My Story: Niharika Gupta

By Niharika Gupta

My journey in technology began with a simple passion for coding at school and a curiosity for building solutions that solve real problems. Early in my career, I learned that impact does not come only from technical depth; it also comes from understanding people, communicating ideas clearly, and creating solutions that others can trust and use.

I started my career as a Data Scientist in India. Offshore technology roles are often seen as being behind the scenes, but I was fortunate to have leaders who saw my potential early. They gave me the opportunity to present my solutions directly to C-suite executives, which built my confidence and taught me that great technologists also need to be strong storytellers.

That lesson shaped the way I approached my work. In India, I built early Generative AI tools and analytical solutions that contributed to millions in sales impact. I also developed AI solutions across multiple sectors, helping uncover millions in recoverable revenue while creating practical tools that clients could use in their everyday decision-making. I am grateful that this work has been recognised through more than 15 performance awards.

A major turning point came when I relocated to London. Moving to a new country meant stepping outside my comfort zone and rebuilding my professional life from scratch. At the same time, I was navigating a new job market, wrapping up my previous role, and completing my degree at IIM Bangalore. It was demanding, but it taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of staying open to change.

Today, I work as a Senior AI Engineer and Consultant at EPAM. My focus remains on bridging deep technical work with business strategy. Recently, I have partnered with banking executives to shape AI-driven strategies, helping organisations think practically about how AI can support people, productivity, and future ways of working.

Creativity is also a big part of who I am. I love to travel and paint, and I run a small Instagram-based business to sell my artwork – ThePlacidWall. I am also deeply invested in yoga. What began as personal learning became a major part of my life, and I eventually became a certified yoga teacher. One of my most meaningful experiences was volunteering to teach yoga to more than 60 underprivileged children in India.

None of this would have been possible without my family. They have been my constant support system through every transition. I have also benefited from leaders who believed in me early, and that has made me committed to doing the same for others. Navigating the tech industry as a woman can be challenging, which is why I actively mentor new graduates at work and support women in tech through the Cajigo accelerator program. My goal is to help others build confidence, clarity, and momentum in their careers.

Being named a finalist in the Tech Women 4 Boards “Rising Talent” category means a great deal to me as I look toward the future. It is a reminder of the kind of leader I want to become: someone who is strategic, creative, and technically grounded, but who also creates an environment where people feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to grow.