India’s ambition to lead the artificial intelligence revolution received a major boost at the AI Impact Summit 2026. NITI Aayog’s Program Director and WEP Mission Director, Anna Roy, asserted that the event will firmly establish the nation as a top AI powerhouse.
A highlight was the launch of a specialized program for 150 women-led AI startups, featuring hands-on guidance and networking from key industry partners. This step aims to bridge gaps and accelerate innovation in the sector.
In an insightful chat with media on the event’s periphery, Roy detailed the rigorous selection. Over 800 entries poured in, filtered through internal scrutiny and 63 virtual panels. ‘We prioritized utmost transparency,’ she emphasized. EY managed the full process, with anonymous online scoring ensuring objectivity.
The session ‘Access to Acceleration: How WEP Supports Women Founders’ spotlighted WEP’s comprehensive framework. Roy explained, ‘Our vision is empowerment—enabling mindset shifts, delivering critical insights at the right moment, and supporting women from dream to scale.’
Cheers erupted as the top 10 were unveiled: Able Credit, Aso AI, Power Lifeline, Verify Technologies, Project Drives, Prosigo Language, Video HR, That Creating, Water Ultra AR, and Jiko AR. Their excellence was lauded across every round.
Continuing at Bharat Mandapam through February 20, the summit unites global visionaries to chart AI’s trajectory, positioning India at the forefront of this tech wave.