New Delhi is set to host one of the world’s largest AI events, the India AI Impact Summit 2026, with a sharp focus on democratizing artificial intelligence. This ambitious gathering aims to drive inclusive growth and spur innovation by making AI accessible to everyone, from farmers to startups.
An official statement released Tuesday emphasized that prioritizing affordability, transparency, and trust will ensure AI benefits reach farmers, students, researchers, startups, and public institutions equally. The government’s vision is clear: AI democratization isn’t a one-off event but a continuous commitment to empower societies, reduce inequalities, and support sustainable development for all.
For many countries, especially those in the Global South, true AI democratization hinges on fair and affordable access to essential resources like data, computing power, and digital infrastructure. The summit provides a vital platform for collective engagement, bringing together 15 to 20 heads of state, over 50 international organizations, and more than 100 global and Indian CXOs.
Discussions will unfold through thematic cycles and working groups centered on seven interconnected areas. A standout initiative is the working group on democratizing AI resources, co-chaired by India, Egypt, and Kenya. This group unites countries and stakeholders to foster shared access, collaboration, and capacity building for a more inclusive global AI ecosystem.
By promoting equitable access, collaboration, and skill development, this effort supports a future where every nation can harness AI for inclusive and sustainable progress. Making the foundational infrastructure for AI—open, affordable, and widely accessible—is key to this democratization.
Scheduled from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, the India AI Impact Summit 2026 marks the first global AI summit hosted in the Global South. It will convene world leaders, policymakers, tech giants, innovators, and experts to showcase and debate AI’s transformative potential for inclusive development, governance, and sustainability.