Objectives
Co-Creating the Future: Global South - Global North Collaboration for AI Impact
January 14, 2026
Bush School, Washington DC
An Official Pre-Summit Event for the India AI Impact Summit 2026
Register to Attend
About the Pre-Summit
The IndiaAI Pre-Summit serves as a strategic prelude to the landmark Global India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 15-20, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This Washington DC gathering convenes distinguished thought leaders, policymakers, AI researchers, and industry pioneers to build momentum for the main Summit's theme: "Shaping AI for Humanity, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Future"
As a pre-summit event leading up to the global gathering in India, this dialogue focuses on fostering collaboration between the Global South and Global North. The discussions will directly inform the Summit's framework organized around three core principles -People, Planet, and Progress and contribute to the seven thematic "Chakras" that will guide multilateral action at the main Summit.
Participants will engage in substantive discussions that bridge geographical, economic, and technological divides, ensuring that AI development remains inclusive, ethical, and beneficial for all of humanity. The insights and partnerships formed here will feed directly into the February 2026 Summit, which will bring together heads of state, ministers, international organizations, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world.
Purpose & Objectives
Foster Global Collaboration
Build strategic partnerships between Global South and Global North stakeholders to advance the Summit's vision of AI for People, Planet, and Progress.
Inform Summit Frameworks
Contribute insights and recommendations to the seven Chakras (thematic areas) that will guide multilateral action at the February 2026 Summit in New Delhi.
Advance Research & Innovation
Facilitate cutting-edge research collaborations addressing AI for people, planet, and progress - core pillars of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Promote Inclusive Development
Ensure AI technologies respect cultural diversity, address regional needs, and create equitable opportunities aligned with the Summit's commitment to inclusive growth.
The Pre-Summit establishes a foundation for the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where global leaders will gather to translate dialogue into demonstrable impact. Through structured discussion and collaborative problem-solving, participants will co-create actionable strategies that feed into the Summit's ambitious agenda of shaping AI for humanity, inclusive growth, and a sustainable future.
Event Schedule
Below is the detailed agenda for the Pre-Summit event, featuring insightful sessions and networking opportunities.
Distinguished Speakers
Our Pre-Summit features an exceptional roster of global thought leaders, pioneering researchers, influential policymakers, and visionary industry executives who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Each speaker brings unique expertise and perspectives on responsible AI development, policy innovation, and international collaboration.
Each speaker has been carefully selected for their contributions to advancing responsible AI practices, their commitment to international collaboration, and their vision for an inclusive technological future. Together, they represent the diverse perspectives necessary for meaningful dialogue on global AI governance.
Industry Leader Lighting Presentation
Tarak

From Vibe Coding to a production-ready cloud infrastructure
Kausar Riyaz Ahmed

Digital twins in Healthcare
Himanshu Goil

Civic Agents: From Capacity Crisis to Responsible Scale
Parth Bhavsar
Bolin Song

LLM vs Flow-driven Chatbots in Customer Service: Evidence from Large scale Deployment
Dhruv Bejugam

Explainable AI and AI Coworkers Demos
Guiding Themes: Impact Sutras
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is organized around three foundational "Impact Sutras" – guiding principles that blend timeless wisdom with contemporary technological imperatives. These three sutras, representing the core principles of People, Planet, and Progress, provide the philosophical foundation for the Summit and guide responsible AI development.
People
AI must serve humanity in all its diversity, preserving dignity and ensuring inclusivity.
Planet
AI innovation must align with environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Progress
AI's benefits must be equitably shared, advancing global development and prosperity.
Program Highlights
Engaging Sessions & Collaborative Workshops
The Pre-Summit features a carefully curated program aligned with the India AI Impact Summit 2026 framework. Attendees will participate in keynote addresses from world-renowned AI leaders, interactive panel discussions exploring the three Impact Sutras (People, Planet, Progress), hands-on workshops focused on the seven Chakras (thematic areas), and intimate roundtable conversations that enable deep dialogue among peers.
01
Opening Keynotes
Visionary addresses setting the global AI landscape context
02
Thematic Panels
Expert discussions on People, Planet, and Progress with audience Q&A
03
Interactive Workshops
Practical sessions on policy development and implementation
04
Networking Sessions
Structured opportunities for building meaningful partnerships
05
Closing Synthesis
Action-oriented summary and commitment to collaborative next steps

