India AI Impact Summit 2026: Top AI minds to gather at Bharat Mandapam

India is gearing up to host one of the most anticipated global technology gatherings, the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, 2026. Organized at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, the event is being hailed as the largest international summit dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) ever held in the Global South. This summit will be a significant milestone in India’s digital journey, positioning the nation as a hub for AI research, innovation, and policy-making. The summit has drawn participation from leading global researchers, policymakers, startups, and industry leaders, making it a melting pot of ideas and expertise. More than 100 countries are expected to take part, showcasing their latest innovations and policy frameworks in AI.

At the heart of the event is the Research Symposium on “AI and Its Impact”, scheduled for February 18, 2026. The symposium has received over 250 research papers and project submissions from both Indian and international contributors, showing the growing global interest in AI’s potential to transform industries and societies.

The symposium will serve as a bridge between academia, industry, and governance, ensuring that cutting-edge research leads to actionable outcomes in the real world. It will feature keynote sessions, expert panel discussions, poster presentations, and fireside chats focusing on how AI can be applied across fields such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable development.

Showcasing Innovation Through Research

One of the summit’s main attractions is its AI Research Poster Exhibition, where 60 selected projects will be presented. This includes:

• 30 posters from researchers across the Global South,
• 15 projects from Indian institutions, and
• 15 student-led innovations.

These exhibits will highlight diverse applications of AI  from smart farming and renewable energy management to digital education and healthcare analytics. The showcase will not only spotlight innovation but also provide networking opportunities for young researchers and startups to collaborate with global experts.

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 will revolve around three guiding principles: People, Planet, and Progress often referred to as the Three Sutras.

• People focus on developing AI that empowers communities and enhances human capabilities.
• Planet emphasizes sustainable and environment-friendly use of technology.
• Progress highlights inclusive growth and innovation-driven development.

The discussions will also cover AI ethics, governance frameworks, cybersecurity, education, and data protection, ensuring that technological advancement goes hand in hand with responsibility and transparency. The Summit is not limited to showcasing technology; it also aims to drive policy dialogue on the responsible use of AI. With participation from international organizations, government leaders, and private enterprises, it will serve as a global policy forum to shape how AI should be governed to benefit all sections of society.

High-level sessions will discuss the ethical challenges of AI, including algorithmic bias, data privacy, and equitable access to AI tools. Experts will explore how developing countries can harness AI for public good without deepening the digital divide.

India’s leadership in hosting such a large-scale AI summit underscores its growing influence in the global technology landscape. Under the IndiaAI Mission, the government has been promoting initiatives to strengthen the AI ecosystem including research hubs, skilling programs, and startup collaborations.

This mission aligns with India’s vision of making AI accessible, affordable, and adaptable for all. By encouraging innovation in sectors like education, health, agriculture, and governance, the country aims to use AI as a tool for social impact rather than merely technological advancement. The summit shows India’s effort to give the Global South a stronger voice in AI development, making sure that developing countries also help decide global technology rules and ethics.

One of the unique aspects of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is its interdisciplinary approach. By bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs, government officials, and educators under one roof, the summit promotes collaboration between research and real-world implementation. The conversations and collaborations initiated here are expected to influence future AI policy frameworks in India and beyond. Several government and private agencies are likely to announce partnerships and funding opportunities for AI-driven projects during the event.