Odisha Set to Host Pioneering AI Summit This December

Upcoming AI Summit in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is preparing to host a two-day AI Summit starting December 19, as announced by state IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Wednesday.

This event, organized by the Electronics & IT Department, will serve as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which is set to take place in New Delhi in February next year.

With the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is striving to emerge as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and Odisha aims to be at the forefront of this initiative by integrating AI into governance and essential public sectors, Mahaling stated.

The minister emphasized that Odisha is adopting a forward-thinking strategy towards technology-driven growth. The Odisha AI Policy 2025, along with progressive initiatives in FinTech, global capability centers, and advanced electronics, is designed to create a transparent, responsible, and investor-friendly environment for widespread AI adoption.

The state's strategy encompasses not only infrastructure development but also the establishment of a comprehensive innovation ecosystem supported by robust governance, top-tier digital capabilities, and stable long-term policies.

Vishal Dev, principal secretary of the Electronics & IT department, mentioned that the summit will highlight the state's ongoing implementation of AI solutions in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance.

This conference is anticipated to foster a national dialogue on AI's role in governance, research, data infrastructure, and inclusive growth.

The summit will gather policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and technology experts from across India and beyond to discuss Odisha's long-term AI objectives and collaborative efforts.