Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on February 16, 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s global leadership in artificial intelligence innovation. The Expo, held alongside the India AI Impact Summit, will run from February 16 to 20 and is expected to draw widespread national and international participation.
The five-day event brings together leading technology firms, innovators, researchers, academicians, startups and government representatives to showcase real-world AI applications, foster strategic collaborations, and unlock future opportunities across industries.
Global Collaboration and Country Pavilions
Spread across ten arenas and covering more than 70,000 square meters, the Expo includes 13 country pavilions featuring nations such as Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and countries from Africa and Eastern Europe. These showcases highlight international cooperation in AI research, policy and innovation.
More than 300 curated exhibition pavilions are organized into three thematic zones — People, Planet, and Progress — demonstrating how AI can drive inclusive development and benefit citizens across sectors.
Boosting Startup Ecosystem and Innovation
The Expo features over 600 high-potential startups, many of which are developing AI solutions that are already being deployed in real-world settings. These ventures have the opportunity to meet investors, global partners and mentors to scale their innovations.
In addition to exhibits, the platform includes 500+ expert sessions with more than 3,250 speakers and panel members, focusing on transformative AI applications, governance, data ethics, security and future strategy.
Strategic Vision and Impact
In his inaugural remarks, Modi emphasized India’s growing role as a leader in the global AI ecosystem and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging AI responsibly for national development, including empowering citizens and enhancing governance.
Organizers expect the Expo and Summit to attract over 250,000 visitors, including delegates from across the world, making it one of the largest AI gatherings globally.
