The AI Impact Summit 2026 opened in New Delhi on Monday, uniting top minds from around the globe to explore AI’s role in societal progress. Debjani Ghosh, leading Niti Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub as Chief Architect, told IANS she’s thrilled India is pioneering the first major AI event for the Global South, with a sharp emphasis on tangible outcomes.
‘Building AI infrastructure alone won’t cut it,’ Ghosh asserted. ‘It must drive massive changes in people’s lives.’ Anchored by the principles of people, planet, and prosperity, the summit showcases India’s commitment to technology that serves everyone.
Ghosh detailed India’s inclusive tech ethos, from DPI to AI, always starting at the community level and scaling up to reach the furthest corners—ensuring women in remote areas benefit first. The nation is also nurturing female innovators to build the future.
At the event, Sachi Chopra, Program Architect at Frontier Tech Hub, unveiled a dynamic digital platform featuring more than 200 real-world AI success stories. Designed for policymakers, it dissects implementations: hurdles overcome, strategies employed, and results delivered.
A prime example is ‘Pahel’ in Rajasthan’s Tonk district. Launched by Dr. Soumya Jha, this AI personalized learning app revolutionized math education in public schools. Pass percentages for Class 10 jumped almost 100% in six weeks. Stories include full playbooks—problems, fixes, pilots, funds, policies, and impacts—for easy adoption elsewhere.
The platform’s ‘Build Your Own’ feature demystifies replication with guides on funding, partners, and regulations. A built-in AI helper scans stories by sector, offering tailored advice for fields like farming and schooling.
Anna Roy from WEP highlighted the summit’s strategy to elevate India’s AI stature worldwide. By blending challenges like ‘AI for All’, ‘Young AI’, and ‘AI by Her’, it’s unearthing talent. WEP shortlisted 63 from 500 entries; 30 winners upcoming, top 10 awarded Rs 25 lakh via India AI Mission, plus bonuses from sponsors.
With state-level workshops and a fresh challenge on the horizon, India is fast-tracking AI from labs to lives, proving technology’s true worth lies in its impact.