New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that educational institutions nationwide will be provided with AI technology-based devices to empower students in developing solutions and gaining practical experience with cutting-edge technologies.

In a conversation with YourStory Founder Shradha Sharma during the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, Vaishnaw highlighted the anticipated opportunities, investments, and innovation that this global event is expected to generate.

Considered a premier forum for discussions on artificial intelligence, the AI Impact Summit is facilitating in-depth conversations about ethical AI, regulatory frameworks, and the transformative role of advanced technologies in reshaping various sectors and public services.

This five-day summit has attracted participants from over 110 countries and 30 international organizations, including around 20 heads of state or government and nearly 45 ministers, making it one of the largest gatherings centered on AI governance and collaboration.

Reflecting on India's advancements in the domain, Vaishnaw noted, "The country is progressing rapidly in the AI sector and its various layers. We've observed tremendous interest from investors and young innovators who are eager to embrace this new technology."

He pointed out that numerous large-scale solutions have been introduced during the summit.

"I'm thrilled that India is poised to introduce the next healthcare model and agricultural productivity model, which will undoubtedly be our gift to the world," he stated.

Emphasizing the level of investment commitments, the Minister remarked that the summit has sparked commitments nearing $200 billion within the infrastructure layer.

Additionally, around $17 billion has been pledged in the deep-tech and application layers, where he indicated that venture capital firms are showing significant interest.

"The global community has immense faith in India's ability to produce AI-driven solutions, develop models, and foster the next wave of innovation to create solutions that cater to a large population," Vaishnaw said.

Addressing young developers and entrepreneurs, he stressed the necessity to prepare the educational ecosystem for what he referred to as the fifth industrial revolution.

"The talent pipeline is set to expand even more. We want our schools and colleges to be ready for this new industrial revolution," he explained.

Vaishnaw added that academic curricula are being updated and will be introduced to institutions shortly after the summit concludes. "We are working on the next phase of the AI mission, which will allow us to provide AI solutions and AI technology-based devices to students, enabling them to create innovative solutions and become adept with the technology. The diffusion of AI will be significant in our nation," he asserted.

When asked about government support for AI startups, the Union Minister assured ongoing assistance.

"We are providing substantial support. As I mentioned, close to $17 billion in funding has been committed by reputable venture capital firms. We are dedicated to supporting startups on their journey," he affirmed.

He highlighted that India has emerged as one of the top three startup ecosystems globally.

"Our Honourable Prime Minister has positioned the country among the top three startup ecosystems worldwide. We now boast over 200,000 startups, a significant increase from only 400 or 500 a decade ago. The world now acknowledges the entrepreneurial spirit of our populace. Hence, we will be backing our startups significantly," he declared.

Expressing optimism about the semiconductor sector, Vaishnaw remarked, "I foresee around 50 deep tech startups entering the semiconductor space in the coming years. We possess vast talent and entrepreneurial potential."

He also indicated that commercial production in the semiconductor field is on the horizon.

"Very soon, we will commence commercial production from one of the 10 units. Stay tuned for further announcements regarding the start of that production," he added.

The AI Impact Summit has convened global leaders, policymakers, and technology experts to discuss the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence in fostering economic growth, enhancing governance, and accelerating social advancement.

The event aims to align global AI initiatives with India's civilizational principle of 'Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya' (welfare for all, happiness for all), while advocating the broader concept of AI for Humanity.

The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is the fourth in the series, following earlier meetings in the United Kingdom in 2023, South Korea in 2024, and France in 2025.

This platform empowers leaders to explore the ethical, economic, and social impacts of artificial intelligence while strengthening collaborations across digital technology, trade, culture, tourism, and maritime cooperation.