India to Showcase 100 Homegrown Apps at AI Impact Summit to Lead Global South

A Stage for Indigenous Innovation

India is preparing to host a landmark event that could redefine the role of developing nations in the artificial intelligence landscape. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced plans to showcase 100 select homegrown AI applications at the upcoming India AI Impact Summit, scheduled for February 2026. This initiative isn't just a local science fair; it is a calculated move to demonstrate that India’s "AI for All" philosophy can provide a blueprint for the entire Global South.

The summit, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to move beyond theoretical discussions to "actionable impact." Officials have stated that they are strictly shortlisting working prototypes rather than concept papers, ensuring that the technology on display is ready for immediate real-world deployment. According to The Economic Times, the government is focusing on solutions that are both affordable and scalable, catering specifically to the socio-economic realities of developing economies.

Bridging the Global AI Divide

One of the primary objectives of the summit is to address the widening "AI divide" between the West and the rest of the world. While high-end compute and massive large language models (LLMs) are often concentrated in a few wealthy nations, India’s showcase will emphasize resource-efficient AI. The 100 applications are strategically categorized to ensure diversity and inclusivity:

• 30 apps led by women entrepreneurs to foster gender inclusion.
• 20 apps from young innovators to tap into India's demographic dividend.
• 20 global challenge solutions focusing on climate, agriculture, and manufacturing.
• 30 India-specific solutions targeting local governance, healthcare, and assistive technologies.

By focusing on these sectors, India hopes to foster collaboration among at least 25 nations, predominantly from the Global South. The message is clear: AI should not be a luxury restricted to the elite, but a tool for social empowerment and economic resilience.

The Seven "Chakras" of AI Governance

The summit's agenda is structured around what the government calls the Seven Chakras of AI—a thematic framework designed to guide long-term governance. These include Human Capital, Inclusion, Safe & Trusted AI, and AI for Social Good. Unlike previous summits in London or Paris, the New Delhi event will place a heavy emphasis on indigenous safety approaches and data sovereignty.

As part of the lead-up, India has been conducting regional AI conferences across states like Telangana and Gujarat to mobilize local talent. This "bottom-up" approach ensures that the 100 apps showcased at the national level represent the true breadth of Indian innovation. As noted in reports by Press Information Bureau, the summit seeks to create a "Global South Showcase" where researchers can form lasting international partnerships.

Looking Toward 2026 and Beyond

The India AI Impact Summit represents a shift in the global narrative. For years, the conversation around AI has been dominated by safety risks and big-tech dominance. By spotlighting 100 practical applications—ranging from computer vision diagnostics to AI-driven fraud detection in digital payments—India is attempting to pivot the dialogue toward productivity and progress. With top international CEOs and heads of state expected to attend, the event will be a litmus test for India's ambition to become the "AI garage" for the world.