Should India Take the Lead in AI and Robotics Innovation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India aims to lead in AI and robotics innovation.
- Empowering youth is crucial for sustainable growth.
- Robotics for Good Youth Challenge encourages innovative solutions.
- Winners will represent India at a global competition.
- Collaboration and research are vital for technological advancement.
New Delhi, Oct 12 (NationPress) India needs to spearhead advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to fortify its status as a global technology leader, according to a senior government official on Sunday.
During the ‘Robotics for Good Youth Challenge India 2025’, held at the India Mobile Congress (IMC), the official emphasized that empowering young innovators is crucial for addressing real-world issues and fostering sustainable growth.
Opening the event, Deb Kumar Chakrabarti, Member (Services) of the Digital Communications Commission, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), stated that India should establish itself as a premier innovator in AI and robotics.
He called on the nation to 'overcome the innovation paradox' by enhancing capabilities and nurturing innovation among youth, who are inherently more adaptable to emerging technologies.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation and ITU have jointly launched the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge with the noble aim of eradicating worldwide hunger.
This event, co-hosted by the Department of Telecommunications and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with IIT Delhi’s I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), gathered young talents from all over India to create robotics-based solutions geared towards food security and sustainable development.
The ‘Robotics for Good Youth Challenge India 2025’ is an initiative under the ITU's flagship AI for Good Impact Initiative, encouraging students aged 10 to 18 to develop AI and robotics solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The competition featured two categories—Junior and Senior—with winners earning the chance to represent India at the Global Grand Finale in Geneva, Switzerland, in July 2026.
The national challenge attracted 271 young innovators across 55 teams from different parts of India.
The event highlighted India’s expanding potential in technology-driven solutions and its dedication to using AI and robotics for the greater good.
Officials noted that India's next significant technological advancement hinges on its capacity to cultivate young talent, bolster research capabilities, and sustain global partnerships.
They reiterated that with its robust talent pool and supportive ecosystem, India stands poised to become a global leader in AI and robotics innovation.