As India positions itself as a key global voice in the evolving artificial intelligence landscape, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has set up a dedicated Pavilion at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, using the platform to highlight India’s growing technological capabilities, startup depth, and policy-led vision for responsible AI adoption.
The Pavilion, which houses the WAVES Creators Corner, is designed as a media and dialogue space where policymakers, startups, creators and industry leaders converge to discuss how artificial intelligence can be aligned with India’s developmental priorities, cultural diversity, and national security considerations.
Officials familiar with the initiative said the Pavilion aims to project India’s AI ecosystem not merely as a consumer of global technology, but as a creator of indigenous, scalable and socially relevant AI solutions.
A Platform to Amplify Indian AI Innovation
The MIB Pavilion Foregrounds Indian startups and entrepreneurs working across sectors such as healthcare, media, content, governance, and social impact. Through curated conversations and founder-led discussions, the Pavilion seeks to give visibility to Indian companies building AI products for domestic and global markets.
“The idea is to ensure that Indian AI innovation is seen, understood and contextualised globally,” an official said, adding that the Pavilion creates direct interaction between startups and policymakers, investors, and international delegates.
Central to the Pavilion’s programming is the WAVES Creators Corner, which hosts a series of structured panels, fireside chats and startup showcases. All sessions are being live-streamed on WAVES OTT, the digital platform of Prasar Bharati, extending access to audiences beyond the Summit venue.
YourStory Curates Startup-Focused Programming
The startup and innovation narrative at the Pavilion is being curated by YourStory, which is anchoring multiple sessions across the Summit to spotlight emerging founders, women leaders in AI, and companies building solutions for Bharat and Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets.
Founder and CEO Shradha Sharma is moderating several discussions, including panels on AI sovereignty, social impact startups, and live founder pitch sessions.
Industry observers note that the presence of a startup-focused media platform within a government pavilion signals a shift in how India is presenting its innovation story — moving from policy-only messaging to founder-led narratives.
Day-wise Schedule at the MIB Pavilion
Monday, February 16
Access restricted due to scheduled high-level engagements.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Panel: Showcasing Upcoming Startups (Set 1)
Anchor-led interaction with three AI startups.
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Panel: Showcasing Upcoming Startups (Set 2)
Tuesday, February 17
Focus on governance, sovereignty and India’s AI policy direction.
- 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Fireside Chat: India’s AI Moment
Shradha Sharma in conversation with the Secretary, MIB, on sustaining India’s AI momentum.
- 1:00 PM – 1:40 PM
Panel: AI and Sovereignty
Discussion on national security, data control and indigenous AI development.
- 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Fireside Chat: KUKU FM
Founder Lal Chand Bisu on local-language content and AI-driven distribution.
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Fireside Chat with Bhumi Pednekar
Discussion on cinema, advocacy and emerging technologies.
Wednesday, February 18
Spotlight on inclusion and founder participation.
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Panel: Showcasing Upcoming Startups (Set 3)
- 3:00 PM – 3:40 PM
Panel: Women in AI
Women founders and industry leaders discuss leadership and innovation.
- 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Startups Live with SS
Rapid two-minute pitches by founders.
Thursday, February 19
- No public access due to scheduled visits by Narendra Modi and Emmanuel Macron.
Friday, February 20
Closing focus on impact and Bharat-centric innovation.
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Panel: AI Startups Making Social Impact
- 3:00 PM
Panel: The Bharat Opportunity
Startups from Tier-2 and Tier-3 India building AI solutions.
- 4:00 PM
Panel: Showcasing Upcoming Startups (Set 4)
Positioning India for the Global AI Conversation
Officials said the Pavilion’s broader objective is to align Indian companies with global AI discussions while retaining local context, enabling startups to engage with international stakeholders, investors, and governments attending the Summit.
By bringing startups, creators and policymakers under one roof, the MIB Pavilion is intended to translate India’s AI vision into visible, market-ready capabilities, reinforcing India’s aspiration to play a larger role in the global AI ecosystem.
As the India AI Impact Summit 2026 unfolds, the Pavilion stands as a window into how India intends to shape, govern and scale artificial intelligence — on its own terms.
