The India–AI Impact Summit 2026 (also referred to as India AI Impact Summit 2026) is a landmark global event hosted by India in New Delhi from February 16–20, 2026. It marks the first major international AI summit held in the Global South, emphasising responsible, inclusive, and impact-oriented artificial intelligence. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, the summit brings together over 20 Heads of State, 60 Ministers, 500+ global AI leaders, participants from 100+ countries, 500+ startups, and features 300+ exhibitors across 10+ thematic pavilions in the India AI Impact Expo. Anchored in the principles of People, Planet, and Progress (the "Three Sutras"), it aims to shift focus from AI safety alone to AI for development, inclusive growth, sustainable futures, and measurable on-ground impact. The motto draws from "Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya" (Welfare for all, happiness for all), with structured discussions across Seven Chakras (working groups) on themes like Health, Agriculture, Safe & Trusted AI, Science, Inclusion, Democratising AI Resources, and Economic Development. It includes high-level plenaries, policy panels, research symposiums, global challenges (e.g., AI for ALL, AI by HER, YUVAi), knowledge releases, and GPAI Council meetings to foster partnerships and actionable outcomes.
Core research pillars: the 2026 knowledge tracks
The summit features focused knowledge tracks and thematic areas aligned with its impact-driven vision. While specific "2026 Knowledge Tracks" like Generative Architectures & Multimodality, Global AI Policy & Governance, and Edge Computing & Robotics are not explicitly listed in official sources as exact titles, discussions and sessions cover advanced AI technologies, governance, and applied/edge innovations through research symposiums, plenaries, and sectoral dialogues.
- Track 1: Generative Architectures and Multimodality - Explores cutting-edge foundational models, multimodal AI systems (integrating text, image, video, audio), and generative innovations for scalable, inclusive applications. Sessions highlight breakthroughs in responsible generative AI, sovereign tech stacks, and real-world multimodal deployments in sectors like education and healthcare.
- Track 2: Global AI Policy and Governance - Addresses ethical frameworks, regulatory approaches, trusted AI, data protection, and international cooperation. Key focus on India's leadership in AI governance guidelines, bridging Global North-South divides, building public trust, and frameworks for safe, transparent AI at national and global scales.
- Track 3: Edge Computing and Robotics - Covers decentralised AI processing, on-device intelligence, robotics integration, and edge-enabled solutions for real-time applications in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and accessibility. Emphasises low-latency, privacy-preserving AI for resource-constrained environments and sustainable robotics.
AI impact events at the summit
The summit includes a mix of expos, challenges, symposia, and leadership sessions:
- India AI Impact Expo (ongoing across dates, Bharat Mandapam): 300+ exhibitors, 30+ countries, 10+ thematic pavilions showcasing AI solutions.
- Global Impact Challenges Grand Finale & Awards (February 16–17): Presentations from top teams in AI for ALL, AI by HER, YUVAi.
- Research Symposium on AI and its Impact (February 18): Plenary keynotes, dialogues, and presentations on policy-relevant innovations (partnered with IIIT-Hyderabad).
- Release of Knowledge Compendiums (February 17): On AI in Health, Energy, Education, Agriculture, Gender Empowerment, Accessibility.
- High-level plenaries, sectoral panels, roundtables, and GPAI Council meetings.
Participant persona matrix: find your path
| Persona | Key interests/Focus areas | Recommended sessions/tracks | Benefits/Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Policymakers and Government officials | Global governance, ethical frameworks, inclusive AI policies | Global AI Policy & Governance, Seven Chakras working groups | Shape international commitments, access policy tools |
| Researchers and academics | Cutting-edge models, multimodality, impact research | Generative Architectures & Multimodality, Research Symposium | Collaborate on innovations, publish/share findings |
| Industry leaders and startups | Edge tech, robotics, scalable adoption, funding | Edge Computing & Robotics, AI Impact Expo | Network with investors, showcase solutions, partnerships |
| Developers and technologists | Multimodal tools, edge deployment, generative AI | Generative Architectures, Edge Computing tracks | Gain insights into sovereign AI, demo opportunities |
| Sector experts (e.g., Health, Agri) | Domain-specific AI impact | Sectoral panels (Health, Agriculture, etc.) | Apply AI for public good, access compendiums |
| Investors and funders | Innovation financing, high-impact projects | Expo pavilions, challenge finales | Identify investable AI ventures |
Financing innovation: leveraging business loan for AI projects
AI projects often require significant capital for compute infrastructure, talent, R&D, and scaling. A business loan provides flexible funding to accelerate adoption without diluting equity. Check your options with a business loan eligibility calculator or estimate repayments via a business loan EMI calculator. Current business loan interest rate structures make them viable for tech-driven growth.
Why does AI need specific funding?
- High upfront costs for GPUs, cloud compute, and data centres.
- Rapid R&D cycles demand quick scaling of prototypes to production.
- Talent acquisition and training in specialised AI skills.
- Compliance with ethical/governance standards adds regulatory expenses.
- Infrastructure for edge deployment or multimodal systems.
Loan types for AI adoption
| Loan type | Description | Best for | Typical features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term loan | Fixed amount for specific AI project/equipment | Buying servers, GPUs, or setting up labs | Fixed tenure, lower rates for secured |
| Working capital loan | Short-term for operational AI needs | Payroll for AI teams, data acquisition | Flexible drawdown, revolving |
| Equipment finance | Tailored for hardware like edge devices/robotics | Robotics or edge computing setups | Asset-backed, competitive rates |
| Startup/MSME loan | Government-backed schemes for AI innovators | Early-stage AI startups | Subsidized rates, minimal collateral |
Detailed event agenda (technical and strategic)
| Date | Key events/sessions | Venue(s) | Focus (Technical/Strategic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2026 (Monday) | Inauguration, High-impact keynotes, Policy panels, Roundtables, Expo launch, Challenge finales | Bharat Mandapam / Sushma Swaraj Bhawan / Ambedkar Bhawan | Strategic foundation, global commitments |
| February 17, 2026 (Tuesday) | Sectoral dialogues, Release of Knowledge Compendiums (Health, Energy, Education, etc.), Continued panels | Bharat Mandapam | Strategic impact areas, knowledge sharing |
| February 18, 2026 (Wednesday) | Research Symposium on AI & Impact (plenary keynotes, dialogues, presentations) | Bharat Mandapam | Technical innovations, research-focused |
| February 19–20, 2026 | Deep-dive sessions, Leadership engagements, GPAI Council meetings, Expo continuations | Bharat Mandapam / Other venues | Technical and strategic wrap-up, partnerships |
(Agenda is based on official details and remains subject to minor updates.)
List of key institutional frameworks involved in the summit
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY): Primary organiser and anchor.
- IndiaAI Mission: Drives the summit under MeitY, focusing on responsible AI diffusion.
- Software Technology Parks of India (STPI): Supports innovation and ecosystem building.
- Digital India Initiative: Oversees broader digital transformation alignment.
- Global Partnership on AI (GPAI): Hosts Council meetings for international governance.
- NITI Aayog and Other Partners: Contributes to policy and sectoral inputs.
