Entrepreneur Mirror had the privilege of speaking with a distinguished technologist and thought leader whose contributions span Communication, Media, and Technology (CMT). Honoured with prestigious recognitions such as the Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan, and Bharat Gaurav, his work continues to influence telecom, aerospace, defence, and AI-driven ecosystems worldwide.
On Receiving Prestigious Awards
You have been honoured with prestigious awards like the Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan, and Bharat Gaurav. What do these recognitions mean to you at a personal and professional level?
Pranay Misra replied, “These awards are not just personal milestones; they represent the collective journey of innovation, resilience, and collaboration with industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers. Personally, they are a reminder of the responsibility that comes with recognition, to inspire the next generation of engineers and technology leaders. Professionally, they validate decades of work in communication systems, media transformation, and technology-driven solutions that have shaped telecom, aerospace, and defence ecosystems. For me, each award is less about past achievement and more about setting a benchmark for the future.”
The Future of Communication, Media, and Technology
Your career spans Communication, Media, and Technology (CMT). How do you see this industry evolving in the next decade?
Pranay Misra replied, “The CMT sector is at the intersection of connectivity, content, and computing. Over the next decade, we will see a convergence where AI-driven communication platforms, immersive media, and cloud-native technologies define how we interact. 5G and beyond will enable ultra-reliable low-latency networks that empower autonomous systems, metaverse experiences, and defence-grade communication platforms. None of this will be possible without critical minerals, particularly rare earth magnets that sit at the heart of sensors, servers, and communication hardware. The evolution will not just be about speed; it will be about creating sustainable, secure, and intelligent ecosystems that adapt to societal needs, powered by the very minerals that enable this digital revolution.”
AI Data Centres and the Critical Minerals Imperative
You are now focused on AI Data Centres powered by critical minerals. Could you explain why this is such a timely and important area?
Pranay Misra replied, “AI Data Centres are the backbone of digital transformation, but they demand enormous energy and material resources. Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, especially rare earth magnets, are indispensable for high-performance servers, cooling systems, and energy storage. Rare earth magnets in particular enable ultra-efficient power conversion and high-density data processing, making them the unsung heroes of AI.
Without these minerals, AI data centres simply cannot operate, and by extension, communication, media, and technology industries would grind to a halt. Global discussions around supply chain resilience, energy security, and climate goals make this not just a technological priority but a geopolitical one. My thought leadership centers on building a circular economy model, recycling and recovering precious minerals from e-waste to meet demand sustainably. This reduces dependency on imports, lowers environmental risks, and enables nations to scale AI infrastructure responsibly.”
The Role of Circular Economy in Strategic Industries
How does the concept of circular economy in critical minerals tie into sectors like Telecom, Aerospace, Defence, and Energy?
Pranay Misra replied, “Each of these sectors is highly mineral-intensive and deeply reliant on rare earth magnets:
- Telecom: Rare earth magnets power network equipment, fiber-optic amplifiers, and 5G antennas, ensuring speed and reliability.
- Aerospace & Defence: High-performance alloys and magnets are crucial for satellites, fighter jets, navigation systems, and secure communication platforms.
- Energy: Lithium-ion batteries and superconducting materials, supported by rare earth-based technologies, are the foundation of renewable grids, electric vehicles, and energy storage.
By embedding circular economy practices such as recycling, reusing, and repurposing, we can ensure resource security, reduce waste, and accelerate innovation. This is not just about sustainability; it is about national competitiveness, security, and technological leadership. The bottom line is simple: without critical minerals and rare earth magnets, the very systems that power AI, media, telecom, and defense cannot exist.”
Leadership That Connects Industries
You have been recognized globally, from Forbes to Business Insider to the Global Recognition Awards. What do you believe sets your leadership apart in the technology ecosystem?
Pranay Misra replied, “I believe my strength lies in connecting dots across industries, translating complex engineering concepts into actionable strategies for business and policy. Leadership in technology is not only about inventing but about inspiring ecosystems where start-ups, academia, and enterprises collaborate. My approach has always been to think long-term, act sustainably, and lead inclusively. Recognition from global platforms affirms that this philosophy resonates with the challenges and opportunities of our times, especially in ensuring critical mineral security while building future-ready AI infrastructure.”
Advice for Young Professionals
Many young professionals aspire to contribute to industries like AI, telecom, and aerospace. What advice would you give them?
Pranay Misra replied, “My advice is threefold:
- Build multidisciplinary skills. AI, data science, sustainability, and policy awareness are as critical as core engineering.
- Stay curious and adaptable. Technology landscapes shift rapidly; resilience comes from continuous learning.
- Think impact, not just innovation. A breakthrough is valuable when it creates real societal, environmental, or strategic impact.
The world needs not just engineers but leaders with conscience, people who understand that without responsible use of critical minerals and rare earth magnets, the future of communication, AI, and media may never reach its full potential.”
Looking Ahead: A Vision Beyond Organizations
Looking ahead, what is your vision for your role as an industry thought leader rather than representing a single organization?
Pranay Misra replied, “My vision is to serve as a bridge between industries, governments, and academia, advocating for sustainable innovation and resilience in critical technologies. Rather than anchoring to one company, I want to shape global conversations on AI infrastructure, critical mineral security, and circular economy models. The goal is to enable nations and industries to collaborate beyond silos, ensuring that the benefits of technology are inclusive, equitable, and future-ready.
In essence, I want to contribute not only as a technologist but as a strategic thinker for global good, highlighting that without critical minerals and rare earth magnets, our entire digital, communication, and defense ecosystems would cease to function.”
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