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Ankur Warikoo: AI Could Be Your "Best Friend" and Companion

Entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo, speaking at AI Fest 2026, proposed that AI could become humanity's ultimate companion, offering predictability and lack of bias where human relationships falter. He emphasized the critical role of university-level AI fests in democratizing access to cutting-edge conversations for students. The event, held alongside the India AI Impact Summit, aimed to empower young innovators and bolster the AI startup ecosystem. The fest gathered global experts to discuss topics ranging from AI policy to the co-evolution of humans and intelligent machines.

Key Points: AI as Future Best Friend, Says Ankur Warikoo at AI Fest 2026

  • AI as future companion
  • Democratizing AI access for students
  • Strengthening startup ecosystem
  • Focus on human-AI coexistence
2 min read

AI Fest 2026: Ankur Warikoo opens up on how AI could be people's "best friend" in future

At AI Fest 2026, Ankur Warikoo predicts AI companions could surpass human relationships by being unbiased and predictable.

"An AI companion... will actually be the best friend. It will be the best lover. It will be the best companion... - Ankur Warikoo"

Mohali, February 19

Entrepreneur and author Ankur Warikoo on Thursday highlighted the possibility of Artificial Intelligence playing an ever increasing role in people's personal lives, possibly even be a "best companion" to them. While attending the AI Fest 2026, which took place at Chandigarh University on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit - 2026 held in New Delhi, Warikoo also underlined the importance of having such events give access to students which otherwise might not have a chance to discuss on such technology.

The AI Fest brought together students, experts, and leaders to discuss how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future. The event aimed at empowering young innovators, strengthening the AI start-up ecosystem, and transforming bold, scalable ideas into technology-driven solutions to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat.

While talking to ANI, Warikoo discussed the importance of AI events at universities and how they open new doors for students. He also shared a strong view on how AI could change personal relationships in the future.

"AI Fest at any university and any student level is an incredible initiative because it exposes students to conversations that they otherwise would not get. They would have to go into very high corridors to access it, but now speakers that are coming, conversations around AI are happening," Warikoo told ANI.

"It is brilliant at a student level. It is a fact that relationships do not work out because people are unpredictable. They're emotional. They are biased. An AI companion will not be either of these. It will actually be the best friend. It will be the best lover. It will be the best companion that you can have...," he added.

The fest saw the presence of global entrepreneurs, AI leaders, researchers, startup founders, policy experts, and students. Discussions were held on topics like how humans and AI grow together, AI-made digital worlds, AI rules and policies, and new technical ideas.

The inauguration of AI Fest 2026 took place in the presence of Ankur Warikoo, education-tech leader Ronnie Screwvala, and Member of Parliament and Chancellor of Chandigarh University Satnam Singh Sandhu, along with several AI experts from across the world.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Warikoo makes a valid point about accessibility. In smaller towns, students rarely get to interact with such experts. AI Fest bridging that gap is a game-changer for the next generation of innovators. Jai Hind!
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Aman W
While the initiative is praise-worthy, I respectfully disagree with the core idea. An AI as a "best lover"? That's a dystopian thought, bhai. Our culture values family, emotions, and real relationships. Technology is a tool, not a replacement for human bonds.
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Sarah B
Interesting perspective from an Indian entrepreneur. The focus on using AI for scalable solutions to develop the nation is very forward-thinking. The collaboration between academia and industry leaders is key.
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Karthik V
As a tech student in Pune, I wish my college had such fests! The line about not having to go into "high corridors" is so true. Demystifying AI for the masses is the first step towards building a truly digital India. More power to such events! 💻
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Nisha Z
The part about AI not being emotional or biased... that's the scary part, na? Who programs the AI? Their biases become its biases. We need to be very careful about what kind of "companion" we are building. Great discussion topic for the students though!

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