The government is currently actively shortlisting 30 AI applications by women entrepreneurs, 20 AI applications by young entrepreneurs, and 20 leading solutions developed to global challenges in various sectors such as agriculture, climate change, financial inclusion, and manufacturing. Supported by IndiaAI Mission's application development initiatives, 30 additional applications addressing India's unique challenges in areas such as healthcare, governance, and assistive technology will also be unveiled at the summit.
Announced in September as part of three separate Global Impact Challenges, the government's goal is to find scalable AI-driven technology solutions, from computer vision diagnostics and natural language processing (NLP) for clinical records, to combating financial fraud in digital payment systems, to intervening in frequent equipment breakdowns and unplanned factory downtime, to AI for elderly care.
“It has to be deployable and affordable. As a result, a concept paper without a working prototype is not acceptable,” said a MeitY official. The top 10 teams developing global solutions and women-led innovations will be allotted cash prizes of up to Rs 2.5 million, while the top three teams of young entrepreneurs will receive Rs 15 million. Winners in the last category may also present their solutions to investors at a dedicated event on the sidelines of the summit, he added.
The summit, to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to be held in February 2026, will be the fourth annual gathering of world leaders to develop AI policy. Leaders from up to 25 countries could convene in New Delhi with the aim of narrowing global gaps in AI and mitigating AI risks, which are among the key priorities, officials said.
In preparation for this summit, MeitY has established seven working groups focused on AI for economic growth and social good. Democratizing AI resources. Inclusion for social empowerment. Safe and reliable AI. Build AI human capital. Resilience, innovation and efficiency. and AI for science.
