According to the UNCTAD Technology and Innovation Report 2025, a $4.8 trillion AI opportunity remains under-realized due to leadership gaps.
The Second Talent Global Report 2026 identifies 3.2x greater demand for AI executive talent than available supply.
These numbers point to a growing need for senior leaders who can move AI from potential to practical enterprise execution. In response to this growing need for applied AI leadership, the IAICC Technology Council has launched the AI Executive in Residence (EIR) Program.
From Traditional Technology Experience to Applied AI Leadership
Today’s senior technology leaders bring years of experience leading traditional technology programs, software deployments, platforms, and complex transformation initiatives.
AI creates new opportunities to deliver better business outcomes, but realizing those opportunities requires a structured approach across strategy, tactics, execution, and people.
The AI EIR Program is designed to build on the technology experience these leaders already have and help them develop the applied AI leadership capabilities needed to guide AI initiatives in complex enterprise environments.
The volunteer-based, non-paid residency is built for senior technology professionals in career transition who want to strengthen their capabilities in modern AI.
Over a structured two-to-three-month residency, participants work across technology discovery, rapid prototyping, development, productization, and knowledge transfer.
They gain exposure to LLM frameworks, agentic workflows, modern AI toolsets, live customer projects, and end-to-end productization, while collaborating with developers, technology enablement teams, industry vendors, customers, and IAICC Technology Council members.
The model creates value on both sides. Residents build practical, portfolio-ready AI experience, while IAICC-supported initiatives gain senior strategic and technical guidance, mentorship, and support in moving AI concepts toward pilot solutions.
Meet IAICC’s First AI Executives in Residence
Their onboarding marks the transition of the AI EIR Program from vision to execution.
Naresh Durvasula
Vice President, Hughes Network Systems
Naresh Durvasula joins the program with senior technology leadership experience, contributing to the collaboration, mentorship, and applied innovation at the core of the EIR model.
Rakesh Dhawan
Senior Scientist – OSS/BSS Software Development, Hughes Network Systems
Rakesh Dhawan joins the inaugural EIR cohort, bringing senior technology, engineering, and innovation experience
Ready to Turn Your Technology Experience into Applied AI Leadership?
Complete the form below to connect with the IAICC Technology Council.