TIME100 AI 2026 · Shapers
Sunny Gandhi
Co-Executive Director, Encode
At 24, he spearheaded a successful effort to mandate human control over AI in nuclear weapons systems.
- Born
- Not published
- Now
- Co-Executive Director, Encode
- Studied
- Indiana University Bloomington
Interesting facts
- Early start
Was 24 when TIME named him, after leading Encode's push for state AI-safety laws.
time.com - Turning point
Helped push California's SB 1047 through both chambers in 2024; he called Newsom's veto 'a real punch in the face.'
time.com - First
Led the effort behind the first U.S. law requiring human control and safety rules for AI in nuclear weapons systems.
time.com - Before AI
Trained in computer science and worked in technical roles at NASA and Deloitte before going into AI policy.
gssr.georgetown.edu - In their words
Says he has the easier job than industry lobbyists because public opinion is on his side.
time.com
Career
- EncodeCo-Executive Director2023 to now
- Deloitte
Education
- BS, Computer science (honors), Indiana University Bloomington