The Ministry of Steel introduced a roadmap on Digital Opportunities in the Steel Sector at the ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 in Bharat Mandapam. This initiative aims to propel India into a technology-driven global steel powerhouse by emphasizing intelligent systems, predictive analytics, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Central to this roadmap is the AI in Steel Pavilion, a collaborative platform inviting AI solution providers, startups, and research institutions to co-create practical solutions for the industry.
The AI in Steel Pavilion marks a shift towards mission-mode AI integration across various steel sector domains like mining, production, quality assurance, and marketing. It signifies a move from isolated pilot projects to comprehensive transformation efforts. A high-level session at the summit brought together key stakeholders to discuss the digital future of the steel sector, focusing on practical use cases and technological requirements from AI companies and startups.
Industry leaders highlighted the importance of reducing downtime, enhancing worker safety, and improving operational efficiency through AI interventions. They emphasized the need for advanced solutions such as predictive maintenance algorithms, computer vision systems, and intelligent decision support systems. The convergence of industry needs and AI capabilities is expected to foster innovation and scalability in the steel ecosystem, ensuring rapid testing and implementation of promising AI solutions.
Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik outlined ambitious growth targets for India’s steel sector, aiming to increase crude steel capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030 to 2031 and further to 400 million tonnes by 2035 to 2036. This expansion will be supported by advancements in mining, logistics, and downstream value addition, with a strong focus on intelligent automation, digital technologies, and AI-driven process control systems. The industry also called for support from AI startups in developing custom solutions tailored to Indian operating conditions.
The Ministry encouraged AI developers, startups, academic institutions, and research laboratories to leverage the Steel Research and Technology Mission of India for collaborative innovation and development opportunities.
