Pune, Feb 17: In a defining moment for Indian higher education, the ASM Group of Institutes launched ASM AI Fest 2026 on 9th February with a pioneering technological milestone – a live, synchronised keynote delivered simultaneously across 10 campuses through the AI Digital Twin of its Chairman.
While Dr. Sandeep Pachpande observed the proceedings, his highly realistic AI avatar addressed thousands of students, faculty members, and administrative teams in real time, setting the tone for a transformative, institution-wide AI movement.
The initiative aligns strategically with the Government of India’s IndiaAI Mission and the broader Digital India vision, reinforcing ASM’s commitment to developing globally competitive, future-ready AI talent.
Running from 9th to 28th February 2026, the festival stands as one of the region’s largest academic AI skilling drives, engaging over 6,000 students in immersive, hands-on training experiences.
Anchored in the theme “Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow.”, AI Fest 2026 transcends conventional academic frameworks by embedding artificial intelligence across classroom learning, research methodologies, institutional administration, skill development programs, and operational systems.
What distinguishes this initiative is its structured, level-wise integration of AI across the entire educational spectrum. Management students pursuing MBA and PGDM programs at ASM’s IBMR, ASM’s IPS, and ASM’s IIBR are being trained in AI-driven business analytics, marketing automation, and financial modelling, enabling them to make sharper, data-backed strategic decisions. MCA and Engineering students at ASM’s IBMR and ASM’s NextGen Technical Campus are engaging with machine learning tools, AI coding assistants, and real-world AI project implementations, strengthening their technical expertise and industry readiness.
At the undergraduate level, students at ASM’s CSIT are applying AI concepts to entrepreneurship, digital business models, and data-driven decision-making, fostering innovation at an early stage. Extending the vision even further, school and junior college students at ASM’s GEMS, ASM’s EMPROS International School, ASM’s CSIT Junior College, and ASM’s GJC are being introduced to foundational AI literacy along with ethical awareness, ensuring responsible technology adoption from a young age.
In a rare and forward-thinking move, the initiative also includes non-teaching and administrative staff, ensuring AI adoption permeates every operational layer of the institution. The result is not isolated digital experimentation, but the creation of a fully AI-enabled academic ecosystem.
Workshops led by industry leaders focus on real-world implementation, productivity enhancement, and applied innovation. The central objective remains clear: every graduating student must cultivate an AI-First Mindset, positioning artificial intelligence not as a replacement for human capability, but as a force multiplier that enhances creativity, strategic thinking, and ethical responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Dr. Sandeep Pachpande stated:
“AI Fest 2026 represents our commitment to preparing students not merely for employment, but for leadership in an AI-driven economy. At ASM, we firmly believe that technology must enhance human potential, creativity, and ethical responsibility. Our mission is to ensure that every learner becomes confident, capable, and future-ready, because learning today is what empowers us to lead tomorrow.”
Over the course of the festival, campuses have witnessed enthusiastic participation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a visible cultural shift toward AI adoption. The Digital Twin launch itself has been widely recognised as a bold demonstration of institutional innovation, setting a benchmark for technology-led academic transformation in Maharashtra and beyond.
The festival will culminate on 28th February 2026 with a grand, synchronised closing ceremony across all ASM institutions, celebrating student projects, AI innovations, and institutional milestones achieved during the drive.
AI Fest 2026 has already established itself as a flagship initiative for ASM — not just as an event, but as a movement redefining how higher education embraces artificial intelligence.
The ASM Group of Institutes is one of Maharashtra’s leading educational conglomerates, nurturing over 6,000 students annually across 10 institutions and a global alumni network of more than 75,000 professionals. Known for academic excellence, industry integration, and innovation-driven learning, ASM continues to pioneer transformative educational practices that prepare students for emerging global economies.
With AI Fest 2026, ASM reinforces its position as a forward-thinking academic leader, committed to shaping not just skilled graduates, but visionary leaders for a technology-powered future.