various leading AI models, a feature that enhances its usability and efficiency. This preference highlights a significant trend in the choice of AI tools among tech leaders, emphasizing versatility and ease of switching between AI functionalities, as detailed in this overview.

In a recent discussion at BT Davos 2026, Mohit Joshi, MD and CEO of Tech Mahindra, elaborated on his preference for Perplexity as his go-to AI tool. According to Joshi, what sets Perplexity apart is its impressive ability to seamlessly transition between various leading AI models. This functionality allows users like Joshi to engage with different AI capabilities through a single interface, thus avoiding the hassle of juggling multiple applications. Joshi's personal AI toolbox isn't limited to Perplexity alone; it also comprises tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Mistral, and enterprise co-pilots, which together offer a comprehensive range of functionalities. However, it's the versatility and convenience of Perplexity that have earned it a favored spot in Joshi's toolkit. As Joshi highlights the strides made by Gemini 2.5 in recent times, it's clear that his choice of tools is guided by performance and adaptability, making Perplexity a crucial component of his AI strategies. These insights were shared during an interview with Siddharth Zarabi at the Business Today event, reinforcing why Perplexity holds such significant value for Tech Mahindra's CEO as reported.

Tech Mahindra, a leader in digital transformation, has taken significant strides by promoting AI tools amongst its workforce to maximize efficiency. At the heart of this initiative is the inclusion of advanced AI applications like Perplexity, which is favored by the company's MD & CEO, Mohit Joshi. During an insightful conversation at Davos 2026, Joshi elaborated on why Perplexity stands out, highlighting its unique ability to toggle across multiple AI models, thus providing a comprehensive interface for accessing diverse AI functionalities. This capability is especially beneficial in reducing the complexity of handling distinct AI applications separately as discussed in the interview.

Furthermore, Tech Mahindra has heavily invested in equipping its employees with a range of AI tools. By providing licenses to use Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, and the upgraded Gemini 2.5, the company enables its workforce to leverage the latest technological advancements in their roles. This strategic move is not only about improving productivity but also about ensuring that Tech Mahindra remains at the forefront of AI-driven service delivery. The inclusion of Gemini 2.5 particularly denotes significant progress, as its advanced capabilities align with the company’s commitment to continuous technological improvement as highlighted in the CEO's discussion.

The broader vision of Tech Mahindra’s AI strategy is closely tied to its understanding of AI adoption and ROI. Mohit Joshi has emphasized the imperative of foundational transformation for true AI ROI, suggesting that enterprise transformations require more than just pilot programs; they necessitate thorough groundwork in data readiness. This approach parallels Joshi’s analogy comparing large enterprises to cruise ships, which contrast with smaller, nimbler startups. This strategic insight positions Tech Mahindra as a guide for enterprises navigating the complexities of AI adoption in a rapidly evolving tech landscape as discussed in the Davos 2026 interview.

Overcoming the challenges associated with AI adoption and realizing significant ROI involves not just technological upgrades but also cultural shifts within organizations. As reported by Mohit Joshi at Davos 2026, companies must recognize that achieving high ROI from AI is a gradual process that necessitates persistent efforts across various facets of the business. This includes building a workforce adept in AI tools, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and encouraging experimentation with new AI applications. Moreover, aligning AI initiatives with strategic business objectives ensures that AI deployment is not just a technological advancement but a comprehensive enhancement to the business model. Addressing these multifaceted challenges can lead to a sustainable competitive advantage as enterprises become more data-driven and agile in decision-making. By doing so, businesses not only optimize their AI investments but also bolster their market positioning in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Tech Mahindra stands out in the realm of responsible AI by making concerted efforts to integrate ethical considerations and inclusivity into their AI solutions. With technology rapidly evolving, the company recognizes the importance of balancing innovation with accountability. A significant aspect of their responsible AI strategy is the cultivation of multilingual AI models that focus on linguistic and digital equity. For instance, the World Economic Forum has acknowledged Tech Mahindra's work in this area, particularly their creation of AI systems with high conversational accuracy in languages such as Hindi and Bahasa. This initiative is part of the MINDS project, which is dedicated to preserving local voices and making knowledge more accessible across different linguistic communities.

Beyond language inclusivity, Tech Mahindra is also committed to embedding ethical AI practices within their technological advancements. The company emphasizes the development of sovereign AI models that support local data governance and privacy. This approach not only aligns with global trends towards data localization but also helps in alleviating concerns related to dependencies on foreign AI systems. By prioritizing sovereign models, Tech Mahindra is creating a framework where AI technologies support the unique needs of local markets while adhering to high ethical standards.

In the realm of enterprise, Tech Mahindra is actively working to bridge the gap between AI potential and actual implementation. According to Mohit Joshi, the company's Managing Director and CEO, AI's return on investment can only be realized through foundational transformation. This means enterprises must invest in data simplification and modernization before they can fully leverage AI's capabilities. Joshi argues that without clean data and preparatory infrastructure, organizations cannot expect AI deployments to yield substantial value, emphasizing a systematic, responsible approach to AI integration as seen in his discussions at BT Davos 2026.

As Tech Mahindra looks towards 2026, the company is gearing up to make strategic advancements in its hiring practices and workforce development initiatives. The company's CEO, Mohit Joshi, has been vocal about the positive hiring outlook, which is heavily intertwined with the organization's robust AI strategy. According to this interview, Tech Mahindra is poised to expand its workforce contingent on favorable revenue performance. This growth strategy emphasizes not just volume, but quality and specificity in new hires, ensuring that the team members possess the necessary AI competencies to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

In addition to hiring, Tech Mahindra is also concentrating on workforce development by equipping its existing employees with advanced AI tools and training. The company provides access to industry-leading applications like Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, and Gemini 2.5, facilitating employees to enhance their productivity and adapt to evolving technological landscapes seamlessly. This commitment to ongoing education and tool provision reflects Tech Mahindra's broader aim to cultivate a workforce that is not only technologically proficient but also capable of leveraging AI to deliver tangible business outcomes.

Tech Mahindra's hiring strategies and developmental focus also signal a broader shift in the IT industry towards skill-based employment. As the firm continues to invest in AI training and capability enhancement, it underscores the importance of AI readiness as a key differentiator in hiring. The company's forward-thinking approach ensures that both current and prospective employees are well-equipped with the requisite knowledge to support the company's ambitious AI-driven objectives. This emphasis on skilled hires is set to enhance organizational efficiency and cement Tech Mahindra's standing as a leader in technology and innovation.