New Delhi is buzzing with innovation as the India AI Impact Summit 2026 unfolds, drawing top global experts and tech giants to discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. The event’s scale and enthusiasm have left attendees impressed, particularly Gerent Rees, Vice-Provost for Research, Innovation, and Global Engagement at University College London (UCL).
In an exclusive conversation, Rees highlighted a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UCL and Tech Mahindra. This partnership promises to supercharge research efforts and provide students with hands-on opportunities to tackle real-world business challenges. ‘The excitement around this summit is phenomenal,’ Rees remarked, emphasizing the timely boost to India-UK ties.
India’s dynamic economy, fueled by ambitions in AI, advanced medicine, robotics, and space exploration, positions it as a global leader, Rees noted. UCL aims to collaborate with premier Indian institutions like IIT Delhi, AIIMS, and IIC Bangalore to push the boundaries of international research.
From the Switzerland Pavilion, Dr. Leena Robra showcased her nation’s commitment to transparent AI development. Switzerland’s Swiss AI Initiative has launched ‘Apertus,’ an open-source large language model where data and operations are fully transparent, prioritizing public good, responsibility, and ethics.
France is making a strong statement with its largest national pavilion ever, featuring around 30 AI companies. Estelle David, France’s Trade and Investment Commissioner, expressed delight at the participation, noting that nearly 120 French firms have arrived in India this week to deepen bilateral partnerships.
Fujitsu’s Jango Okai introduced cutting-edge AI software paired with quantum and supercomputing technologies. Quantum computers, vastly superior to traditional systems, could revolutionize simulations, optimizations, and scientific discoveries. With India’s booming economy, Okai stressed the need for robust data centers and indigenous computing power.
Meanwhile, Oriserve co-founder Maz Ansari revealed how their technology has automated brand-customer interactions for seven years. Capable of instant, accurate responses and understanding India’s diverse dialects, it empowers rural and remote users to access banking and services via phone, bypassing the need for physical branches.
The summit underscores a pivotal moment for AI, where international collaborations are set to redefine technological landscapes and drive inclusive growth across borders.