The Pre-Summit event Leveraging AI for Early-Stage Innovations in Higher Education, conducted on 10 February 2026 as part of the lead-up to the AI Impact Summit 2026, was successfully completed with enthusiastic participation from faculty members across higher education institutions in Karnataka. The event facilitated meaningful discussions on national AI priorities, ethical considerations, governance frameworks, emerging opportunities, and real-world applications of artificial intelligence within the higher education landscape, reflecting the growing relevance of AI in academia.

The programme effectively bridged AI research and academic curricula with societal and economic challenges, while highlighting India’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. We sincerely thank the distinguished resource persons for their valuable contributions:

• Mr. Sam Jai Kumar (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samjaikumar?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app)

• Mr. Dhinesh Rajagopalan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhinesh-rajagopalan-6636874?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app)

• Mr. Sathish Vyas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sathishvyas?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app)

• Ms. Rani Yer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/raniyer?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app)

• Ms. Vrunda Gadesha (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vrunda-gadesha?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app)

We also extend our gratitude to the event leadership:

• General Chair – Ms. Shakkeera L (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shakkeera-l-088745108/)

• Chair – Mr. Pravinth Raj (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-s-pravinth-raja-b-e-m-e-phd-pdf-uk-891161209/)

Their guidance and support were instrumental in the successful execution of the event.