New Delhi is buzzing with innovation as the AI Impact Summit 2026 kicked off on Monday, drawing global leaders from governments and industries to discuss the transformative power of artificial intelligence. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Debjani Ghosh, Chief Architect of Niti Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub, expressed immense pride that India is hosting the world’s first global AI summit focused on the Global South.
Ghosh emphasized that India’s deliberate choice to center the summit around ‘impact’ underscores a vital message: constructing AI infrastructure is merely the starting point. The real game-changer lies in deploying it at scale to reshape everyday lives. ‘People, Planet, and Prosperity’ form the summit’s three core pillars, reflecting India’s vision for inclusive technological advancement.
Highlighting India’s grassroots approach to tech, Ghosh noted how initiatives like Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and AI have originated from the ground up, prioritizing benefits for the most marginalized, including women at the last mile of society. Beyond access, India is empowering women entrepreneurs and developers to lead in tech creation.
A standout feature of the summit is a comprehensive digital platform showcasing over 200 AI impact stories. Program Architect Sachi Chopra explained how this resource equips policymakers and states with detailed case studies—from challenges faced to outcomes achieved. Take Rajasthan’s Tonk district, where former District Magistrate Dr. Soumya Jha launched ‘Pahel’, an AI-driven personalized learning tool targeting poor math results in government schools. In just six weeks, Class 10 math pass rates soared nearly 100%.
Each story on the platform breaks down the problem, solution, pilot execution, funding, policy support, and measurable impact, enabling replication. The ‘Build Your Own’ tool provides actionable blueprints, including funding sources, tech partners, and policy essentials. An in-house AI assistant further aids users by recommending practical, sector-specific solutions in agriculture, education, and beyond.
Anna Roy, Mission Director of Niti Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), reinforced India’s bid to cement its global AI leadership. The summit fuses diverse elements to position India prominently on the world stage. Key challenges launched include ‘AI for All’, ‘Young AI’, and ‘AI by Her’ to scout talent, particularly among women.
From 500 WEP applications, 63 finalists emerged, with 30 winners to be announced—top 10 receiving Rs 25 lakh each under the India AI Mission. Top three get extra prizes from partners like LinkedIn and Schneider. Workshops are ramping up awareness at state and district levels, with a new challenge announcement imminent to accelerate grassroots AI adoption.
This summit isn’t just talk—it’s a blueprint for AI that delivers real-world change, putting India at the forefront of ethical, inclusive innovation.