The Gates Foundation has confirmed that Bill Gates will attend the AI Impact Summit 2026 and deliver his keynote address as scheduled, dismissing media reports suggesting otherwise.
“Bill Gates is attending the AI Impact Summit. He will be delivering his keynote as scheduled,” a spokesperson for the foundation told Hindustan Times.
The AI Impact Summit 2026 is being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Gates remains among the key global participants, alongside prominent technology leaders such as Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google.
Praise for Andhra Pradesh’s AI-Led Growth
Separately, Gates commended Andhra Pradesh for accelerating development through artificial intelligence and innovation. Following his visit to Amaravati, he highlighted advancements in health, agriculture, and education.
In a post on X, Gates thanked Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the warm welcome and noted the state’s technology-driven governance initiatives.
During his visit, Gates reviewed digital governance projects and visited a banana orchard along the banks of the Krishna River in Undavalli, located in Guntur district.
All About the AI Impact Summit 2026
The AI Impact Summit is the first international artificial intelligence summit hosted in the Global South, positioning India as a central hub for global AI collaboration.
The summit serves as a national showcase of AI innovation, bringing together policymakers, startups, global technology firms, research institutions, Union Ministries, State Governments, and international partners under one platform.
Key Highlights:
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Expo spread across 70,000+ square metres
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10 thematic arenas
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13 international country pavilions
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300+ curated exhibition pavilions
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600+ high-potential AI startups
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Expected footfall of over 2.5 lakh visitors
The summit is structured around three thematic “chakras” — People, Planet, and Progress — reflecting AI’s transformative role across sectors.
Participating nations include Australia, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan, and several African countries, highlighting the event’s global outreach.
Organisers expect the summit to foster international partnerships, encourage responsible AI deployment, and strengthen India’s leadership in the global AI ecosystem.
