India is this week hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026, a five-day global artificial intelligence conference in New Delhi. The summit runs Feb 16–20, 2026 at the new Bharat Mandapam complex in Pragati Maidan (New Delhi 110001). Dubbed the first major AI summit in the Global South, the event underscores India’s rising leadership in AI policy and innovation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the gathering and the accompanying AI expo on Feb 16. Hundreds of technology experts, officials and media are preparing for the week ahead, with preparations and security in full swing around the venue.
Summit Highlights and Attendees
This high-profile event has drawn an unprecedented lineup. The Ministry of External Affairs lists 20 heads of state and vice-presidents (from countries including France, Brazil, UAE, Spain and others) along with representatives from 45+ nations. Over 50 government ministers and more than 100 global CEOs are expected to attend. Major industry leaders such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang, DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis, Microsoft’s Brad Smith and Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon are on the invite list. On the Indian side, business and tech luminaries like Mukesh Ambani and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw will be present.
The summit program is packed: over 700 sessions are scheduled across five days. Topics range from AI safety and ethics to applications in health, education, agriculture and climate. Day 1 alone features a data-driven road safety session (with experts from transport and IITs) and discussions on AI’s impact on education and jobs. Another session will explore how AI can streamline India’s judiciary (through e-courts and case management). Agriculture and sustainability are also on the agenda, for example using AI for climate-resilient farming. All summit themes are framed by India’s “People, Planet, Progress” chakras – ensuring AI serves citizens, society and the environment.
A vast AI Expo runs alongside the summit. This expo will feature 13 country pavilions (e.g. Australia, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, etc.) and over 300 curated exhibition booths. It is expected to draw more than 250,000 visitors (including international delegates) during the week. Leading startups and tech companies from India and abroad will showcase AI products and demos in themed zones (People, Planet, Progress).
Innovation Challenges and Youth Engagement
Beyond talks and exhibits, the summit spotlights innovation contests. The government announced finalists from three flagship AI challenges – AI for All, AI by HER (for women-led solutions), and YUVAi (a global youth challenge). Together these challenges drew over 4,650 applications from 60+ countries. A total of 70 finalist teams will present their projects during the summit’s awards ceremony on Feb 16–17 at Bharat Mandapam and the nearby Sushma Swaraj Bhawan.
The youth-oriented YUVAi challenge alone received 2,500+ entries from 38 nations. On Feb 15 the top 20 finalist teams were announced – over a dozen are from India. Their AI projects span areas like disease screening, agriculture, climate resilience and accessibility. For instance, finalists include an AI-powered malaria detection system, an interactive Braille learning glove, and AI tools for speech assistance. Prize money is significant: the top 3 YUVAi teams each get ₹15 lakh, next 3 get ₹10 lakh, and special awards of ₹5 lakh. These challenges emphasize India’s push to nurture inclusive, ethical AI and involve youth and women in tech innovation.
Registration, Tickets, and Venue Access
The summit is open to all (registration is free). Organizers have opened online registrations via the official site . Attendees simply register as delegates on the IndiaAI portal (impact.indiaai.gov.in) or use the AI Summit app’s QR codes at entry. According to advisories, anyone can attend sessions and the expo; entry is via QR code scanning on the summit app or DigiYatra app.
The venue, Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan (Pin code 110001), is centrally located in Delhi. It comprises the Bharat Mandapam Expo Arena (for exhibits) and the Convention Centre/Sushma Swaraj Bhawan (for sessions). For local access, the Indraprastha Metro Station (Blue Line) is the closest, with convenient entry via Gate 10 at Pragati Maidan. (The Supreme Court Metro Station also serves the complex.) The Delhi Government has set up shuttle buses from nearby parking lots – for example, free shuttles run from Purana Qila, Pragati Maidan Zoo Parking and JLN Stadium parking to Gate 4. Drop-offs by taxi/cab are allowed at Gate 4 before 2 pm, then via Gate 7 after 2 pm (Gate 10 remains for foot traffic).
In sum, the AI Impact Summit 2026 is the major technology event in Delhi this week. It brings together global policymakers, innovators, startups and students to showcase AI applications that impact India and the world. Those searching online for “AI conferences in Delhi” or “tech events near me” will find this summit topping the list. With free registration and open access (except the PM’s closed-door meetings), Delhi residents and visitors can experience sessions, demos and exhibitions first-hand.
Keep an eye on India’s news streams and official channels for breaking updates each day. The summit is not just a conference – it is portrayed as India’s opportunity to shape global AI governance and adopt technology for inclusive growth. Outcomes from the summit (including a Leaders’ Declaration and compendiums on AI in sectors) will likely influence India’s AI policy and economy going forward. For now, New Delhi is the center of the AI universe – and the world’s eyes are on the Bharat Mandapam this week.
