The 33rd Convergence India Expo and the 11th Smart Future Cities India Expo opened at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and startups to discuss the next phase of India’s digital growth.
The three-day event centres on emerging technologies such as 6G, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, reflecting India’s push toward advanced digital infrastructure and innovation-led development.
The inaugural session saw participation from senior government officials and international delegates, including Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, Moscow Minister Sergey Cheremin and ITPO Managing Director Neeraj Kharwal.
Focus on Next-Gen Technologies and Digital Infrastructure
Speakers at the opening session underlined the growing role of telecom and digital technologies as core infrastructure for economic expansion and governance.
“India is undergoing one of the fastest digital transformations in the world. Telecommunication and digital technologies are now core infrastructure for economic growth, governance, and social inclusion.”
– Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI
Discussions during the session focused on the evolution of telecom networks, public-private partnerships and the integration of AI and quantum technologies into mainstream systems. The event theme, “India’s Impact: Tech Today, Transformation Tomorrow,” reflects a shift from policy dialogue to implementation across sectors.
The expo will host over 50 conference sessions covering AI, fintech, smart mobility and telecom, including 5G and early 6G developments. Key sessions on day one included discussions on AI as a trillion-dollar opportunity, digital enterprise security and global technology partnerships.
Global Participation and Startup-Led Innovation
The expo features more than 1,000 participants and is expected to draw around 50,000 visitors over three days.
Over 200 startups are showcasing new products and solutions, with a dedicated Startup Hub hosting investor meets, pitch competitions and mentorship sessions. International participation remains a key highlight, with a focus on cross-border collaboration and trade.
“Our nations have built a strong partnership over 70 years, driving advancements in science, technology and aerospace. A major focus for both countries remains digital transformation and the implementation of smart, safe 3D programs.”
-Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department for External Economic & International Relations of Moscow
Cheremin also highlighted long-standing India-Russia cooperation in technology and emphasised continued engagement in digital transformation initiatives.
Alongside exhibitions, live demonstrations in AI, robotics, drones and smart mobility are being held across the venue. Business matchmaking sessions and buyer-seller meetings are also scheduled to facilitate partnerships between enterprises, startups and government stakeholders.
Startup Hub:
Startup Hub Expo stands out as a dynamic platform driving the next wave of innovation. The space brings together curated investor meetups, hands-on mentorship sessions, and insights into venture capital trends. Among its highlights is the Startup Pitch Competition, which offers the prestigious Prem Behl Excellence Award, a cash prize and opportunities to participate in global forums and challenges.
Attendees also get a front-row view of real success stories that showcase how Indian startups are rapidly expanding their global footprint and attracting significant funding.
International Pavilions and Global Participation:
Dedicated country pavilions:
- New Zealand
- Taiwan Excellence
- Moscow Export Centre
Each pavilion focuses on global innovation, partnerships and trade opportunities.
Other Attractions
Buyer Lounge & Business Matchmaking: Curated buyer-seller meetings at the VIP Buyer Lounge will focus on serious business conversations between corporates, government buyers, international delegations and startups.
Live Tech & Future Experiences: Experience the future on the show floor through AI, robotics & humanoid innovation showcases, drone ecosystem demonstrations, AI-powered urban tech & digital twin concepts and the smart mobility & telematics zone with the SIAM Lab, in partnership with ARAI and featuring tech giants like Google and Qualcomm. At the same time, enjoy AI-related product launches.
Conference Sessions
The expo will also host over 50 conference sessions across three stages: Convergence, Innovation and Transformation, to facilitate discussions among government and industry representatives, innovators, think tanks and academia.
The sessions focused on the latest developments and market trends shaping India’s digital revolution and urban landscape. Important discussions will be held across themes that broadly touch on AI & Digital Infrastructure, Smart Cities & Urban Innovation, Fintech & Digital Economy and Telecom, 5G/6G & Connectivity.
CONVERGENCE STAGE: The focal point of the stage is IoT, AI, Telecom & Connectivity, Future Cities, and a Satcab Symposium.
Top Sessions:
• Special Address by Chief Guest Shri Chirag Paswan, Hon’ble Union Minister, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India
• AI: India’s Next Trillion-Dollar Digital Bet, with Abhishek Singh, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT, & CEO, India AI Mission, GoI, and A Dhanalakshmi, Jt. Secretary, Minister of Science & Technology, among the speakers.
• New Zealand: Trusted Nation. Global Tech. Real Impact for India
• Panel: Building Trust in the Digital Enterprise: Security, Privacy, DPDP Compliance & Governance in a Connected World
INNOVATION STAGE: All about startups
Top Sessions Today
• Women in India’s Startup Ecosystem: Driving Innovation, Leadership & Funding
• The Investor Lens: What VCs Want in 2026- 2030
• From Idea to IP: Safeguarding Innovations & Startups.
• Workshop on AI in Marketing hosted by Raghav Bir Singh, Client Partner, Meta
• Startup Pitch Competition.
TRANSFORMATION STAGE:
It shifts attention to the future of technology: Quantum Computing, Mobile & Smart Living, Smart Mobility, and Fintech Innovations.
Top Sessions:
• AI in Broadcasting: Revolution or Evolution?
• From Wheels to Deals: Business in a Connected Vehicle World
• Innov8 to Integr8
• Creating an Interconnected, Interoperable & Intelligent Transport Network.
Organised jointly by the Exhibitions India Group (EIG) and India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), 33rd Convergence India Expo 2026 continues its three-decade legacy as a platform for showcasing India’s digital ecosystem, aligned with initiatives such as Digital India and Make in India.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
