WiDS India Conference 2026
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A national, multi-city conference connecting data science and AI communities across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Event Overview
On March 14, 2026, the WiDS India Conference brought together data science and AI communities across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi for a national, multi-city event.
Hosted simultaneously across all three cities, the conference featured locally curated programming, shared livestream sessions, and opportunities to connect with the wider WiDS network.
The experience highlighted leadership, innovation, and impact while creating space for learning, connection, and inspiration. Each city brought its own community and perspective to one connected national conference.
Community-Led, Globally Aligned
WiDS Ambassador teams in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi planned and delivered each regional event in collaboration with WiDS Worldwide.
This model combined local leadership with shared standards and support, creating:
- Programming shaped by regional communities and priorities
- A consistent, high-quality experience across cities
- Shared sessions that connected participants throughout India
- A welcoming environment for people at every stage of their data science journey
By pairing local insight with coordinated messaging and infrastructure, the conference expanded the reach of each city while preserving what made its community distinct.
Conference Experience
Participants joined a full day of programming that included:
- Keynote talks and technical sessions
- Panel discussions on emerging developments in data science and AI
- Opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders
- Select sessions shared across cities through livestream programming
Each location offered a distinct in-person experience while contributing to a shared national conversation.
Three Cities, One Conference
The WiDS India Conference took place simultaneously in:
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Delhi
Each city hosted an in-person program led by its regional WiDS Ambassador team.
Who Participated
The conference welcomed people from across the data science and AI ecosystem, including:
- Data scientists, analysts, and AI practitioners
- Students and early-career professionals
- Researchers, educators, and academic leaders
- Industry leaders, decision-makers, and technologists
- Allies and advocates committed to a more inclusive field
The programming was designed to offer meaningful learning and connection for both emerging and experienced professionals.
Speakers
Dr. Subarna Roy — Chief Data Scientist, IBM
Topic: Moving Beyond Reactive Machine Learning
Dr. Subarna Roy is a data science leader with over 22 years of experience delivering AI/ML, generative AI, and agentic AI solutions across banking, retail, healthcare, energy, and the public sector. She has led large-scale AI engagements for global enterprises and holds a PhD in econometrics and game theory. Recognized as one of India’s Top 10 Data Scientists by Analytics India Magazine, she is also Qiskit-certified and a certified Quantum Ambassador.
Sowmya Moni — Strategic Advisor | Investor
Topic: Building wShakti: An AI-Powered Mentoring Platform for Women in Data & AI
Sowmya Moni is a senior marketing leader with 25+ years of experience in B2B technology, specializing in go-to-market strategy and AI-driven growth. She is the Founder Director of the WiBD India Foundation and the creator of wShakti, an AI-powered mentoring platform serving a 6,000+ member community. A published author, she is the recipient of the Indian Achievers’ Award 2024 and has been recognized as a Most Influential Global Marketing Leader.
Harini Shekar — Director, AI / Applied Machine Learning & Data Science, PayPal
Topic: Pocket Agents: Building AI That Actually Helps
Harini Shekar is an AI/ML leader with 16 years of experience building and deploying scalable machine learning systems that drive meaningful business outcomes. Her work bridges complex product challenges with data-driven solutions that enhance customer experience. She is also the founder of StretchWithStories, an initiative integrating storytelling, yoga, and AI-driven content to support children’s emotional and physical well-being.
Susmita Kundu — Head of Decision Sciences, Glance.ai
Topic: Managing CXO Expectations Around AI, Data Science, and Analytics
Susmita Kundu brings 14 years of experience leading data science, analytics, and digital transformation initiatives across consumer tech, software, and life sciences. She has built and mentored high-performing teams while partnering closely with C-suite leaders to deliver impact in complex, high-stakes environments. Her leadership philosophy centers on compassionate, outcome-focused collaboration.
Dr. Maneet Singh — Vice President, Data Science, AI Garage at Mastercard
Dr. Maneet Singh leads AI/ML innovation for Mastercard’s global transaction processing ecosystem. She holds a PhD in AI/ML with a focus on computer vision and has driven patents, publications, and product innovation aligned with business impact. A recipient of multiple prestigious awards—including IEEE Best Doctoral Dissertation Award and Women in AI (Finance, APAC)—she is a frequent speaker at global AI forums and workshops.
Urvashi Kapoor — Senior Editor & AGM, Jagran New Media
Topic: The AI Safety Blueprint: Preventing Online Scams Through Ethical and Responsible AI
Urvashi Kapoor is an award-winning journalist and media literacy leader specializing in AI, cybersecurity, and responsible technology use. A certified Google News Initiative trainer, she has led AI and digital literacy programs impacting over 75 million people globally. Her work has earned recognition including WAN-IFRA Gold, ICMA Award, and 40 Under 40 honors.
Itti Singh — Head of Analytics & Data Science, Landmark Group
An AI and analytics leader with nearly two decades of experience, Itti Singh focuses on helping organizations translate data into trusted, responsible decision-making systems. Her work spans customer intelligence, supply chain analytics, and GenAI-powered decision platforms, with an emphasis on governance, storytelling, and impact.
Shalini Sinha — Lead, AI Product Development & Strategy, LigaData
Shalini Sinha is a data and AI leader with ~25 years of experience building enterprise-scale solutions across machine learning, analytics, and AI-driven product development. An alumna of IIT Kanpur and IIM Bangalore, she has held leadership roles at organizations including Walmart, JPMorgan, and Oracle, and currently leads GenAI-powered product strategy at LigaData.
Ranjini Mani — Director & Country Head, GenAI, Microsoft
Ranjini Mani leads Generative AI strategy and execution for Microsoft across India and South Asia, working with strategic enterprise customers to unlock real-world value. With nearly two decades of experience, she is a recognized industry leader, mentor to deep-tech startups, TEDx speaker, and recipient of multiple national awards for women in AI leadership.
Archana Menon — Analytics Head, Watches Division, Titan Company Ltd.
Archana Menon is a senior analytics leader with 16+ years of experience driving data-led transformation across retail, lifestyle, and technology sectors. At Titan, she has embedded AI and analytics into core business workflows, delivering measurable impact across marketing, forecasting, pricing, and inventory optimization. She actively builds and applies LLM and agentic AI prototypes to enhance decision-making and productivity.
Watch the Conference
Continue learning from the leaders and practitioners who joined WiDS India Conference 2026.
Selected keynotes, technical sessions, and panel discussions are available through the WiDS Worldwide YouTube channel.
Corporate Sponsorship
Corporate partners help WiDS create opportunities for learning, visibility, mentorship, and professional connection.
Interested in supporting future WiDS programs and events?
Contact: sponsorships@widsworldwide.org
