Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, October 16, 2026 - HigherEdBPO Inc. will host the Global Higher Education & AI Readiness Summit (GEARS 2026) on 27 October 2026, at the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts, Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru.
The summit aims to bring together leaders from higher education, technology, industry and the innovation ecosystem to discuss how universities can embrace artificial intelligence, drive digital transformation and prepare students for the rapidly evolving future of work.
Prof. Sowmya Narayanan Sadagopan, Founding Director of IIIT Bangalore, will join as Chief Guest. International speakers include Jim Brigadier, Global Technology Executive, and Michael Mathews of Oral Roberts University, USA.
The event will feature keynote addresses and two major panel discussions: “Building AI-Ready Institutions: From Strategy to Transformation” and “University 2030: Reimagining Student Experience, Future Skills & the World of Work.”
A major attraction will be the Global Smart Campus Innovation Challenge 2026, showcasing innovative solutions from students and startups addressing real-world challenges in higher education. The competition features a total prize pool of ₹1.5 lakh.
GEARS 2026 aims to bring together representatives from 150+ universities and colleges, 100+ EdTech and technology companies, and over 800 participants, creating opportunities for global collaboration, knowledge exchange and industry-academia partnerships.
The summit emphasizes that AI readiness goes beyond technology adoption. It requires forward-thinking leadership, institutional preparedness, responsible innovation and a strong commitment to student success.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Prestige Centre for Performing Arts, Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru
Entry: Free with prior registration
