New Delhi is buzzing with anticipation as the AI Impact Summit 2026 promises to catapult India onto the global stage as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence. Anna Roy, Program Director at NITI Aayog and Mission Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), made this bold declaration during the ongoing event at Bharat Mandapam.
In a groundbreaking move, Roy announced a dedicated capacity-building program tailored for 150 selected women-led AI startups. This initiative, backed by ecosystem partners, will offer structured mentorship and robust networking opportunities to fuel their growth.
Speaking exclusively to reporters on the sidelines, Roy revealed the intense selection process. ‘We received over 800 applications for this challenge,’ she said. ‘After an initial internal review, we conducted 63 virtual panel sessions to ensure fairness.’
Transparency was key, with EY overseeing the entire evaluation from start to finish. All marking was done online by anonymous evaluators, guaranteeing impartiality.
During a session titled ‘Access to Acceleration: How WEP Supports Women Founders,’ Roy elaborated on WEP’s role in fostering a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. From nurturing aspirations to driving business expansion, WEP empowers through behavioral change, timely knowledge access, and comprehensive support.
The top 10 winners—Able Credit, Aso AI, Power Lifeline, Verify Technologies, Project Drives, Prosigo Language, Video HR, That Creating, Water Ultra AR, and Jiko AR—were celebrated for their outstanding performances across all evaluation stages.
The summit, running until February 20, draws top leaders from India and abroad. Together, they are shaping the future of AI on a global scale, underscoring India’s rising prominence in this transformative technology.