Overview
Rajasthan is emerging as a key player in India’s digital innovation landscape. With over 53 million internet users and strong connectivity in rural areas, the state is experiencing significant change. Supported by effective policies and initiatives, Rajasthan is becoming an attractive location for tech-driven entrepreneurship, moving beyond traditional urban centres.
The Rajasthan DigiFest × TiE Global Summit 2026 is pivotal in this transformation, uniting global investors, founders, and policymakers to promote responsible innovation and sustainable growth for emerging startups in India.
Strengthening Startup Foundations
Rajasthan’s digital growth is backed by solid infrastructure and proactive government programs. The iStart initiative has fostered an ecosystem of more than 7,200 startups, including over 2,600 led by women. This has created jobs for over 42,500 people and attracted investments exceeding INR 1,000 crore.
Rural connectivity plays a crucial role in this progress. With over 9,000 gram panchayats connected through more than 10,000 Wi-Fi hotspots, entrepreneurship is no longer limited to cities. The internet penetration rate of 65% shows how quickly people are embracing digital opportunities.
Consequently, innovation is spreading beyond Jaipur. Cities like Jodhpur and Udaipur are becoming vibrant hubs, particularly in IT, e-commerce, and B2B technology, showcasing a more inclusive startup landscape.
The Role of TiE Rajasthan and Dr Ajay Data
TiE Rajasthan, led by founder-president Dr Ajay Data, is central to this entrepreneurial growth. As a pioneer in introducing private internet services in the state in 1999, Dr Data has extensive experience in creating globally relevant businesses from Tier II cities.
He notes that TiE has shifted the focus of India’s founder ecosystem from isolation to collaboration. He believes that the success of startups in India relies on openness, mentorship, and shared learning—principles that TiE actively promotes within its global network.
Dr Data also points out the unique advantages that founders from non-metro areas have, such as strong talent loyalty, lower costs for experimentation, and closer ties to real industry challenges in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture. These strengths, combined with Digital India initiatives and AI tools, are helping to overcome the traditional challenges of operating outside major cities.
AI, Multilingual Internet, and Ethical Technology
Dr Data is optimistic that the growth of AI and Large Language Models will enhance India’s journey towards a fully multilingual and accessible internet. With Internationalised Domain Names and email solutions that support local languages, the next billion users in India will be able to engage online without language barriers.
However, he emphasizes the importance of ethical AI use. Transparency, data privacy, and protection against inaccuracies in AI models are essential for building lasting trust.
Rajasthan DigiFest × TiE Global Summit 2026: A Strategic Platform
The upcoming summit aims to foster genuine connections among founders, investors, and global thought leaders. Beyond discussions and pitches, the event seeks to facilitate capital discovery, international collaborations, and long-term growth of the ecosystem.
This year’s focus is on a balanced approach, combining patient capital for deeptech, impact funds for sustainability-focused ventures, and global VC funds with strong networks in mobility, SaaS, AI, and enterprise technology. The goal is to align founders with the right funding strategies for responsible growth.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan DigiFest × TiE Global Summit is more than just an event; it represents a significant step in the state’s ambition to connect India’s heartland with global innovation. By
empowering founders with networks, access to capital, and international visibility, Rajasthan aims to establish itself as a vital contributor to India’s technological future. At the heart of this vision is a simple principle shared by Dr Ajay Data: build for trust, and long-term success will naturally follow.
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