Rajasthan Emerges as a Preferred AI Investment Hub: IT Minister

Jaipur, January 2026 : Information Technology and Communication Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore on Sunday inaugurated the Rajasthan DigiFest TiE Global Summit–2026 in Jaipur. Addressing the inaugural session, Colonel Rathore said that technology has today emerged as a powerful tool for empowering the last person in the queue. Through IT, people in villages and rural areas are now connecting with the global system.

He said that due to the state government’s AI and technology-friendly policies and the availability of a skilled youth workforce, Rajasthan has become an ideal destination for investment in the technology sector. Under the capable leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the use of AI is being continuously encouraged across sectors such as industry, employment, education, and agriculture. Through the iStart initiative, the Rajasthan government is promoting thousands of startups.

The IT Minister noted that Jaipur being chosen as the first non-metro city to host TiE’s Global Summit highlights Rajasthan’s strong potential as an emerging AI hub. The summit has brought innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship onto a single platform. Over the next three days, more than 100 startups will get the opportunity to pitch before global investors, while 35 universities will deliberate on new ideas in AI and technology.

Principal Secretary, IT and Communication Department, Dr Ravi Kumar Surpur, outlined the summit’s framework and said that technology is being leveraged in Rajasthan to improve investment, skills, and service delivery. He emphasized that innovation should not remain confined to laboratories, and for this purpose, the state is expanding opportunities in the technology sector while providing a conducive ecosystem for young startups.

TiE Co-founder and Director Mahavir Pratap Sharma said the DigiFest TiE Global Summit would promote policy formulation, job creation, technological entrepreneurship, and the expansion of technology across key sectors. He added that Jaipur is steadily advancing as a hub of innovation, and the summit would boost local startups while strengthening engagement with global investors.

Shankar Trivedi, Senior Vice President (USA), NVIDIA, said that AI is creating new opportunities across all sectors, and the summit provides an excellent platform for entrepreneurs to deliberate and invest in new AI-driven ideas.

TiE Global President Dr Murali Bukkapatnam described AI as one of the fastest-growing sectors with immense potential and termed the Jaipur summit historic, noting that it would provide Rajasthan’s youth with global exposure.

IT and Communication Department Commissioner Himanshu Gupta proposed the vote of thanks and briefed the audience on departmental schemes. Industries and Commerce Commissioner Suresh Ola was also present at the inaugural session.

During the ceremony, MoUs were exchanged between the IT and Communication Department and seven leading institutions, and the Rajasthan Innovation Hub Jodhpur portal was launched. Short films showcasing iStart’s progress and AI and technology development in the state were also screened.

The event witnessed participation from technology entrepreneurs, experts, academicians, speakers, startup founders, investors, students, and members of the public from across the world.