In today’s tech-driven world, ensuring a seamless digital experience is more important than ever. While innovative features capture headlines, it’s quality assurance that determines whether users stay engaged or abandon a product. In this evolving space, leaders like Sumit Abhichandani are transforming how we think about quality, accessibility, and artificial intelligence.
Sumit Abhichandani is a global quality assurance leader at Visa, overseeing a team of more than 80 engineers and managers. With a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Houston, Sumit’s career has spanned roles at Foxconn, Polycom, and now Visa, where he integrates AI to elevate software testing and accessibility. His passion for inclusivity and innovation is helping shape the future of financial technology.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive in, can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
After completing my master’s in electrical engineering, I started my career in software testing at Foxconn in Houston, Texas. It was unique because it was a combination of both software and hardware testing. We worked closely with Cisco Cisco products, which exposed me to how quality
assurance impacts customer experience. Seeing users adopt or reject technology based on its quality had a big influence on me. Through the years, I advanced from project leadership roles at Polycom to my current position managing quality at Visa.
Have you always been good with computers?
Honestly, not at all. I wasn’t a great programmer at the beginning. It was during a hackathon in grad school when I first built something that people actually used. That experience — watching someone interact with what we built — sparked something in me. From there, I started enjoying the process of software development and testing.
How do you build the skill to test software from a user perspective?
It’s something you develop over time. You need to be curious and detail-oriented. We’ve built a strong team with diverse skills — automation, performance, security, accessibility. Recently, we introduced AI into our workflows, including a defect prediction model. That allowed us to reduce test prep time by 60%. It also meant we could deliver on tight timelines without cutting corners.
When people use Visa apps, where does your team fit in?
We’re part of a broader ecosystem. My team primarily focuses on test engineering and accessibility. We ensure our digital products are inclusive, particularly for our e-commerce platform. We work on building monitoring solutions that run behind the scenes, making sure the experience is seamless for everyone, including those using assistive technologies.
Can you give an example of how AI is used in your work?
Yes, absolutely. On the consumer side, AI helps personalize shopping experiences — like recommending products. We’re exploring agentive AI that could even handle transactions on your behalf. On the internal side, we’re using AI in test automation, for accessibility scanning, and even in tools like GitHub Copilot. It helps us write better code and communicate more clearly. It’s become part of our daily toolkit.
What’s your biggest challenge as a team leader?
Capacity planning and managing change. Projects can shift quickly, and we often need to reassign resources without losing momentum. Another challenge was the initial skepticism toward AI. We had to demonstrate that AI wasn’t replacing jobs — it was augmenting our efforts. By starting small, using AI for repetitive tasks, and showing quick wins, we gradually gained support.
Were you using AI before ChatGPT was released?
Yes. At Visa, AI has been integral to our fraud detection and risk models for years. ChatGPT gave us an interface that expanded those capabilities into areas like documentation, communication, and workflow automation. It’s made AI more accessible to a broader team.
How does your team stay trained on new tools and innovations?
We have a strong learning culture at Visa. We organize internal sessions, invite external speakers — including folks from OpenAI and Anthropic — and encourage team members to attend conferences. We even have an internal AI university and partner with industry groups to stay current.
Do you explore AI projects personally too?
Yes, hackathons are a big part of our culture. They allow us to experiment. Some of our tools started as hackathon ideas and are now integrated into production. It’s a way to try something new without risk, and if it works, we scale it.
How do you ensure Visa products are secure?
Security is non-negotiable. Before anything goes into production, it undergoes rigorous testing. We use static and dynamic analysis tools, manual code reviews, and internal red team exercises. Our goal is to catch vulnerabilities early and fix them fast.
Is blockchain part of Visa’s roadmap?
Yes, our crypto team is exploring its potential. We’re investigating efficiency and governance models. While it’s still early for wide-scale adoption, we’re laying the groundwork by attending workshops and pilot programs.
Do you think blockchain will be widely adopted by credit card companies?
Adoption is already happening in small pockets. Merchants are starting to accept crypto. But for it to scale, we need to address risk, governance, and usability. Still, it’s not a question of if — but when.
What technology gap would you close if you had full control?
Accessibility. I’d create a global, open-source tool for automated accessibility audits. Right now, solutions are fragmented, and accessibility often gets pushed to the end. We need better tools so that inclusive design becomes the norm from day one.
If you could start your own company, what would it do?
I’d build an all-in-one quality testing platform — covering performance, security, and accessibility — powered by AI. Today, teams use separate tools for each. We need a unified solution that helps developers ship high-quality software faster.
What advice do you have for new grads entering tech?
Start with internships, participate in hackathons, and explore different roles. Find what you love. Also, stay connected to your network and industry forums. Continuous learning is key. Don’t wait to be taught — go seek it out.
What needs to happen in the next year for you to feel proud of your progress?
Professionally, I want to keep upskilling and mentor the next generation. I also want to continue expanding how we use AI to solve real problems. Personally, I want my family to be healthy and happy. Balance matters.
How early should we teach kids about AI?
Start young — but in small doses. Show them how tools like Alexa or Siri work. As they grow, introduce them to how these systems are built. It’s about building curiosity without overwhelming them. Every kid is different.
What advice would you give to those afraid of AI?
Start with low-risk areas where AI can create immediate value. Understand that AI is a tool — it’s only as good as how we use it. It’s not magic, and it won’t replace critical thinking. Focus on ROI and iterate.
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead and advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator.
Visa’s Sumit Abhichandani on AI, Accessibility and the Future of Quality Engineering was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.