Time magazine has named the “Architects of AI” as its 2025 Person of the Year, celebrating individuals whose work is transforming technology, business, and daily life. The special issue features two striking covers: one depicting AI as a monumental construction project and another reimagining the iconic 1932 “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper” photograph with prominent voices from the global AI scene, including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and OpenAI’s Sam Altman.
Among the honorees, Karandeep Anand, CEO of Character.AI, has emerged as a central figure in reshaping human interaction with technology. Previously a leader at Meta and Microsoft, Anand has focused on scaling products globally while promoting conversational AI that addresses both functional and emotional needs. Character.AI’s rapid adoption, particularly among younger users, has sparked widespread discussion about digital companionship, mental health, and the evolving boundaries between humans and AI.
Sriram Krishnan, serving as a senior AI adviser at the White House, highlights the strategic and geopolitical implications of artificial intelligence. With prior leadership experience at Twitter, Meta, and Snap, and as a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, Krishnan brings a deep understanding of frontier technology investments. In his governmental role, he advocates treating AI infrastructure—chips, data centers, and large-scale models—as strategic assets. His efforts focus on accelerating AI deployment, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring the United States maintains a competitive edge in global AI leadership.
Together, Anand and Krishnan exemplify the diverse influence of AI today—bridging technological innovation, cultural shifts, and policy leadership. Their recognition as part of Time’s 2025 Person of the Year underscores the transformative role AI continues to play in shaping the modern world.
