The India Mobile Congress 2026 (IMC 2026) is set to bring India’s telecom, artificial intelligence and digital technology ecosystem together in New Delhi from October 7 to October 10, 2026. The 10th edition of the event will be held at Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre, with the theme “Scale Without Boundaries.”
The event is expected to focus heavily on 6G, artificial intelligence, AI-native telecom networks, 5G monetisation, satellite communications, cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum technology and digital infrastructure.
India Mobile Congress 2026 Dates and Venue
The 10th edition of IMC will take place from October 7 to 10, 2026, at Yashobhoomi in Dwarka, New Delhi.
The event is organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). It brings together telecom operators, technology companies, startups, investors, policymakers, researchers and innovators.
The official IMC programme includes dedicated discussions on 6G, AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, semiconductors, cloud and edge computing, autonomous networks, Open RAN, network APIs and satellite connectivity.
6G Takes Centre Stage
One of the biggest themes of India Mobile Congress 2026 is 6G.
The event includes the International Bharat 6G Symposium 2026, with sessions focused on building the foundations for next-generation connectivity. Industry leaders are expected to discuss 6G standards, network architecture, spectrum, advanced wireless technologies and potential applications.
India is also looking to play a larger role in developing and shaping global 6G technology and standards.
Unlike earlier generations that primarily focused on faster mobile connectivity, 6G is expected to combine communications with AI, sensing, automation, edge computing and other advanced technologies.
AI-Native Telecom Networks
Artificial intelligence is another major focus of IMC 2026.
The telecom industry is increasingly moving from traditional networks toward AI-native networks, where artificial intelligence can become part of network planning, optimisation, security and service management.
Technologies being discussed around IMC 2026 include:
- AI-RAN
- Intelligent RAN
- AI-native networks
- Agentic networks
- Edge AI
- Digital twins
- Network slicing
- Zero-touch networks
- Network APIs
- Sovereign AI
These technologies could allow networks to automatically detect problems, optimise performance and respond to changing traffic requirements.
5G to Move Beyond Connectivity
While 6G is receiving significant attention, 5G remains an important part of IMC 2026.
The focus is shifting from simply expanding 5G coverage toward finding new commercial applications and ways to monetise 5G infrastructure.
Enterprise 5G, private networks, industrial automation, connected devices, smart infrastructure and edge computing are expected to be important areas of discussion.
This could be particularly important for manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, automobiles and other industries that require reliable low-latency connectivity.
Satellite Communications and Digital Infrastructure
Satellite communications will also be an important technology area at IMC 2026.
Satellite connectivity could help extend digital access to remote and difficult-to-reach regions where conventional terrestrial infrastructure can be challenging to deploy.
The event will also cover cloud, edge computing, data centres, semiconductors and other infrastructure required to support India’s growing digital economy.
Cybersecurity and Digital Trust
As India becomes increasingly connected, cybersecurity is becoming a critical part of telecom development.
IMC 2026 is expected to examine cybersecurity, secure networks and digital trust alongside the expansion of AI and next-generation connectivity.
This is particularly relevant because AI-powered networks and connected devices can create new opportunities but can also introduce new security risks.
The combination of AI, 6G and cybersecurity is therefore expected to be one of the major discussions at the event.
Startups and Innovation
IMC 2026 will also provide a platform for Indian and international startups.
The event’s ASPIRE startup programme is designed to connect emerging technology startups with investors, incubators, accelerators, industry leaders and potential partners. The official programme highlights emerging technologies and opportunities to take innovations from development toward wider adoption.
This could help startups working in AI, telecom, semiconductors, cybersecurity, IoT, satellite technology and other deep-tech areas.
Large Global Technology Gathering
According to the Ministry of Communications, IMC 2026 is expected to attract more than 1.5 lakh attendees, 500+ exhibitors and partners, 600+ startups and 900+ thought leaders. The event is also expected to showcase more than 2,000 technology use cases, with over 120 sessions and 700+ investor meetings.
These numbers highlight the growing importance of IMC as a global technology and telecom platform.
Why IMC 2026 Matters for India
India has moved from being primarily a large telecom market to increasingly becoming a developer and exporter of digital technologies.
The government’s stated vision for IMC 2026 is to take Indian technologies, standards and solutions to global markets. The theme “Scale Without Boundaries” reflects this ambition.
The discussions around 6G, AI, satellite connectivity, cybersecurity and semiconductors could influence India’s technology roadmap for the coming decade.
Conclusion
India Mobile Congress 2026 is more than a telecom exhibition. With 6G, AI, AI-native networks, cybersecurity, satellite communications, semiconductors and digital infrastructure at its centre, the event provides a glimpse into the technologies that could shape India’s digital future.
Held from October 7 to 10, 2026, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, IMC 2026 could become an important platform for India to showcase its technology capabilities and strengthen its role in the global digital ecosystem.