India’s push to integrate artificial intelligence into governance and industry took centre stage in the capital on Monday as the Prime Minister inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event convenes technology firms, researchers, start-ups and policymakers, positioning AI as a strategic lever for economic growth and urban transformation.
Held at the city’s flagship convention complex, the India AI Impact Expo brings together innovators working across sectors such as mobility, climate analytics, health systems, digital infrastructure and public service delivery. Government officials described the platform as an opportunity to align India’s digital ambitions with practical deployment across states and cities. Artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed as a core layer of urban infrastructure. From optimising traffic signals and energy grids to predicting air quality and managing waste flows, AI-led systems are reshaping how cities operate. Urban planners note that large metropolitan regions like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru are already piloting data-driven solutions to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
Industry experts participating in the India AI Impact Expo emphasised the importance of responsible frameworks alongside rapid innovation. Issues such as data governance, privacy safeguards and equitable access remain central to ensuring that AI benefits are widely distributed rather than concentrated among a few large firms. The expo also highlights India’s ambition to expand its domestic AI ecosystem. Start-ups and research institutions showcased applications in climate modelling, disaster response, smart building management and digital public health areas closely tied to resilient urban development. Analysts say that nurturing homegrown AI capabilities can reduce reliance on imported technologies while generating skilled employment.
For the built environment sector, AI offers both operational and planning advantages. Predictive maintenance in commercial real estate, energy optimisation in housing complexes and automated compliance monitoring in construction are emerging use cases. As Indian cities commit to lower carbon pathways, data-driven systems could help track emissions, manage peak loads and design more sustainable neighbourhoods. However, observers caution that technology alone cannot resolve structural urban challenges.
Investments in digital capacity must be matched with training for municipal staff, interoperable data systems and inclusive policies that prevent a widening digital divide. By convening stakeholders under one roof, the India AI Impact Expo signals a growing recognition that artificial intelligence will shape not only the technology industry but also the future of India’s cities. The next phase will depend on translating pilot projects into scalable, transparent solutions that strengthen urban resilience while advancing economic opportunity across regions.
New Delhi hosts India AI Impact ExpoÂ
