The India AI Impact Summit 2026 has begun at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking the first global artificial intelligence convening of this scale in the Global South. The five-day summit, held from 16 to 20 February 2026, brings together heads of state, ministers, technology leaders, researchers, multilateral institutions and industry stakeholders to discuss how AI can support inclusive growth, stronger public systems and sustainable development.
Global Participation and Objectives
The summit is hosting more than 100 government representatives, including over 20 heads of state and government and around 60 ministers and vice ministers. It also includes over 500 global AI leaders such as CEOs, founders, academicians, researchers, CTOs and philanthropic organisations. The event aims to shape a development-oriented and responsible AI framework with a focus on public welfare and global cooperation.
Flagship AI Challenges
Three flagship initiatives, AI for ALL, AI by HER and YUVAi, will conclude with the announcement of finalists and the grand finale showcase.
- The challenges were designed to promote inclusive and scalable AI solutions.
- They received over 4,650 applications from more than 60 countries.
- After multi-stage evaluation, the top 70 teams were selected as finalists.
- The finalists will present their solutions at Bharat Mandapam and Sushma Swaraj Bhawan.
Research Symposium and Academic Focus
The Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact, organised with IIT Hyderabad, is the main academic platform of the summit. It has received about 250 research submissions from Africa, Asia and Latin America. The symposium will discuss AI-driven scientific discovery, safety, governance, equitable compute access and research collaboration across the Global South.
India’s AI Framework and Global Role
The summit is anchored in the three pillars of People, Planet and Progress, and seven thematic working groups. These cover AI for economic growth and social good, democratisation of AI resources, inclusion, safe and trusted AI, human capital, science, and resilience, innovation and efficiency. The summit is expected to produce outcome-oriented recommendations linking policy dialogue with implementation and strengthening India’s role as a convenor in global AI cooperation.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026