CES 2026 Urges Stronger Indian Tech Presence Amid Global Innovation Surge
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), recognized globally as the premier consumer and automotive technology exhibition, is actively encouraging greater involvement from Indian companies and innovators. This appeal emerges as India secures substantial investments from leading American technology corporations including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, particularly in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure domains. Simultaneously, the nation is establishing itself as a reliable hub for developing enterprise and consumer applications utilizing advanced technologies.
Current Indian Participation Deemed Below Potential
John T. Kelley, Vice President and Show Director of CES, which concluded its 2026 edition recently, emphasized that while global company attendance remains exceptionally high—featuring prominent leaders like Nvidia's Jensen Huang, AMD's Lisa Su, and Lenovo's Yuanqing Yang—there is a compelling argument for enhanced Indian representation. "We had about 25 companies from India participating at CES this year. India is a big and important market. It's an educated market with a lot of very smart people and growing technology companies. There's a huge opportunity to attract more Indian companies to the show," Kelley stated.
He further noted that for a nation exceeding one billion people, 25 companies constitute a modest figure. "I'd like to see many more Indian companies participate here in the future," he added, suggesting India's current presence does not fully reflect its vast scale and numerous technology-driven innovative enterprises.
Showcasing Indian Innovation at CES 2026
Indian participants at the event spanned various sectors and geographies:
- Ultrahuman (Bengaluru): A wearables and health technology company.
- Sona Comstar: A major auto component manufacturer.
- ArvyaX Technologies (Bhopal): A startup specializing in pseudo-reality and robotics.
- Noise (Gurugram): A smartwatch and wearable technology brand.
- Optiemus (Noida): An electronics contract manufacturer.
- Matter Motor Works (Ahmedabad): An electric mobility technology firm.
- KPIT Tech (Pune): A mobility technology solutions provider.
Kelley expressed particular enthusiasm for Ultrahuman, highlighting their innovative contributions.
No Immediate Plans for CES Asia in India
When questioned about the possibility of establishing a mini Asian version of CES in India, similar to the former CES Asia in Shanghai, Kelley clarified there are no short-term arrangements. "Our primary focus right now is CES in Las Vegas. Several years ago, in 2015, we launched CES Asia in Shanghai, China. But we had to close that show due to COVID. That said, it doesn't mean we won't be in another market someday in the future — whether that's India or somewhere else," he explained.
Key Announcements and Innovations by Indian Firms
Indian companies unveiled significant developments at CES:
Matter Motor Works announced a partnership with Niron Magnetics to explore integrating rare-earth-free permanent magnet technology into next-generation electric motorbike platforms, enhancing high-performance EV motor designs.
Sona Comstar introduced an autonomous mobile robot platform, expanding its mobility expertise into robotics. Vivek Vikram Singh, MD & Group CEO, mentioned the entirely in-house development of this platform.
KPIT Technologies presented its next-generation agent AI solution suite, leveraging Generative AI and Microsoft Foundry for model orchestration and policy guardrails. CEO Kishor Patil emphasized transforming vehicle software development through AI and agentic technologies.
AI and Humanoid Robots Dominate CES Themes
Artificial intelligence, including humanoid robots, served as central themes at CES 2026. Companies displayed AI-driven solutions across transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, energy transition, and immersive technologies. Kelley noted AI's pervasive influence, describing it as a foundational technology present in nearly every exhibit category.
The event featured over 4,000 exhibitors, approximately 1,200 startups, and participants from nearly 150 countries, with 40% of attendees originating outside the United States. A new addition, CES Foundry, focused exclusively on AI and quantum technologies, showcasing practical applications across industries.
Global Leadership and Startup Collaboration
CES hosted prominent sessions by global CEOs like Nvidia's Jensen Huang, who discussed AI-led innovations. The keynote lineup included leaders from AMD, Siemens, Lenovo, and Caterpillar, addressing AI's expanding role in computing and industrial applications.
Major corporations such as Samsung, LG, Sony Honda Mobility, Hyundai, and BMW displayed innovations, while startups remained a highlight. The Global Innovation Forum facilitated cross-border pitching and networking among startups from South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Israel, Japan, Canada, and France, fostering international collaboration and investor connections.
Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), summarized the event as a convergence of the world's most innovative leaders and problem-solvers, shaping the future of multiple sectors through technology.
