The India AI Impact Summit 2026, starting in New Delhi, has gathered heads of state, ministers, tech leaders, researchers, and industry stakeholders to discuss AI’s role in promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development. This summit, a first of its kind in the Global South, will run until February 20, with over 100 government representatives, including 20 heads of state, 60 ministers, and 500 AI leaders participating.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to deliver the inaugural address on February 19, emphasizing global cooperation and India’s vision for responsible AI. Noteworthy at the summit are the three flagship Global Impact Challenges – AI for ALL, AI by HER, and YUVAi – aimed at fostering inclusive, responsible AI solutions aligned with national and global development goals. These challenges attracted over 4,650 applications from 60 countries, showcasing India’s emergence as a global hub for scalable AI innovation.
The top 70 teams across the three categories have been selected as finalists after a thorough evaluation process. They will present their solutions during the Grand Finale and Awards Felicitation Ceremony on February 16 and 17. The Research Symposium on AI and Its Impact, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, will be held on February 18, featuring discussions on AI-driven scientific discovery, safety, governance frameworks, and equitable access to research collaboration across the Global South.
