At Indira University, some events go beyond bringing people together , they create conversations that stay long after they end. The AI Arena Summit 2026, held on 16 & 17 March at the Dhruv Auditorium, stood as one of Pune’s largest gatherings focused on Artificial Intelligence, turning the campus into a space filled with discussion, curiosity and new perspectives.

Built around the theme “Radical Business Transformation Through AI – The Next Wave,” the two-day summit brought together 80+ speakers, 40+ award winners and over 2000 attendees. The sessions explored how AI is influencing business, education, human resources and everyday decision-making, opening up new ways of thinking across industries.

The summit was shaped by strong leadership and key voices. Dr. Tarita Shankar spoke about the importance of growing alongside AI while staying connected to human values. Mr. Chetan Wakalkar highlighted how such platforms help connect students with industry. The vision of Dr. R. L. Bhatia played a key role in bringing the summit to life, while Mr. Ganesh Natarajan shared perspectives on leadership and the role of AI in shaping responsible business practices.

A major highlight was the Dr. Tarita Shankar Awards for Excellence (8th Edition) – Women in AI, recognising leaders across:

• AI-Driven HR Leadership
• AI Leadership Excellence
• AI Transformation Champion (Corporate Leadership)
• AI in Education & EdTech Leadership

What stood out was the atmosphere , students, professionals and industry experts coming together to exchange thoughts, ask questions and understand where AI is heading.

The AI Arena Summit 2026 marked a significant moment for Indira University, reflecting its focus on creating meaningful platforms that connect learning with industry conversations.