FICCI FLO’s AI INDIA 2026 positions women at the forefront of the intelligence era
Bengaluru, NFAPost: At a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining economies, leadership, and the very grammar of decision-making, India is preparing to host a conclave that places women squarely at the centre of this transformation. FICCI FLO has announced AI INDIA 2026 – Led by Women. Shaping the Intelligence Era, one of the country’s first large-scale, women-led national AI conclaves, scheduled for 22 January 2026 in Bengaluru.
The conclave will be held at ITC Gardenia, bringing together women leaders, entrepreneurs, technologists, and senior professionals from all 21 FLO chapters across India. With participation expected from across sectors and regions, the event signals a decisive shift—from women as passive recipients of technology to architects of India’s AI-powered future.
From Awareness to Authority
Conceptualised and spearheaded by Dekyi Yangtso Chawla, Chairperson of FICCI FLO Bengaluru and Co-founder of Reward360 Global Services, AI INDIA 2026 is designed to move beyond introductory conversations around artificial intelligence.
“AI is not merely a technological shift—it is a leadership moment,” Chawla said. “Through AI INDIA 2026, we are creating a space where women move from observing this transformation to actively shaping it, with confidence, clarity, and purpose.”
That emphasis on application and leadership is central to the conclave’s design. Rather than abstract discussions, the agenda blends keynote addresses, fireside conversations, and hands-on workshops tailored specifically for women leaders navigating an AI-driven world.
A National Vision, Led by Women
For Poonam Sharma, National President of FICCI FLO, the conclave represents a defining milestone in the organisation’s four-decade journey.
“AI INDIA 2026 represents a defining moment for FICCI FLO,” Sharma noted. “As one of India’s first women-led national AI conclaves, it brings together our members from across chapters to engage meaningfully with the technologies shaping our future. This reflects FLO’s commitment to ensuring women are not only prepared for the intelligence era, but are at the forefront of leading it.”
With FLO’s national network spanning over 14,000 women professionals and entrepreneurs, the conclave’s impact is expected to extend well beyond the venue, influencing boardrooms, startups, policy conversations, and grassroots skilling initiatives.
India-First AI and Humanoids in Action
The speaker line-up underscores the conclave’s ambition. Headlining the event is Vivek Raghavan, Co-founder of Sarvam AI, who will deliver a keynote on Building India-First AI: Language, Scale & Sovereignty. His address will focus on foundational AI infrastructure designed for India’s linguistic diversity and cultural complexity—an increasingly critical concern as AI adoption deepens.
Deep-tech innovation will take a tangible turn with Ravi Machani, Founder of Machani Labs, presenting Humanoids Beyond Science Fiction. Attendees will witness R.I.A, a humanoid demonstrating real-world AI–human interaction, offering a glimpse into how advanced robotics is moving from labs into lived environments.
Adding to the leadership perspective, Umang Bedi, Co-founder of VerSe Innovation, will speak on leading transformation in an AI-driven world, both professionally and personally. Entrepreneur and creator Varun Mayya will explore AI for Management, while Loveena Kamath, Founder of Full Disclosure, will conduct a practical workshop on Building a Second Brain with AI, aimed at immediate, real-world adoption.
Skilling Women for Nation-Building
Beyond the conclave halls, FICCI FLO Bengaluru is also advancing future-tech skilling at the grassroots. In partnership with state agencies, the chapter has been training women—including members of the Karnataka State Police Women’s Force—as certified drone pilots.
Nearly 300 women have already been certified, equipping them with next-generation skills relevant to national security, infrastructure, and economic resilience. Select participants will be felicitated during AI INDIA 2026, reinforcing the link between emerging technologies, women’s empowerment, and nation-building.
A Defining Moment
With hundreds of delegates expected on ground and nationwide amplification through FLO’s network, AI INDIA 2026 is shaping up to be more than a conference. It is a statement—about inclusion, leadership, and India’s readiness for the intelligence era.
As artificial intelligence becomes a determinant of competitiveness and governance, the message from Bengaluru is clear: India’s AI story will not be written without women at the helm.
