The city of Kolkata is set to become the epicentre of data science discourse in India as it prepares to host a significant international gathering. The tenth International Conference on Data Management, Analytics and Innovation, known as ICDMAI 2026, will take place from January 9 to 11, 2026. The prestigious St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous) in Kolkata has been chosen as the venue for this milestone edition.
A Decade of Fostering Data-Driven Dialogue
Over the last ten years, the ICDMAI conference has established itself as a crucial forum for exchange. It brings together a diverse community of researchers, educators, industry experts, and institutional leaders who work with data-driven systems across various sectors. The 2026 edition marks a full decade of its journey, representing both a celebration of its legacy and a look toward the future of data science.
Leading this landmark event are Professor Kanadpriya Basu and Professor Saptarsi Goswami, who have been appointed as chairs. Both professors have been integral to the conference since its early days, playing a central role in guiding its academic rigor and organisational framework. Their leadership ensures the event stays true to its core mission while evolving with the times.
Global Lineup and Cross-Sector Collaboration
The conference is a collaborative effort, organised by St. Xavier’s College in partnership with the Society for Data Science, Pune, which serves as the organising partner. This year's programme boasts an impressive roster of speakers from around the world, underscoring the event's commitment to transcending professional and institutional boundaries.
A highlight is the slate of international keynote speakers, which includes:
- Professor Rangina Hamidi from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University.
- Professor Kathryn Leonard from Occidental College, USA.
- Professor G. Sarkis from Pomona College, USA.
Beyond academia, the conference will feature insights from professionals at leading global corporations. Contributors from Microsoft, Amazon, Marriott International, Walmart, DocuSign, Infosys, Kenvue, and Springer Nature are scheduled to participate. This blend creates a unique environment where theoretical research, practical industry applications, and institutional knowledge coexist.
"The resulting mix is one where academic work, industry practice and institutional experience sit alongside one another without being forced into a single narrative," explained Professor Kanadpriya Basu, describing the conference's innovative approach to engagement.
Format and Expected Impact of ICDMAI 2026
The three-day agenda is packed with diverse formats designed to cater to different interests and foster deep learning. Attendees can look forward to keynote addresses, invited talks, multi-track paper presentation sessions, specialised workshops, and interactive panel discussions.
While the workshops will offer hands-on, in-depth exploration of specific tools and methodologies, the paper sessions will provide a platform for detailed discussion on cutting-edge research. The panel discussions are engineered to be particularly dynamic, convening voices from different domains to present and debate contrasting perspectives on key issues in data science.
As ICDMAI reaches its tenth edition, it stands at a pivotal point. "The conference reflects both continuity and growth, bringing together long-standing members of its community along with new participants," noted Professor Saptarsi Goswami. With its rich history, diverse formats, and wide-ranging participation from global institutions, ICDMAI 2026 is poised to be a landmark event. It successfully balances a forward-looking vision with a firm foundation in sustained academic and professional exchange, solidifying Kolkata's position on the global data science map.
