600+ startups, 70,000 sq m venue, 2.5 lakh visitors: Grand scale of AI summit in Delhi

As the AI Impact Summit 2026 opened at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Monday, the scale of the global gathering came into focus, underscoring India’s ambitions in the artificial intelligence ecosystem.

The summit, running from February 16 to 20, is accompanied by the India AI Impact Expo 2026, an expansive showcase organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) as the custodian.

The official summit platform describes the event as a catalyst for a technological transformation poised to unlock new opportunities across sectors.

Expo footprint and participation

According to reports, the India AI Impact Expo is being held across 10 arenas spanning more than 70,000 square metres at Bharat Mandapam. The exhibition brings together global technology firms, startups, academic institutions, research bodies, government ministries, and international partners.

Country pavilions and exhibitions

A key highlight of the expo is the presence of 13 country pavilions, signalling international collaboration in AI. Participating nations include Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, and Tajikistan, along with representatives from African countries.

In addition to the national showcases, the event features over 300 curated exhibition pavilions and live demonstrations. These are structured around three thematic “chakras” — People, Planet, and Progress — reflecting AI’s influence across industries and societal domains.

Startups and indigenous AI models

More than 600 startups are taking part, many presenting AI-driven solutions designed for large-scale, real-world applications. Under the IndiaAI Mission, the summit will also see the unveiling of 12 indigenous foundation models developed by Indian startups and research consortia.

Officials say these models have been trained on Indian datasets and tailored for the country’s multilingual landscape, with capabilities extending across all 22 official languages of India.

Visitors and sessions

The expo is expected to attract significant footfall, with projections of over 2.5 lakh visitors, including international delegates and industry stakeholders.

The summit agenda includes more than 500 sessions over four days, featuring keynote addresses, policy discussions, and expert panels. Organisers estimate participation by over 3,250 speakers and panellists, highlighting the event’s global reach and diversity of perspectives.