New Delhi: Reaffirming India’s emergence as a global leader in responsible and inclusive artificial intelligence, AI-Preneurs of India was launched by NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, highlighting the journeys of 45 pioneering startups building real-world AI solutions.
The launch of AI-Preneurs of India marks a significant milestone in documenting India’s growing innovation ecosystem and celebrating founders working across deep-tech and social-impact sectors.
The coffee table book was unveiled at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as part of the summit proceedings.
The publication represents the seventh edition of AIM’s “Innovations For You” coffee table series and further strengthens the narrative around AI-Preneurs of India as a showcase of India’s rapidly expanding AI startup ecosystem.
AI-Preneurs of India highlights startups working across more than 30 sector domains, including healthcare, education, sustainability, mobility, sports analytics, deep tech, and social impact.
Drawing from the nationwide network of Atal Incubation Centres, the book reflects the geographic diversity of India’s innovation ecosystem and demonstrates how AI-Preneurs of India extends beyond traditional technology hubs into emerging startup regions.
AI-Preneurs of India: Contributors to Responsible AI Innovation
Speaking at the launch, Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, said: “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,”
The launch panel for AI-Preneurs of India brought together policymakers and ecosystem leaders including Amneet P Kumar, Principal Secretary, Department of Future, Government of Haryana; Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, SETU Aayog, Government of Uttarakhand; Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC); Arvind Kumar, Director General of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI); and Raghav Chandra, Former Secretary to the Government of India.
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What distinguishes AI-Preneurs of India is its founder-first storytelling approach, documenting not only technological breakthroughs but also the motivations, challenges, and perseverance of entrepreneurs navigating India’s deep-tech ecosystem.
The narratives highlight the human dimension of innovation and reinforce the importance of mission-driven entrepreneurship in shaping the country’s AI future.
Released at a time when artificial intelligence is central to global policy and economic discussions, AI-Preneurs of India positions the country as a contributor to responsible AI innovation rather than merely a technology adopter.
The book demonstrates how public innovation infrastructure, incubation networks, and mission-led governance are enabling startups to deliver scalable solutions with global relevance through the stories documented in AI-Preneurs of India.