Special Feature: Innovation Showcase highlighting AI applications aligned with the Summit's seven Chakras—from human capital development to AI for economic growth and social good.
Organizers and Sponsors
The IndiaAI Pre-Summit is organized by leading institutions committed to advancing responsible AI innovation.
Hosts:
Our Sponsors
We are grateful to our sponsors who make this event possible. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite organizations committed to responsible AI development to partner with us as sponsors of the IndiaAI Pre-Summit. This would be an exceptional opportunity to align your brand with a landmark event that bridges Global South and Global North perspectives on AI governance and innovation.
Why Sponsor?
Sponsoring the IndiaAI Pre-Summit positions your organization at the forefront of responsible AI innovation. Connect with influential decision-makers from government, academia, and industry. Showcase your commitment to ethical AI development on a global stage. Build strategic partnerships that bridge Global South and Global North perspectives. Gain visibility among leaders shaping the future of AI policy and governance.
Ready to Partner? Contact our sponsorship team at [email protected] to select your sponsorship level and finalize your partnership agreement.

Notes: All logos and promotional materials must be provided by the Sponsor by the deadline set by the Organizer.
Who Should Attend
Target Audience
  • Government policymakers and regulators responsible for AI governance frameworks
  • Senior AI researchers and academics advancing machine learning and ethical AI
  • Technology industry executives leading AI development and deployment initiatives
  • Civil society leaders advocating for digital rights and responsible innovation
  • International development professionals leveraging AI for sustainable development goals
This is an invaluable opportunity to influence global AI policy, establish strategic partnerships across geographical and sectoral boundaries, gain insights from world-leading experts, and contribute to inclusive, responsible AI frameworks that serve humanity's collective interests.
Register to Attend
Secure Your Place at This Important Gathering
Join us for the IndiaAI Pre-Summit and be part of the journey toward the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi this February. This exclusive Washington DC gathering offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading minds in AI policy, research, and innovation, while contributing to the frameworks that will guide the main Summit's ambitious agenda of shaping AI for humanity, inclusive growth, and a sustainable future.
How to Get There
If you are using the Metro the two closest stations are Farragut North (Red) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, Silver). Both are located a couple blocks from our location.
Farragut North - 0.1 mile walk (Red Line): When departing the station, exit towards the intersection of Connecticut Ave NW and L St NW. Walk east down L St NW and cross over 17th St. After crossing the street, the Bush School DC Site (1620 L St NW) will be on your right.
Farragut West - 0.2 mile walk (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines): When departing the station, exit towards the intersection of 17th St. and I St NW. Walk northeast across Farragut Square, coming to the intersection of 17th St. and K St NW. Continue north up 17th St NW, until you reach the L St NW. Walk east down L St. NW and the Bush School (1620 L St NW) will be on your right.
Parking
The Bush School is centrally located in downtown DC; there are several parking garages within three blocks of the building ranging from $10 all day to $23 all day. There is also street parking where you can use ParkMobile to pay and keep the meter running from your phone. The closest garages are:
  • Federal Parking (next door to the entrance) -1660 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036
  • Central parking (across the street) - 1667 K St NW, Washington, DC 20006
  • Colonial Parking (next block) - 1710 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036
  • Public garage next to City Place Café - 1101 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
Hotel Reservations
For inquiries regarding registration, sponsorship, or program details, please contact our organizing committee. We look forward to welcoming you to this transformative pre-summit event as we build momentum for the global gathering in New Delhi, where dialogue will transition into demonstrable impact for the future of responsible AI.