Research Symposium Highlights
Day 3 of the AI Impact Summit 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, buzzed with activity centered on AI's cutting-edge research and practical applications.
A dedicated research symposium convened distinguished academics, insightful researchers, and influential think tanks. These experts presented their latest AI studies, introduced novel methodologies for AI development, and shared evidence-based recommendations for effective AI policy. The discussions aimed to illuminate the path forward for AI research, fostering a deeper understanding of its potential and challenges.
Industry Innovation Showcase
Concurrent with the research symposium, the summit hosted vibrant industry sessions. Global technology leaders, emerging startups, and established sector champions took center stage to exhibit scalable AI solutions. Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of AI in action and explored future-ready innovations designed to address real-world problems. This platform provided a crucial space for collaboration and knowledge exchange, highlighting how AI is being practically deployed across various industries to drive efficiency and create new opportunities.
Global Participation and Leadership
This significant AI Impact Summit marked its first-ever hosting in India, attracting an impressive international contingent. Over 100 countries were represented, with a notable presence of 15 to 20 heads of government, more than 50 ministers, and over 40 chief executive officers from both global and Indian corporations. The event served as a powerful testament to India's growing role in the global AI ecosystem. Prominent figures such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani were among the key industry voices expected to contribute to the summit's discourse.
Policy Foundations and Future Direction
The summit's trajectory built upon previous international dialogues concerning artificial intelligence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was slated to officially inaugurate the two-day core summit on February 19, with expectations that he would also engage in a CEO roundtable discussion. This event echoed the spirit of last year's AI Action Summit in Paris, which was co-chaired by the Prime Minister, as well as earlier gatherings in Seoul in 2024 and the foundational Bletchley Park meeting in 2023. These consecutive events underscore a persistent global commitment to shaping AI policy and governance.
Extensive Sessions and Expo
The week-long AI Impact Summit 2026 was a monumental event, featuring an extensive program with over 500 distinct sessions. Complementing the discussions, the summit also functioned as a major AI trade expo, boasting an impressive roster of over 840 exhibitors. This diverse group included national delegations, innovative tech companies, agile startups, and dedicated research laboratories. The sheer scale and scope of the event solidified its position as one of the most comprehensive global forums dedicated to the advancement and discussion of artificial intelligence.
