How Enthral.ai’s Founders Are Shaping a Human-Centric Approach to AI and Upskilling.
Every era of technology has its defining transformation, from the internet revolution that connected the world to the rise of artificial intelligence, which is now reshaping it. For Asma Shaikh and Sammir Inamdar, co-founders of Enthral.ai, the shift has been both professional and personal.
“AI isn’t replacing humans; it’s helping us do more with what we already know.” Sammir Inamdar, Co-founder, Enthral.ai
Their story began over two decades ago in Pune’s early animation industry. Asma, who moved from a background in textiles and sales, found herself learning the ropes of technology. Sammir, an animator and creative technologist, was already working on multimedia content. When their company transitioned into e-learning in the early 2000s, they found a shared purpose in making learning more engaging and effective through technology.
That early exposure to digital education became the foundation for Enthral.ai, which they established in 2009 with the vision of building performance-based learning systems for enterprises.
From Internet to AI: A Broader Shift in Power
Having witnessed the evolution of the internet and now AI, the founders see both revolutions as milestones in accessibility. The internet made information available; AI, they believe, is making intelligence available.
Sammir explains, “During the internet boom, very few people had the means to create or publish. Today, with AI tools, everyone has that ability. The power has shifted to individuals.”
Asma adds, “Earlier, we learned from mentors or on the job. Now, learning resources are everywhere, and AI helps people use information in more meaningful ways.”
Their perspective reflects a broader industry sentiment: while the internet connected people, AI empowers them to create, solve, and adapt at a faster pace.
India’s Growing AI Readiness
The recent introduction of free and affordable AI tools, such as Gemini Go and ChatGPT access plans, has opened up new possibilities for Indian users. Both founders view this as an opportunity to enhance digital literacy and improve workplace productivity.
“India has always been quick to adapt to new technology,” says Asma. “When something becomes accessible, people here learn to use it effectively. AI will follow the same pattern.”
Sammir points out that such mass access also benefits global AI models: “These companies are not just offering tools; they’re learning from how millions of Indians interact with them. It’s a mutual gain: users build habits, and systems become smarter.”
They believe this period of experimentation will prepare the Indian workforce for what they refer to as “the next phase of digital readiness.”
Certification Vs Performance
A recurring theme in their work is the gap between learning credentials and actual workplace performance. “There’s no shortage of certification programs,” Asma notes. “The challenge is translating that learning into measurable skills.”
Enthral.ai’s platform addresses this through AI-driven learning and roleplay simulations. Employees can practise real-world situations, from customer interactions to leadership decisions, while receiving instant feedback and progress tracking.
Large organisations, such as Microsoft, Deloitte, Tata Capital, and Essilor, use Enthral’s solutions for training, onboarding, and continuous skill development. In each case, the goal remains the same: make learning measurable and practical.
“Our focus has always been on outcomes,” says Sammir. “If a learner performs better, that’s where technology has real impact.”
AI as a Tool for Productivity, Not Replacement
The founders acknowledge that AI has triggered debates around job displacement but emphasize its potential as a productivity enhancer rather than a threat. “AI can take over repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on thinking, creating, and decision-making,” Asma says.
Sammir adds, “It’s like having a digital assistant for everyone. The key is learning how to use it effectively.”
This approach aligns with Enthral’s mission of utilizing AI to enhance, not replace, human potential.
A Broader Impact Across Industries
Beyond corporate learning, Enthral’s platform has found applications in areas such as financial literacy, healthcare training, and sustainability education.
For instance, Tata Capital’s CSR initiative uses Enthral to teach young people financial skills. Essilor, a global leader in eye care, utilizes the platform to train rural health workers in developing countries. Semcorp, based in Singapore, uses Enthral to support government-led job readiness programmes.
These diverse use cases, Asma says, demonstrate that “learning technology isn’t limited to one sector, it can improve employability, awareness, and social outcomes.”
India’s Role in Building the Next Wave of AI
The co-founders are optimistic about India’s growing influence in the AI ecosystem. They view initiatives like the India AI Mission as critical to fostering innovation and supporting local startups.
Sammir believes that India’s experience with digital infrastructure, from UPI payments to Aadhaar, demonstrates the country’s ability to lead in scalable, inclusive technologies. “We’ve already set global standards in digital adoption,” he says. “AI is a natural extension of that story.”
Looking Ahead: The Learning Economy
For Asma and Sammir, the future of work will be shaped by continuous learning and adaptability. They envision AI not as a disruptor but as an enabler of lifelong learning where employees are constantly evolving to meet new challenges.
“Learning has to move from being a periodic event to a continuous experience,” says Asma. “That’s what AI allows: personalization at scale.”
Their work at Enthral.ai continues to build on the idea that every learner, regardless of background, can access the tools to grow and perform better.
In their words, “Technology should make learning more human, not less.”