Harvard Business School graduate and New Mexico entrepreneur calls for greater focus on early childhood development through technology

ALBUQUERQUE, NM / ACCESS Newswire / November 25, 2025 / Real estate developer and entrepreneur Sujay Thakur, featured in a recent business spotlight article, is raising awareness about the urgent need to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven learning tools into early childhood education. Drawing on his background in finance, real estate, and technology, Thakur is calling for collaboration between business leaders, educators, and policymakers to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven future.

"My main goal now is to improve education through artificial intelligence - especially for children from six months to elementary age," says Thakur. "We're in a unique moment where technology can help kids learn faster, think creatively, and bridge gaps that have existed for decades."

The Need for Innovation in Early Education

According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, over 50% of children in the U.S. are not enrolled in preschool programs that meet minimum quality standards. At the same time, studies show that 90% of brain development occurs before age five. Thakur believes this gap presents both a moral and economic challenge.

"Education and early learning aren't just about opportunity - they're about building a foundation for society's future," Thakur explains. "If we don't focus on this stage, we'll always be playing catch-up."

A 2024 McKinsey report found that AI-powered personalized learning could increase academic performance by 20% and reduce teacher workload by up to 30%, freeing educators to focus more on creative and emotional development. Thakur says these findings reinforce why he's now dedicating more of his time to studying AI applications at the Harvard D³ Institute.

A Business Mindset Applied to Education

Thakur's career has spanned decades of leadership in global finance and real estate, including senior roles at Lehman Brothers, BNP Paribas, and his own firms, Raj Holdings and Thakur Enterprises. Collectively, his companies have developed over 1.5 million square feet of residential, industrial, and retail property.

But behind his success in business lies a deeper purpose: to apply entrepreneurial thinking to education reform. "Iteration - learning from each attempt - is the most valuable lesson I took from Berkeley," he says. "If we can apply that same iterative process to how we teach, we can transform the classroom experience for millions of children."

He's also committed to giving back locally. Thakur supports educational institutions like Manzano Day School and Bosque School, both in Albuquerque, to help ensure young learners have access to quality environments.

The Power of Reading, Reflection, and AI

A lifelong learner himself, Thakur reads six to eight books a month, mostly biographies of leaders who've changed the world - from Benjamin Franklin to Nelson Mandela. He sees parallels between their stories and the current educational moment.

"Every great innovator started as a curious child," he says. "If we can nurture that curiosity with the right tools and data, there's no limit to what the next generation can do."

Call to Action: How People Can Contribute

Thakur encourages parents, teachers, and professionals to take small but meaningful steps:

• Read with your children daily - studies show this boosts literacy and emotional intelligence.

• Explore AI learning tools that personalize education for different learning styles.

• Support schools that emphasize innovation and critical thinking, not just test scores.

• Volunteer or mentor within your community to share your expertise and inspire young learners.

"You don't have to be a tech expert or educator to make a difference," Thakur says. "What matters is that we all stay curious, keep learning, and invest our time and energy where it matters most - in the next generation."

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Sujay Thakur

Sujay Thakur is a New Mexico-based entrepreneur, investor, and educator. He holds degrees from UC Berkeley (Chemical Engineering and Finance) and Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management Program. Through Raj Holdings and Thakur Enterprises, he has developed more than 1.5 million square feet of real estate across the U.S. and remains passionate about advancing education, entrepreneurship, and early childhood innovation.

For more information about Sujay Thakur and his work, visit his LinkedIn profile.

Media Contact:

info@sujaythakur.com

SOURCE: Sujay Thakur