- Landmark coffee table book captures journeys of 45 pioneering AI startups solving real-world challenges
- Launch at India AI Impact Summit reinforces India’s emergence as global hub for responsible and inclusive AI innovation
- AIM’s incubation ecosystem fuels purpose-driven entrepreneurship across healthcare, sustainability, education, and deep tech
- Founder-first storytelling celebrates innovators transforming AI into a force for social good and national priorities
NE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BUREAU
NEW DELHI, FEB 17
In a powerful testament to India’s rapidly expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog has launched ‘AI-Preneurs of India’, a flagship coffee table book chronicling the inspiring journeys of 45 trailblazing AI startups driving transformative solutions across diverse sectors.
Unveiled at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the book marks the seventh edition of AIM’s prestigious Innovations For You series and reflects India’s rising stature as a global leader in purpose-driven, responsible, and inclusive artificial intelligence innovation.
Celebrating India’s Purpose-Driven AI Innovators
Featuring startups across more than 30 domains—including healthcare, education, sustainability, mobility, sports analytics, deep tech, and social impact—the book showcases the breadth and depth of India’s AI innovation landscape. Drawing from AIM’s nationwide network of Atal Incubation Centres, the publication highlights how innovation is flourishing not just in major metros but across emerging entrepreneurial hubs nationwide.
Speaking at the launch, Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, emphasised the deeper national vision behind the initiative: “The Hon’ble Prime Minister has consistently articulated a clear vision for Artificial Intelligence, one that is rooted in inclusive growth, ethical deployment, and AI for social good. AI-Preneurs of India is a reflection of that vision in action. The founders featured in this book are not merely building cutting-edge technologies; they are developing AI solutions that are grounded in India’s realities and aligned with national priorities. This book showcases India’s path toward leading the global AI discourse through purpose-led innovation and today through this book on this great occasion, AIM celebrates these unsung heroes of Innovation.”
Reinforcing India’s Position as Global AI Contributor
The launch brought together prominent policymakers and innovation ecosystem leaders, including:
- Ms Amneet P Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Future, Government of Haryana
- Shri Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, SETU Aayog, Government of Uttarakhand
- Shri Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC
- Shri Arvind Kumar, Director General, STPI
- Shri Raghav Chandra, IAS, Former Secretary to the Government of India
The book adopts a distinctive founder-centric narrative approach, capturing not just technological achievements but also the perseverance, motivations, and human stories behind AI innovation. This reflects a broader shift in India’s startup ecosystem—from profit-centric ventures to purpose-driven enterprises aligned with national development goals.
Strategic Significance: India Shaping the Future of Responsible AI
Released at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping global economies and policymaking, AI-Preneurs of India positions the country as a proactive contributor—not merely a consumer—of frontier AI technologies.
By highlighting startups nurtured through public innovation infrastructure, incubation support, and mission-driven governance, the book underscores how India is building a robust AI ecosystem capable of delivering scalable solutions with global relevance.
The initiative further strengthens AIM’s role in fostering next-generation innovators and accelerating India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in ethical, inclusive, and impactful artificial intelligence.
