The Black Swan Summit India 2026, held February 5-6 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, features dignitaries like President Droupadi Murmu as Chief Guest, alongside Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi and ministers.
Key speakers at the Black Swan Summit India 2026 include over 30 leaders across policy, finance, tech, and industry.
Government & Policy Speakers
- Smt. Droupadi Murmu (President of India)
- Shri Mohan Charan Majhi (CM, Odisha)
- Dr. Mukesh Mahaling (Minister, E&IT, Odisha)
- Shri Suryabanshi Suraj (Minister, Higher Ed, Odisha)
- Anu Garg (Chief Secretary, Odisha)
- Vishal Kumar Dev (Addl. Chief Secy, E&IT, Odisha)
- Jawed Ashraf (former Ambassador)
Finance Leaders
- Ravi Menon (GFTN Chair, ex-MAS MD)
- Douglas Feagin (President, Ant International)
- Sanjiv Bajaj (CMD, Bajaj Finserv)
- Michael Schlein (CEO, Accion)
- Irene Arias Hofman (CEO, MIRA)
- Carrie Suen (VP, Ant International)
Tech & Innovation Speakers
- Alex Capri (NUS Prof)
- Dr. Amar Patnaik (ex-MP)
- Arvind Kumar (DG, STPI)
- Prof. Chia Tek Yew (NUS)
- Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar (IIT Bhubaneswar Director)
- Shekhar Kapur (Filmmaker/Entrepreneur)
Industry Experts
- Dilip Modi (Spice Money Founder)
- Jinya Suzuki (CEO, MUFG Global Service)
- Neil Parekh (GFTN Deputy Chair)
- Sopnendu Mohanty (GFTN CEO)
Agenda and Topics
The two-day event at Mayfair Convention includes Summit Stage Dialogues, Black Swan Debates, Showcase Stage, Job Fair (GFTN x MUFG), Startup Studio, and Industry Networking Dinner. Key pillars: Delivering Skilling/Employment (jobs from tech disruption), Accelerating Sector Transformation (financial inclusion, regulation), Next-Gen Global Capability Centres (Odisha hub for regulated finance). Themes cover AI impact on FinTech/InsurTech, jobs, education, digital public infrastructure, quantum/DLT/green tech, workforce transformation, and Bharat-first innovation.
Registration Process
Register via https://india.blackswansummit.com/registration. Options: Premium Pass (full access, networking, cultural tour; fully redeemed as of now), complimentary for governments/policymakers/academics (approval needed). Provide delegate type, organization, contact; get QR code for entry. Dress: business casual. Early registration advised due to limited space.
Scholars' Opinions
Vishal Kumar Dev (Odisha E&IT Secy) views it as shifting Odisha from AI/FinTech pilots to execution via BharatNetra, positioning the state as an "execution hub" for India's digital journey, emphasizing fiscal strength, governance, and aligning policy/regulators/tech/investors for scalable outcomes. Experts praise it for bridging parallel conversations on inclusion/risk/possibility/returns, fostering job fairs, MoUs, and regional hubs beyond metros.
UPSC/OPSC Exam Questions
Tailored for civil services aspirants, focusing on Odisha economy, digital governance, AI policy.
Prelims (MCQ)
Q1: Which state is hosting the inaugural Black Swan Summit India 2026, emphasizing AI, FinTech, and job creation under BharatNetra?
a) Telangana
b) Odisha
c) Karnataka
d) Maharashtra
Model Answer: b) Odisha [1]
Q2: The Black Swan Summit India aligns with which national initiative for digital finance and skilling?
a) Digital India
b) BharatNetra
c) Make in India
d) Startup India
Model Answer: b) BharatNetra (Odisha-specific under state govt-GFTN collab)
Mains
Q: Discuss how state-led initiatives like Odisha's Black Swan Summit and BharatNetra contribute to India's digital economy goals, including challenges in AI/FinTech adoption for inclusive growth. (15 marks)
Model Answer: Odisha's hosting positions it as a FinTech hub via three pillars: skilling for tech jobs, sector acceleration (financial inclusion), and GCCs. Strengths: Fiscal health (NITI 1), President/CM patronage, 1,700+ delegates. Challenges: Skill gaps, regulatory alignment, rural-urban divide. Aligns with Viksit Bharat by decentralizing innovation; suggests policy like Odisha's for other states. (200 words)