In a significant move to catapult Rajasthan's startup ecosystem onto the world stage, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced that Jaipur will host the 'Rajasthan DigiiFest TIE Global Summit 2026'. The landmark event is scheduled to take place from January 4 to 6, 2026.
A Global Conclave for Innovation and Investment
Presiding over a meeting at the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Sharma revealed that the summit is expected to draw over 10,000 participants. This diverse group will include startup founders, investors, young entrepreneurs, IT professionals, students, and senior officials from IT and industry departments of multiple states. The international flavour will be strong, with founders, CEOs, and investors from more than 1,200 global companies and founders of over 20 unicorn and soonicorn startups in attendance.
The primary goal is to provide Rajasthan's startups with a global platform for funding and mentorship. The Chief Minister stated that the summit is projected to facilitate investment opportunities exceeding Rs 200 crore for local startups. Furthermore, startups identified under the state's i-Start programme will receive one year of dedicated mentorship through initiatives linked to the event.
AI Takes Center Stage with Dedicated Conference and Policy
Integral to the DigiiFest will be the Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference. This conference will feature sectoral sessions delving into various artificial intelligence topics. CM Sharma emphasised that this gathering will be crucial in aligning with the Centre's India AI Mission, thereby playing a pivotal role in establishing India's leadership in the AI domain.
In a major policy announcement, Sharma confirmed that the state government will release the much-anticipated Rajasthan AI-ML Policy on January 6 during the summit. "Through this, the state will establish its identity as a major hub for IT and start-up development," he asserted.
Showcasing Sectors and Innovations
The summit will offer rich learning and networking opportunities through focused sectoral sessions. Experts from key industries will share domain-specific knowledge. The highlighted sectors include:
- Fintech and E-commerce
- Agritech and Healthtech
- Proptech and AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics)
- Mediatech and Sportstech
- AIML (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning) and Deeptech
Participants will also get to explore innovations firsthand. The event will feature pavilions by the IT and communication departments of several states, including Rajasthan. Additionally, 114 startup stalls will provide a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking products and services.
Chief Minister Sharma has directed officials from the state's IT and communication department to ensure all preparations for the mega event are completed with seamless coordination. This large-scale summit, the first of its kind in Rajasthan, marks a decisive step in transforming the state into a premier destination for technology and entrepreneurial talent.
