On 22 December 2024 (Sunday) President-elect Donald J. Trump announced the appointment of Indian-American entrepreneur and venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as the Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

This move highlights the Trump administration’s focus on technological innovation and maintaining American dominance in AI.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized Krishnan’s vital role:

“Sriram Krishnan will focus on ensuring continued American leadership in AI and help shape and coordinate AI policy across Government, including working with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.”

Sriram Krishnan’s Background and Career Achievements

Born in Chennai, India, Sriram Krishnan’s journey is a classic story of perseverance and innovation. Raised in a middle-income Tamil family, he developed a keen interest in technology early on.

Despite limited resources, he taught himself to code in the late 1990s. In 2005, he graduated with a degree in Information Technology from SRM Engineering College, Anna University, and moved to the United States at 21 to pursue his dreams.

Krishnan’s career trajectory includes leading roles at some of the world’s largest tech companies:

Microsoft (2005-2011): He began his career as a founding member of the Windows Azure team, contributing to the development of Microsoft’s cloud computing platform.

Facebook: At Facebook (now Meta), he spearheaded the development of the Facebook Audience Network, a groundbreaking platform that became a formidable competitor to Google’s ad technologies.

Twitter: As a product leader, Krishnan introduced several innovations that significantly increased user engagement and growth.

Snap: During his tenure, he contributed to Snap’s mobile advertising strategies, further cementing his reputation as a visionary in the tech industry.

Role in AI and Venture Capital

In 2021, Krishnan joined the prestigious venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) as a general partner. At a16z, he focused on investments in emerging technologies, including Web3 and AI, and led their London office by 2023.

His deep understanding of AI-driven models and their integration with large platforms positioned him as a thought leader in the field.

Krishnan also worked closely with Elon Musk, playing a significant role in revamping Twitter (now X) following Musk’s acquisition in 2022.

This collaboration demonstrated his ability to navigate complex technological transformations and solidify his professional bond with one of the world’s leading tech innovators.

The Aarthi and Sriram Show

Beyond his professional achievements, Krishnan is known for his contributions to the podcasting world. Alongside his wife, Aarthi Ramamurthy, he co-hosts The Aarthi and Sriram Show, formerly known as The Good Time Show.

The podcast has featured high-profile guests such as Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg and has amassed millions of downloads, earning the couple a reputation as a “tech power duo.”

Appointment to the Trump Administration

As Senior Policy Advisor for AI, Krishnan will work closely with David O. Sacks, the newly appointed White House AI & Crypto Czar and former COO of PayPal.

Together, they are tasked with shaping AI policy across government sectors and ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

Krishnan expressed his gratitude on X, stating:

“I’m honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI, working closely with David Sacks. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for this opportunity.”

Significance of the Appointment

Krishnan’s appointment underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to fostering innovation and leveraging emerging technologies for national and global advancement.

His diverse experiences, ranging from developing cloud computing systems to navigating the intricate dynamics of AI policy, position him as a key figure in shaping the future of technology in the United States.

As the world enters a new era dominated by AI and digital transformation, Krishnan’s leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ensuring that America remains at the cutting edge of innovation, ushering in what Trump called a “Golden Age of American Innovation.