Summit Kicks Off
The Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi vibrated with innovation as India launched the AI Impact Summit 2026, embracing the ethos of 'Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya'
– for the benefit of all, for the happiness of all. This significant event, aimed at fostering responsible technological advancements and global collaboration in artificial intelligence, set a new precedent for discussions on AI's future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of the accompanying India AI Impact Expo 2026 underscored the nation's dedication to showcasing AI's practical applications and its potential to address societal challenges. The expo, spanning five days from February 16th to 20th, transformed over 70,000 square meters into a comprehensive display of AI in action. It brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including leading global technology firms, dynamic startups, esteemed academic institutions, dedicated research bodies, various Union Ministries and State Governments, and international partners, all under one roof to deliberate on AI's trajectory and impact.
Global Participation
A strong international presence marked the AI Impact Summit 2026, emphasizing the global nature of AI development and collaboration. Thirteen country pavilions, featuring nations like Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several from the African continent, were established. These pavilions served as vibrant hubs, illustrating the deepening international cooperation within the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence ecosystem. This extensive global participation underscored a shared vision for advancing AI responsibly and inclusively. The event was meticulously organized, offering more than 300 curated exhibition spaces and live demonstrations designed to illuminate AI's expanding influence. These exhibits were strategically categorized under three overarching themes: People, Planet, and Progress, effectively demonstrating AI's application across a multitude of sectors and its potential to drive positive change in diverse areas of human endeavor and environmental sustainability.
Indigenous AI Models
A cornerstone of the AI Impact Summit 2026 was the unveiling of twelve indigenous foundation models, a testament to India's burgeoning capabilities in AI research and development. These models, developed by domestic startups and collaborative consortiums, have been trained on extensive Indian datasets. Crucially, they are designed to cater to the country's diverse linguistic landscape, supporting its 22 official languages. This initiative, a key component of the IndiaAI Mission, signals a strategic move towards developing AI solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also culturally relevant and accessible to a broader population. The summit itself, positioned as the first global AI gathering of its kind in the Global South, reflects New Delhi's proactive stance in shaping an AI future that is inclusive, responsible, and driven by tangible outcomes, ensuring that the benefits of AI are widely distributed and contribute to overall societal progress.
Future Outlook
With the Indian AI market projected to surpass USD 17 billion by 2027, the AI Impact Summit 2026 served as a powerful declaration of India's ambition to become a leading force in the global AI landscape. The nation's robust digital public infrastructure, coupled with nearly 800 million internet users and a thriving startup ecosystem, provides a fertile ground for innovation and large-scale deployment of AI solutions. The summit facilitated over 500 sessions, featuring more than 3,250 speakers and panellists, fostering in-depth discussions on AI's potential and challenges. Organizers anticipated over 2.5 lakh visitors, including a significant number of foreign delegates, underscoring the event's importance in deepening global partnerships and stimulating business engagement within the AI sector. This event marked India's clear intent to bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and meaningful real-world impact.
