New Delhi: The much-anticipated India AI Impact Summit 2026 opened on Monday at Bharat Mandapam with extraordinary enthusiasm, drawing thousands of startup founders, investors, policymakers, global technology executives, and international delegates. Positioned as one of the world’s largest Artificial Intelligence gatherings, the summit generated immense interest across the innovation ecosystem.
However, the scale of participation led to significant logistical strain. Attendees were advised to arrive several hours early as entry gates experienced long queues due to heightened security measures and large crowds. While the enthusiasm reflected India’s growing stature in the global AI landscape, the ground reality exposed gaps in crowd management and coordination.
Exhibitors and founders reported prolonged waiting periods at multiple checkpoints. Several participants described receiving overlapping or unclear security instructions, which added to the confusion. According to multiple startup representatives, some exhibitors were asked to vacate their booths temporarily due to security protocols ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, without clear timelines for re-entry.
Organisers later acknowledged the congestion and assured stakeholders that corrective steps were being implemented. Enhanced coordination, smoother access control, and improved communication were promised for the remaining days of the summit.
Founder Flags Missing AI Wearables Amid Security Evacuation
Dhananjay Yadav, Co-founder and CEO of Neo Sapien, expressed disappointment over the abrupt evacuation order. While he reiterated his commitment to supporting India’s AI ecosystem and showcasing his company’s wearable AI innovation, he described the situation as deeply frustrating.
According to Yadav, security personnel instructed exhibitors to leave their stalls temporarily while assuring them that their equipment would remain safe inside the venue. However, upon return, he claimed that some of their AI wearables were missing.
“We invested heavily in booth setup, travel, logistics, and accommodation to participate in this national-level AI summit. Being asked to vacate suddenly and later discovering our wearables were gone inside a high-security zone is extremely disappointing,” he stated.
Yadav described Day 1 as having “turned into a pain,” particularly after exhibitors were directed to clear stalls ahead of security checks for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit.
“Left Waiting for Hours Outside,” Say Startup Founders
Similar concerns were raised by Punit Jain, founder of Reskill, who noted that several attendees, including startup founders and exhibitors, were left waiting outside entry gates for extended periods without clear explanations.
“If access was limited to select invitees during certain hours, that information should have been transparently communicated in advance. This is not how we build India’s AI future,” Jain remarked, characterising the opening day as disorganised and exclusionary.
Multiple participants emphasised that effective communication is essential at events that aim to position India as a global AI powerhouse.
Connectivity Issues at a Flagship AI Event
Entrepreneur Priyanshu Ratnakar pointed to operational shortcomings including patchy Wi-Fi, unstable mobile network connectivity, and repeated registration glitches. For an event centred around artificial intelligence and digital transformation, many participants found the technological infrastructure lacking.
“While founders were standing in long queues, VIPs were being escorted through separate entries. It felt like optics over execution,” Ratnakar observed.
He also highlighted basic logistical issues such as inadequate seating arrangements, long entrance line-ups, and delays in badge verification systems. Journalists covering the summit reported difficulties accessing designated media workspaces and confusion regarding credential verification during peak hours.
Despite these setbacks, the summit remains scheduled to continue until February 20. Organisers have positioned the event as a crucial global platform for shaping AI policy discourse, encouraging cross-border collaboration, and amplifying voices from developing economies.
Several exhibitors expressed optimism that operational bottlenecks on Day 1 would be resolved, especially given the participation of major global technology firms and international delegations.
About the India AI Impact Summit 2026
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was formally inaugurated in the national capital by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The large-scale event spans over 70,000 square metres across 10 thematic arenas at Bharat Mandapam.
The summit brings together global technology corporations, Indian startups, academic institutions, research organisations, central ministries, state governments, and international partners under one platform.
The expo features more than 300 curated exhibition pavilions, alongside live demonstrations organised under three core themes — People, Planet, and Progress. Over 600 high-potential startups are participating, many of which are presenting AI solutions already deployed at population scale across sectors including healthcare, Agriculture, governance, and climate resilience.
In addition, 13 national pavilions represent countries such as Australia, japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and African nations — underscoring the growing international cooperation within the AI ecosystem.
As India seeks to position itself as a global AI innovation hub, the summit’s overwhelming response signals strong momentum. However, the opening day also serves as a reminder that world-class ambitions require equally robust execution.
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