The India AI Convergence 2026 event was successfully held at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, India's First AI-Augmented Multidisciplinary University. This event served as an official precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. The summit is part of the government's broader preparations for the India AI Impact Summit scheduled in New Delhi from 16th to 20th February 2026.
More than 50 prominent individuals from five countries, including AI experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, startup leaders, CEOs, founders, academicians, innovators, and government agency representatives, gathered at the event to delve into the changing landscape of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and more. The focus was on harmonizing national AI policy with concrete outcomes that drive forward people-centric development, sustainability, and technological advancement. Notable participants included the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Government of Uttar Pradesh from India, as well as MeitY Startup Hub, IndiaAI, and Digital India, demonstrating a robust policy alignment and underscoring its national significance.
One of the major key moments during the event was the Strategic Policy Dialogue focused on "Shaping India’s AI and Quantum Future: From Policy to Platforms." This discussion explored how India’s AI and Quantum strategies can be put into practice across governance, defense, industry, start-ups, and international partnerships. Additionally, it highlighted Uttar Pradesh's growing role as a key implementation partner in India’s AI and Quantum ambitions leading up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, recently organized India's First AI Healthcare Hackathon to further reinforce the state's focus on 'Health & AI,' a national theme designated by the Union Government. The hackathon attracted 1,500 teams, totaling 5,000 young innovators from all over India, who showcased AI-driven solutions for addressing real healthcare issues. This hackathon was also prompted by the collaboration with various Government Agencies and Industry, offering over 100 healthcare problem statements to be discussed and tackled with AI-powered solutions.
During the India AI Convergence 2026 event, Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji, Honorable Chancellor of Chandigarh University and MP of Rajya Sabha, articulated the comprehensive vision for the summit. He underscored that the event aims to provide a platform for young innovators to directly engage with global AI experts, acquire insights into emerging technologies, and explore practical applications of AI and Quantum Computing. Furthermore, he emphasized the summit's role in enhancing public awareness of government-driven AI initiatives and welfare policies, as well as in promoting collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, industries, and startups to effectively translate policies into actions.
During the event, a significant highlight was the introduction of 'Quantum for Bharat' - a National Initiative, officially revealed by Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji in the presence of global AI experts. This initiative aims to enhance India's AI capabilities through the development of quantum computing infrastructure, structured training, and upskilling programs. It also aims to provide opportunities for young innovators to engage in research and entrepreneurship in AI and Quantum Computing.
Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, has launched its "AI for All" mission along with the debut of 'Quantum for Bharat'. This national initiative is in alignment with the Prime Minister's India AI Mission, with the goal of enhancing AI literacy among citizens nationwide and across various fields. The initiative also aims to encourage specialized training programs and workshops throughout India to equip learners with skills for the future.
The India AI Convergence 2026 included insightful panel discussions such as the Global AI Framework, Quantum and AI Fronts, AI by HER, Responsible AI at Scale, AI Funding Spectrum, and Health in Pixels, all focused on shaping India's AI future and deepening the country's AI ecosystem by 2026.
Chief Guest Mr. Nivedan Rathi, Founder of Future and AI, stated that India's goal of becoming a prominent AI hub by 2047 represents a strategic shift from being a technology consumer to an innovator in original research, innovation, and thought leadership. He highlighted that India's AI Mission signifies a desire to move past conventional IT services and establish itself as a pioneer in cutting-edge technologies. Commending Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, he emphasized the institution's strong dedication to fostering a robust AI ecosystem and aligning with the National Quantum Mission. Mr. Rathi also underscored the crucial role that CU UP plays in nurturing talent, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, thereby enabling India to unleash its untapped potential in AI and Quantum domains.
Concluding the event, Honorable Chancellor Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji expressed that hosting the India AI Convergence2026 event was a moment of pride for Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, in line with its long-term vision. He extended his gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for laying out a forward-thinking national roadmap eleven years ago and highlighted India's leadership in skill development. Furthermore, he emphasized AI-driven healthcare as a key focus area for Uttar Pradesh and welcomed the state government's partnership with the university. He reaffirmed Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh's commitment to nation-building, global leadership, and empowering students to see the India AI Convergence 2026 as a guiding roadmap for the future.