Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh Hosts India AI Convergence 2026 as Prelude to India AI Impact Summit

Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, India’s first AI-augmented multidisciplinary university, successfully hosted India AI Convergence 2026, a landmark national event held as an official run-up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled from 16–20 February 2026 in New Delhi. The convergence was part of the Government of India’s broader preparations led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to accelerate India’s AI-driven future.

The event brought together over 50 distinguished participants from five countries, including AI scientists, quantum researchers, healthcare professionals, startup founders, CEOs, academicians, innovators, and government representatives. Together, they explored the expanding frontiers of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and emerging technologies, focusing on how national AI policy can translate into people-centric development, sustainability, and real-world impact.

With participation from MeitY, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, MeitY Startup Hub, IndiaAI, and Digital India, the event reflected strong policy alignment and underlined its national significance.

Strategic Dialogue on India’s AI and Quantum Roadmap

A key highlight of the event was the Strategic Policy Dialogue on “Shaping India’s AI and Quantum Future: From Policy to Platforms.” The dialogue examined how India’s AI and Quantum strategies can be operationalized across governance, defence, industry, start-ups, and international collaboration. It also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing role as a key implementation partner in India’s AI and Quantum ambitions ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

India’s First AI Healthcare Hackathon

Reinforcing its leadership in AI-driven innovation, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, hosted India’s First AI Healthcare Hackathon, aligned with Uttar Pradesh’s national theme of “Health & AI” assigned by the Union Government.

The hackathon witnessed participation from 1,500 teams and nearly 5,000 young innovators from across the country. Participants presented AI-powered solutions to address real-world healthcare challenges, drawing from more than 100 healthcare problem statements provided by government agencies and industry partners.

Vision for Young Innovators and National Growth

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Chancellor of Chandigarh University and Rajya Sabha MP, Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji, outlined the broader vision behind India AI Convergence 2026. He emphasized that the platform was designed to help young innovators engage with global experts, gain exposure to cutting-edge AI and Quantum technologies, and understand government-led digital and AI initiatives. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, academia, industry, and start-ups to transform policy into meaningful implementation.

Launch of ‘Quantum for Bharat’ and ‘AI for All’

A major milestone during the event was the launch of ‘Quantum for Bharat’, a national initiative unveiled by Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji alongside global AI leaders. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s AI capabilities through quantum computing infrastructure, structured training, and upskilling programs, enabling youth to pursue research and entrepreneurship in AI and Quantum Computing.

Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh also launched its “AI for All” mission, aligned with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s India AI Mission. The initiative seeks to promote AI literacy nationwide, expand specialized training programs, and equip learners across disciplines with future-ready digital skills.

Thought Leadership and Expert Insights

The convergence featured a series of high-impact panel discussions, including:

• Global AI Framework: Setting the Blueprint for India’s AI Future

• Quantum and AI Fronts: Building Uttar Pradesh’s DeepTech Ecosystem

• AI by HER – Women Leading India’s AI Revolution

• Responsible AI at Scale: Democratizing AI the Indian Way

• AI Funding Spectrum: Scaling the Next Generation of Startups

• Health in Pixels: Building an AI Healthcare Ecosystem for Bharat 2026

Chief Guest Mr. Nivedan Rathi, Founder, Future and AI, said that India’s vision to become a global AI hub by 2047 represents a decisive shift from being a technology consumer to a creator of original research and innovation. He praised Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh for its commitment to building a strong AI ecosystem and its alignment with the National Quantum Mission, highlighting the university’s role in talent development and academia–industry collaboration.

A Roadmap for India’s AI Future

Concluding the event, Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu Ji described India AI Convergence 2026 as a proud milestone for Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh. He expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for laying a future-ready national roadmap and reiterated the importance of AI-driven healthcare as a priority for Uttar Pradesh. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nation-building, global leadership, and empowering India’s next generation to lead in AI and emerging technologies.