The Regional AI Impact Conference in Odisha, a pivotal precursor to the national India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, successfully concluded its inaugural day with high-profile addresses, major partnership announcements, and immersive showcases of AI’s potential for public good.
Inaugurated at the State Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar, the two-day event—organised by the Electronics and Information Technology Department, Government of Odisha—drew policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and international experts to discuss AI’s role in governance, development, and inclusive growth.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, delivering the welcome address virtually, underscored Odisha’s ambitious vision: “We are not merely adopting AI; we are building the foundation of an AI-powered Odisha. This will strengthen governance, speed up service delivery, and empower citizens.” He highlighted the state’s pride in contributing to India’s technological transformation.
Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, emphasised local language AI models to overcome barriers, aligning the conference with the principles of *Samruddha Odisha* and *Viksit Bharat*. He referenced the summit’s guiding “three Sutras”—People, Planet, and Progress—and “seven Chakras” for multilateral action in areas like human capital, inclusion, and social good.
Key announcements included strategic partnerships:
- OpenAI: To build AI capacity among students and government officials, including pilot use cases and API credits for experimentation.
- Wadhwani AI: Focusing on oral reading fluency assessments and behavioural nudges for beneficiaries of the Subhadra scheme.
- Sarvam AI: Enhancing issue resolution in government scheme delivery.
- TCS: Boosting efficiency in the e-File management system.
Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev also unveiled Sushasan Sah’AI’Yak, an AI-powered chatbot to enhance productivity for government officials.
A standout feature was the Odisha Vision 2036 Immersive AI Zone, a 360-degree exhibit visualising AI applications in healthcare, education, disaster management, and citizen services.
Breakout sessions on Day One explored AI roadmaps for states, research innovation, and education skilling. International voices, including Dr Ahmed Hefnawy from Egypt’s MCIT, called for Global South collaboration in contextualised AI innovations.
As India’s first state with a Cabinet-approved AI Policy, Odisha has deployed over 15 AI solutions across departments and established an AI Centre of Excellence with NASSCOM.
The conference continues on December 20 with deeper thematic discussions, reinforcing Odisha’s emergence as a regional AI hub.
