The inaugural edition spotlighted emerging technologies, entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems driving India’s future economy

Mumbai, 22nd May 2026: Hosted by Maharashtra Tourism, ImagiNxt 2026 commenced today at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, bringing together founders, policymakers, investors, enterprise leaders and technology innovators from across India and abroad as Maharashtra strengthens its positioning as one of India’s leading destinations for innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and future-facing industries.

The partnership between Maharashtra Tourism and ImagiNxt reflects Maharashtra’s broader ambition to strengthen its position as India’s financial capital and a growing national hub for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and future industries. The platform spotlighted conversations around AI, DeepTech, digital infrastructure and startups shaping India’s next phase of growth.

Officials from Maharashtra Tourism including Mr. Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, GM, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra and Mr. Santosh Jadhav, Joint Director, Directorate of Tourism, attended the inaugural day of the event.

Featuring 150+ Indian and global speakers, ImagiNxt 2026 brought together some of India’s most innovative startups, venture capital firms, global investors and top voices from across technology, enterprise and innovation for conversations around AI, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies shaping the future industries.

Mr. Santosh Jadhav, Joint Director, Directorate of Tourism, said, “Maharashtra Tourism is proud to be part of ImagiNxt, a platform that truly reflects India’s technology moment. Mumbai, as India’s financial and creative capital, is the ideal host for a global conversation where technology, innovation, culture, and tourism converge. Through AI-powered visitor experiences, digital storytelling, and smart tourism ecosystems, Maharashtra is committed to redefining how the world discovers our state’s rich heritage, coastline, and culture.”

Mr. Chandrashekhar Jaiswal, GM, Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Maharashtra has always been a land of extraordinary experiences from the grandeur of Ajanta and Ellora to the pristine Konkan coastline. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Minister of Tourism Shri Shambhuraj Desai, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism Shri Indraneel Naik and the guidance of Shri Sanjay Khandare (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), Shri Neelesh R.

Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and Shri Mangesh Joshi (IAS), Director, Directorate of Tourism, the Department of Tourism, comprising MTDC and the Directorate of Tourism, is redefining how the world discovers ourstate. Technology and AI are helping us bring these experiences closer to travellers through personalised travel planning, seamless digital access, and immersive storytelling that lets you discover Maharashtra long before you arrive. ImagiNxt is the perfect platform where tourism and innovation come together, and Maharashtra is proud to be part of this conversation.”

Deepak Lamba, Founder and CEO of ImagiNxt, said, “Maharashtra has historically been at the centre of India’s economic and entrepreneurial journey. With ImagiNxt, our vision is to build a global platform that brings together innovators, policymakers, investors and industry leaders shaping the future of technology and business. Maharashtra Tourism’s partnership reflects a larger ambition to position the state as a global destination not only for culture and commerce, but also for innovation, ideas and future industries.”

About ImagiNxt

ImagiNxt is India’s global festival of technology, innovation and the future of business - bringing together the people building what’s next. It’s not just a conference - it’s a catalyst for ideas, partnerships and decisions that define the future. ImagiNxt brings together founders, policymakers, enterprise leaders, investors, academia and public institutions. Designed as a convergent ecosystem, it aims to shape conversations and enable action around the future of industries and economies.

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Published on May 22, 2026