New Delhi’s push into artificial intelligence took a giant leap forward as Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, unveiled plans to equip educational institutions across the nation with cutting-edge AI devices. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the minister highlighted how this initiative will empower students with hands-on experience in emerging technologies, enabling them to craft innovative solutions.
In a candid conversation with YourStory founder Shradha Sharma, Vaishnaw delved into the summit’s transformative potential. This global gathering, recognized as one of the world’s premier AI platforms, brings together leaders to debate ethical AI, regulatory frameworks, and the role of advanced tech in reshaping industries and public services.
Over five days, more than 110 countries and 30 international organizations are participating, with nearly 20 heads of state or government and around 45 ministers in attendance. It’s positioned as the largest event focused on AI governance and collaboration.
Vaishnaw emphasized India’s rapid strides across all five layers of AI development. ‘Investors, venture capital firms, and our youth are buzzing with excitement over this technology,’ he noted. The summit has already sparked major breakthroughs, with India poised to unveil revolutionary healthcare and agricultural productivity models for the world.
A staggering $200 billion in infrastructure investments has been attracted through the event, alongside $17 billion committed to deep-tech and application layers. Venture capital firms are showing keen interest, betting big on India’s capacity to deliver population-scale innovations.
Addressing young developers and entrepreneurs, the minister stressed the need to prepare the education system for the fifth industrial revolution. Curricula in schools and colleges are being revamped, with AI mission’s next phase set to provide students with AI solutions and tools for practical learning.
Government backing for startups remains robust, with reliable VC firms pledging $17 billion. India now ranks among the top three global startup ecosystems, surging from 400-500 startups a decade ago to over 200,000 today. The world is taking note of our entrepreneurial spirit.
In semiconductors, Vaishnaw forecasted around 50 deep-tech startups emerging soon, with commercial production in one of ten units starting imminently. Official announcements are on the horizon.
The summit unites global leaders, policymakers, and experts to harness AI’s power for economic growth, superior governance, and social progress, aligning with India’s ethos of ‘AI for Humanity’ and the principle of welfare for all.