Shifting the Centre of Gravity: Rajasthan DigiFest × TiE Global Summit Puts Jaipur on the Global Innovation Map

Something significant is happening in India's innovation landscape, and it's not taking place in Bengaluru or Gurugram. In January 2026, Jaipur will host the 10th edition of the TiE Global Summit, marking the first time this flagship entrepreneurship event will take place in a non-metro city. The decision signals more than a change in venue; it represents a fundamental shift in how India is building its technological future.

The event, titled Rajasthan DigiFest X TiE Global Summit 2026, isn't following the standard conference playbook. Instead, it's converging multiple high-impact events into one comprehensive experience. The summit will run simultaneously with Rajasthan DigiFest, a government-led initiative that brings together policymakers, technologists, and entrepreneurs. This integration means real conversations about implementation, not just theory. When startups pitch, government officials will be in the room. When policies are discussed, entrepreneurs who'll be affected will have a voice.

From January 4 to 6, 2026, over 10,000 delegates from more than 30 countries will converge at the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre. They'll be joined by representatives from 500+ venture funds, 100+ global speakers, and 200+ startups. But beyond these numbers lies a more compelling narrative: Rajasthan's emergence as India's Western Regional AI Hub and its role in shaping the nation's next chapter of growth.

From heritage to high-tech

Rajasthan has historically been associated with palaces, deserts, and handicrafts. Today, it's quietly building something else entirely. Under the iStart Rajasthan initiative, the state government has rolled out progressive policies designed to attract investment and nurture startups. The program has already registered over 7,200 startups, including more than 2,600 women-led ventures, demonstrating the state's commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship. The Department of IT & Communications has been working to create digital infrastructure that can compete with established tech hubs. And now, with TGS 2026, the state is making a bold statement: innovation doesn't require a metro address.

The summit's theme reflects three core pillars: technology, growth, and sustainability. Every session, every discussion, and every pitch will revolve around these elements, offering not just inspiration but actionable pathways forward.

Technology here means AI/ML, deeptech, and the foundational innovations that will define the next decade. Growth encompasses scalable business models across fintech, agritech, healthtech, and proptech. Sustainability ensures that this growth serves long-term environmental and social goals. Together, they form a framework for what India's entrepreneurial ecosystem needs to become.

What makes this summit different

For women entrepreneurs, the TiE Women Global Finals offers a platform that goes beyond token representation. It's about showcasing businesses, facilitating funding conversations, and building networks that continue long after the event ends. Similarly, the TiE University Finals engages collegiate entrepreneurs, ensuring India's talent pipeline stays connected to real-world opportunities.

The summit features TGS 100 Pitches, where approximately 100 startups present to investors, mentors, and ecosystem enablers. Dedicated investor lounges facilitate 1:1 meetings between founders and funds, while corporate procurement desks connect startups with potential clients. The setup prioritizes outcomes over exposure.

Creative-tech integration distinguishes this further. A Comic Con Zone, AVGC-XR Pavilion, and Film Festival run alongside traditional programs, recognizing that technology's future is inherently creative. This attracts designers, GenZ creators, and those building culture alongside code.

The AI pivot

The summit's most significant dimension is its focus on artificial intelligence as a practical transformation tool. A dedicated AI Pavilion, created with IndiaAI Mission, showcases applications across governance, climate action, and public services. This makes Rajasthan's positioning as the Western Regional AI Hub tangible.

The summit will feature deep-dive sessions on AI/ML alongside discussions on fintech, agritech, cleantech, healthtech, e-commerce, and edtech. Each sector represents not just a business opportunity but a societal impact.

Global connections, local impact

"With this summit, we are opening Rajasthan's doors to the world, to collaborate, co-create, and shape the future of entrepreneurship together," says Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Convener of the TiE Global Summit.

With representatives from over 50 countries and 63 TiE chapters, the summit transforms Jaipur into a hub for innovation diplomacy. International delegations bring market access, technology partnerships, and cross-border collaboration opportunities.

For the 200+ exhibiting startups and hundreds more attending, this creates unprecedented access. Speed meetings connect founders with sector-matched investors. Workshops address practical challenges like international expansion and scaling operations.

"The convergence of startups, government, and global leaders at this summit will unlock pathways for scalable, sustainable development across sectors," adds Sameer Jain, MD, Primus Partners.

The TiE advantage

Founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley, TiE has built the world's largest nonprofit for entrepreneurship with 18,000 members across 63 chapters in 16 countries, collectively creating over $1 trillion in wealth.

This ‘by Entrepreneurs, for Entrepreneurs’ philosophy means TGS operates differently from corporate-sponsored events, where the speakers engage in real conversations, investors actively seek deals, and mentorship is substantive.

The decision to bring the 10th edition to Jaipur, after hosting in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Dubai, and Singapore, reflects TiE's commitment to democratizing entrepreneurship as India's Tier II cities increasingly drive innovation

Why this moment matters

India stands at an inflection point. The startup ecosystem has matured beyond chasing valuations to building sustainable businesses. Technology has evolved from being a sector to infrastructure powering every industry. And geography matters less as talent, capital, and ideas flow freely.

Jaipur hosting TGS 2026 captures these shifts. It proves innovation hubs can emerge anywhere supportive ecosystems exist. The startups pitching today might be tomorrow's category leaders. The technologies discussed might reshape industries. The partnerships formed might define competitive advantage for the next decade.

Between sessions, curated tours showcase both historic architecture and emerging innovation districts, illustrating how tradition and transformation coexist. At TGS 2026, that future will be on full display. The question is whether you'll be there to see it.