NEW DELHI, 17 November 2025: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) have partnered to launch the Earth Summit 2025-26, a major annual initiative focused on transforming India’s rural development landscape through innovation, technology, and inclusive policy dialogues.
The first edition of the summit will feature three conferences across Hyderabad, Gandhinagar and New Delhi between November 2025 and February 2026.
Theme: Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change
Centered around the theme “Empowering Rural Innovation for Global Change,” the Earth Summit aims to create a global platform for rural-focused policy outcomes, investments, and collaborative initiatives. The event will highlight transformative solutions from farmer producer organizations (FPOs), women entrepreneurs, agri-startups, and community-led innovators.
The inaugural conference will be held at HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad, on November 20–21, 2025.
NABARD: Rural innovation as a pillar of global growth
NABARD Chairman Shri Shaji K.V. said the summit is a key step toward building a world where rural innovation fuels sustainable global development.
“Through this initiative, we aim to create a vibrant platform that brings together ideas, investments, and policy insights to turn rural potential into real-world progress,” he said. “Our partnership with IAMAI underscores NABARD’s belief that inclusive development in villages can become the cornerstone of global transformation.”
IAMAI: Scaling inclusive innovation across the Global South
IAMAI President Dr. Subho Ray said the Earth Summit will demonstrate how India's success with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can drive scalable, equitable rural development worldwide.
“The idea is to turn local innovation into lasting change,” he said. “We are thankful to NABARD for partnering with us in this unique annual initiative.”
Three conferences across India
The Earth Summit 2025-26 will unfold in three phases:
- Hyderabad: November 20–21, 2025 (HITEX Exhibition Centre)
- Gandhinagar: December 5–6, 2025 (Mahatma Mandir)
- New Delhi: February 2026 (All-India final event)
Who will attend
The summit will bring together:
- Policymakers and regulators
- Industry leaders and investors
- Innovators and agri-tech founders
- NGOs and development organisations
- Academicians and researchers
Events and activities
Beyond speaking sessions, the conferences will host:
Hackathons
- Startup–investor connect sessions
- Exhibitions and product showcases
- Workshops and innovation labs
These activities will highlight cutting-edge solutions spanning agriculture, climate resilience, digital inclusion, rural fintech, sustainable energy, and community entrepreneurship.
