16^th Global Higher Education Summit

Education to Impact: Reimagining India’s Higher Education Ecosystem

16 ^th December 2026 New Delhi

Registration

The 16th CII Global Higher Education Summit, organised under the aegis of the CII National Higher Education Council, will bring together policymakers, government representatives, academic leaders, industry experts and national and international stakeholders to explore the future of India's higher education ecosystem.

Under the theme Education to Impact: Reimagining India’s Higher Education Ecosystem, the Summit will focus on strengthening industry-academia partnerships, advancing research and innovation, accelerating the internationalisation of higher education, harnessing artificial intelligence and preparing graduates for the evolving world of work. Through insightful discussions and cross-sector engagement, the Summit aims to shape a globally competitive, innovation-led and future-ready higher education ecosystem for India.

Key Sessions :

Research that matters – From Lab to Market: Industry-University Partnership, Innovation, and Commercial Impact

How can universities move beyond academic research to become strategic innovation and R&D partners for industry? This session will explore the role of industry-academia collaboration in driving quality research, product development, patenting and commercialisation. Drawing on global models and Indian experiences, the discussion will examine what it takes to build research-driven institutions, translate discoveries into real-world solutions and create a stronger research ecosystem through industry engagement and enabling policy frameworks.
India’s Higher Education on the Global Stage: Strategy, Partnerships and Value Creation

As Indian universities expand their global footprint and international institutions establish a presence in India, the landscape of higher education is evolving rapidly. This session will examine international partnerships, joint and dual-degree programmes, student and faculty mobility, and the growing opportunities for global engagement. The discussion will explore how India can attract international talent, retain domestic students, strengthen its global academic standing and emerge as a preferred destination for quality higher education.
AI and the University of Tomorrow: From Adoption to Employability

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how universities teach, learn, research and operate. This session will explore how HEIs can move beyond AI adoption to meaningful institutional transformation. Discussions will cover AI-enabled curriculum and personalised learning, faculty capabilities, institutional efficiency, affordability, responsible governance and accountability. The session will also examine how academia and industry can collaborate to develop AI-ready graduates and establish a roadmap for effective AI integration in higher education.
Building the Workforce of the Future: Industry Leaders in Conversationd

As technology, business models and workplace expectations evolve, the skills required by industry are changing too. Bringing together senior industry leaders and CHROs, this session will explore emerging workforce needs, changing recruitment practices, talent development and employee expectations. The conversation will focus on bridging the gap between graduate readiness and industry requirements, while identifying practical ways in which HEIs and industry can collaborate to prepare a future-ready workforce.

Special Feature

Grand Finale: CII National Higher Education and School Education Awards

The Summit will culminate in the presentation of the CII National Higher Education and School Education Awards, recognising excellence, innovation and institutional impact across India's education landscape.

The awards will celebrate institutions that are setting benchmarks in educational quality, research, innovation and institutional leadership, while highlighting practices that can inspire and transform the wider education ecosystem.