A tidal wave of international interest is propelling India onto the world stage as the epicenter of ethical AI advancement. The government’s announcement on Sunday spotlights the massive response to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, rooted in the triple pillar vision of people, planet, and progress.
With the summit kicking off February 16-20 in New Delhi, excitement builds around the finalists of three marquee challenges: AI for All, AI by Her, and YouthAI. These competitions were designed to spotlight AI applications with real-world societal benefits aligned to global priorities.
MeitY revealed that the challenges attracted more than 4,650 submissions from over 60 nations, culminating in 70 elite teams after stringent reviews. These finalists will pitch their game-changing solutions during the high-stakes grand finale and awards ceremony on February 16-17 at premier venues.
Breaking down the numbers, AI for All alone saw 1,350+ applications targeting critical sectors like healthcare, farming, climate action, governance, learning, and finance. The 20 standout teams unveiled innovations such as diagnostic tools for infections, smart soil assessment systems, climate analytics platforms, telehealth diagnostics, cyber defenses, productivity enhancers for industries, and learner-friendly edtech.
Such developments underscore AI’s role in fostering balanced progress and revolutionizing public services in developing regions.
Meanwhile, AI by Her garnered 800+ entries from 50+ countries, amplifying women-led innovation. The 30 selected trailblazers are pioneering AI in areas from cancer screening and ocular health to multi-language medical aids, voice-enabled EMRs, nutritional insights, credit scoring AI, and sustainability reporting tools.
By prioritizing female leadership, India is not just building tech but reshaping the AI landscape for inclusivity. The summit’s global buzz confirms India’s trajectory as a responsible AI powerhouse.