Gujarat Eyes AI Leadership with OpenAI & Cognizant Talks at WEF Davos 2026

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi led state discussions at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, focusing on high-tech transformation. He met with OpenAI's Chris Lehane to explore AI enablement and its role in reshaping global industries. Sanghavi also held talks with Cognizant's Jatin Dalal on leveraging GIFT City's TechFin Centre and Gujarat's skilled talent pool. The state showcased massive economic momentum, having secured over Rs 45 lakh crore in Memorandums of Understanding for upcoming investment cycles.

Key Points: Gujarat's AI Push: Deputy CM Meets OpenAI, Cognizant at Davos

  • Pivotal talks with OpenAI & Cognizant at WEF
  • Building ecosystem for responsible AI & innovation
  • GIFT City TechFin Centre a strategic global hub
  • Over Rs 45 lakh crore in MoUs for Vibrant Gujarat
2 min read

"As AI reshapes the world, Gujarat steps forward with confidence," Gujarat Deputy CM at WEF Davos 2026

Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi meets OpenAI & Cognizant at WEF 2026 to drive AI and tech growth, citing over Rs 45 lakh crore in MoUs.

"As AI reshapes the world, Gujarat steps forward with confidence. - Harsh Sanghavi"

Davos, January 20

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, currently leading a high-level state delegation at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, held pivotal discussions with global tech giants to cement the state's position as a premier destination for high-tech transformation.

During the summit, Sanghavi met with key leaders from OpenAI and Cognizant to discuss integrating artificial intelligence and expanding digital infrastructure to drive the next wave of industrial growth in Gujarat.

In a significant meeting with Chris Lehane from OpenAI, the Deputy Chief Minister explored the future of AI enablement and its role in reshaping global industries.

Taking to his social media, he highlighted the state's readiness to embrace emerging technologies. Sanghavi noted that Gujarat is strategically positioning itself at the forefront of this shift. He remarked, "As AI reshapes the world, Gujarat steps forward with confidence," adding that the state is "building an ecosystem where responsible AI and world-class innovation can truly thrive." The discussions underscored Gujarat's "robust digital infrastructure and a fast-growing talent base" as the foundation for this high-tech evolution.

Furthering the state's agenda for global collaboration, Sanghavi also held a productive session with Jatin Dalal, Global CFO of Cognizant. The meeting focused on the impact of Cognizant's TechFin Centre at GIFT City, which Sanghavi described as "emerging as a strategic hub for delivering advanced technology solutions to global clients." The conversation centred on "strengthening workforce readiness by leveraging Gujarat's expanding pool of highly skilled technology professionals" to support the growing demands of global innovation.

Speaking at WEF, he also stated, "Today, at the World Economic Forum, India has the largest and most formidable delegation." He highlighted the state's massive economic momentum, noting that "Gujarat has a strong legacy of investment." This legacy is evidenced by staggering figures; in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat 2024 cycles, the state has already "garnered over Rs 45 lakh crore in MoUs." Furthermore, in the past three months alone during regional events, Gujarat has attracted "more than Rs 11 lakh crore in MoUs," signaling unparalleled investor confidence.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rohit P
Rs 45 lakh crore in MoUs is a mind-boggling number! It shows immense trust in Gujarat's policies. Hope this investment translates into real infrastructure and opportunities in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot, not just GIFT City.
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Aman W
While the focus on AI is good, I hope the government also invests heavily in skilling our graduates. We need courses in AI and data science in regional languages too, so talent from smaller towns can participate. The "expanding pool of skilled professionals" needs concrete support.
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Sarah B
As someone working in tech, seeing Indian states actively court OpenAI is impressive. The key will be ensuring this "responsible AI" framework protects data privacy and creates ethical guidelines that other states can follow.
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Karthik V
Gujarat's model is worth studying. Their consistency in attracting investment, from Vibrant Gujarat summits to now AI partnerships, is a lesson in long-term policy vision. Other states should take note.
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Nisha Z
All this talk of global clients and high-tech evolution is great. But I sincerely hope the benefits trickle down. Will AI be used to improve public services, agriculture, and healthcare for the common person in Gujarat? That's the real test.

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