India’s AI advancement will not rely on individual breakthroughs but on interconnected ecosystems, as stated by NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission Director, Deepak Bagla. At the Atal Innovation Mission, efforts are focused on linking startups with mentors, innovators with investors, and policy with practice to foster a collaborative environment. Bagla emphasized that when these connections are purposeful, AI transforms from a mere tool into a nationwide movement, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The ‘AI Impact Summit 2026’ witnessed Atal Innovation Mission’s significant role in shaping India’s AI journey at both grassroots and policy levels. The event featured the ‘AI Tinkerpreneur Showcase,’ where 50 student teams from Atal Tinkering Labs presented AI-driven solutions for real-world challenges in various sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education. This initiative, in partnership with Intel, aims to enhance AI skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindset among school students, with over 12,000 teams participating from across India.
Highlighting the inclusivity of AI innovation, the Summit showcased the ‘AI by HER’ segment, where female innovators from Atal Tinkering Labs shared their experiences in developing AI solutions and breaking barriers. The participation of these labs at the Summit underscores the synergy between grassroots innovation and India’s broader AI vision, illustrating how young talents are actively contributing to the nation’s innovation landscape.
