Technology – Thousands of alumni from the Indian Institutes of Technology are set to convene in Long Beach, California, next spring for a four-day gathering that aims to explore the changing landscape of technology, investment and global collaboration. Organisers of the 2026 Global Pan-IIT Conference say the event will serve not only as a professional networking platform but also as a reflection of the growing influence of Indian-origin technologists across industries in the United States and India.
Scheduled for April 22–25, 2026, the conference is expected to draw around 2,500 participants, including entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, corporate executives and academics from different parts of the world. The theme for this edition, “Innovate, Ignite and Thrive,” underscores the focus on forward-looking ideas at a time when technology and geopolitics are reshaping global markets.
Shashi Tripathi, a venture capitalist who is chairing the 2026 event, described the conference as an opportunity to gather some of the most accomplished professionals in technology and business. He noted that rapid shifts in artificial intelligence, economic power and international relations make such conversations especially relevant.
The programme will feature six keynote addresses along with panel discussions, workshops and informal conversations. One session, led by Nvidia, is expected to concentrate on market entry strategies and fundraising for startups, highlighting the practical aspects of building and scaling technology ventures.
Organisers have structured the event around themes that mirror both opportunity and uncertainty in today’s economy. Artificial intelligence is likely to dominate discussions, but the agenda also includes healthcare, sustainability, venture capital, private equity and exit planning. Geopolitical developments and their impact on global business are also part of the conversation.
Tripathi has emphasised that participation is not restricted to IIT graduates or to individuals of Indian origin. According to him, the conference is designed to be inclusive and open to anyone interested in innovation and cross-border collaboration.
For decades, graduates of the IIT system have been closely associated with engineering and technology roles in Silicon Valley. Over time, however, their presence has expanded into healthcare, finance, entrepreneurship and corporate leadership.
Tripathi pointed to the broader Indian diaspora’s economic footprint in the United States, noting that while the community represents a small percentage of the population, its contribution to business and innovation is significant. He argued that this impact reflects a combination of technical expertise, entrepreneurial drive and continued engagement with India’s development.
The issue of talent migration from India has long been debated. Critics often describe it as a loss of skilled professionals, but Tripathi offered a different perspective. He said that many professionals who build careers abroad remain closely connected to India’s startup ecosystem, investing capital, sharing expertise and fostering partnerships.
He cited his own investment strategy as an example, explaining that a substantial portion of his portfolio is based in India. According to him, cross-border engagement is no longer limited to remittances; it includes active participation in building companies and supporting innovation within India.
Artificial intelligence is expected to be a focal point of the conference. Tripathi described AI as a transformative force comparable to the rise of the internet, suggesting that its accessibility sets it apart from earlier technological waves. With AI tools increasingly available through everyday devices, he said, adoption barriers are lower than in previous eras.
While concerns about job displacement persist, he argued that technological shifts historically generate new forms of employment even as they alter existing roles. In his view, professionals who adapt and integrate AI into their work will be better positioned in the evolving job market.
Tripathi also highlighted what he sees as complementary strengths between India and the United States in artificial intelligence. The US continues to lead in research, capital investment and large technology firms, while India offers large-scale digital infrastructure and a diverse user base. Systems such as digital identity and electronic payments have created vast datasets, which can help improve AI models when used responsibly.
He suggested that deeper collaboration between the two countries could accelerate innovation and strengthen both economies in the years ahead.
In addition to formal sessions, organisers are planning curated discussions on careers and hiring, cultural programmes in the evenings and wellness activities such as morning yoga. Workshops for children and a conference app enabling real-time audience interaction are also part of the schedule.
Previous editions of the Pan-IIT Conference have featured global leaders including Narendra Modi, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai. For organisers, however, the focus of the 2026 event remains on ideas and collaboration rather than personalities, reflecting the evolution of a professional network that now spans continents and industries.
