ICAI launches AI Innovation Summit 2026, signs MoU with Sarvam AI

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on Friday, June 26, inaugurated the AI Innovation Summit (AIS) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The two-day summit aims to promote innovation, strengthen Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and equip chartered accountants with skills required in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The summit was inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the presence of ICAI President CA Prasanna Kumar D, Vice-President CA Mangesh P. Kinare and other members of the institute.

The theme of this year's summit is "Transforming Accounting, Audit, Tax, and Governance", focusing on the use of artificial intelligence to improve decision-making, compliance, efficiency and governance across financial systems.

ICAI signs MoU with Sarvam AI

During the inaugural session, ICAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sarvam AI, an Indian artificial intelligence company, to collaborate on AI training, capacity building, professional development and joint research.

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According to ICAI, the partnership will also include seminars, workshops and the development of AI-based learning resources for chartered accountants.

AICA Level 3, AI guide launched

ICAI also launched AICA Level 3, an advanced AI certification programme for members who have completed AICA Level 2. The institute said the programme aims to strengthen AI-related professional competencies.

In addition, ICAI released a new publication, "AI Essentials for Chartered Accountants", to help professionals understand and adopt artificial intelligence in their practice.

Minister highlights role of CAs in AI era

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said chartered accountants play a key role in maintaining trust in the country's financial system.

"The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India has built a profession founded on financial trust, with chartered accountants playing a pivotal role in the nation's transformation. ICAI has the potential to emerge as the world's 'Institute of Global Trust' by spearheading the development of AI assurance standards," he said.

ICAI trains over 50,000 members

ICAI President Prasanna Kumar D said the institute is preparing chartered accountants to lead the profession in the era of artificial intelligence.

"Innovation is redefining every facet of the accounting profession, and chartered accountants must lead this transformation with confidence, competence and integrity," he said.

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He added that ICAI has already trained more than 50,000 members in artificial intelligence and developed over 150 GPT-based tools to support professional practice.

Vice-President Mangesh P. Kinare said AIS 2026 reflects ICAI's commitment to helping professionals adapt to emerging technologies.

"The future belongs to professionals who continuously adapt, innovate and create value. AIS 2026 reflects ICAI's unwavering commitment to fostering technological excellence," he said.

According to ICAI, the summit has brought together more than 4,000 delegates from India and abroad, including policymakers, regulators, technology experts, academicians, startup founders, researchers, students, and chartered accountants.

The event features over 50 speakers and 50 AI innovation showcases, with sessions on artificial intelligence, generative AI, digital finance, data analytics, cybersecurity, ESG, blockchain, automation, and the future of financial reporting and assurance.