Launched in 2017, ICAN has evolved into one of Chitkara University’s flagship engineering conferences, widely recognised for its international participation, strong academic collaborations, and reputed publication partnerships. ICAN 2026 marked a significant milestone in the conference series, with Artificial Intelligence emerging as the central theme across discussions on AI-driven computing systems, intelligent analytics, and advanced networked infrastructures.
The conference attracted an overwhelming response from the global research community, receiving 858 research paper submissions across three technical tracks from 16 countries, including India, United States, Japan, Finland, Singapore, Malaysia, Egypt, and Indonesia, among others. Following a rigorous peer-review process, 220 papers were shortlisted for presentation across 36 technical sessions. More than 300 delegates representing leading academic institutions, research organisations, and industry bodies from India and abroad participated in the conference.
Further strengthening the conference’s international academic stature, Springer Nature served as the official publication partner for ICAN 2026. Authors of presented papers will have the opportunity to submit extended versions of their research to Springer Nature journals, providing an important platform for broader dissemination of their findings.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Sudatta Kar, Vice President and Head of Engineering at Capgemini Engineering India, spoke on the topic “Building AI Native Systems for a World in Constant Change.” He emphasised the growing need for adaptive and intelligent technological ecosystems capable of responding to the demands of a rapidly evolving world.
Another keynote session was delivered by Dr. Sudarsun Santhiappan, who addressed the audience on “How Should Students Become Ready for Facing AI as an Assistant, as a Partner, and as a Competitor?” His presentation focused on preparing students and future professionals to work effectively alongside increasingly sophisticated Artificial Intelligence technologies.
The conference also featured expert sessions by distinguished speakers, including Dr. Pao-Ann Hsiung and Kundan Das, who shared insights into emerging developments in Artificial Intelligence, advanced computing, and next-generation technologies.
In her message for ICAN 2026, Dr. Madhu Chitkara, President and Co-Founder of Chitkara University, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing AI-focused education, interdisciplinary research, innovation-led learning, and meaningful industry collaboration. She stated, “Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology of the future; it is shaping the present across every domain of human progress. Through platforms like ICAN 2026, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for researchers, educators, industry leaders, and students to collaborate, innovate, and contribute towards building intelligent, sustainable, and future-ready technological ecosystems.”
ICAN 2026 further reinforced Chitkara University’s expanding role in promoting research excellence, innovation, and international academic collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
Chitkara University is a University Grants Commission-recognised and National Assessment and Accreditation Council A+ accredited private university with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The institution is recognised among India’s leading universities by the National Institutional Ranking Framework, QS World University Rankings, and Times Higher Education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Engineering, Business, Healthcare, Pharmacy, Design, Architecture, Hospitality, and emerging technology disciplines, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning.
The University’s academic model integrates internships, live industry projects, and research into its core curriculum and is supported by more than 2,000 campus recruiters and over 300 international academic and industry partners. Its Global Pathway programmes, developed in collaboration with leading universities in the United States, Australia, and Canada, enable students to complete part of their degree abroad. With a strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied learning, Chitkara University continues to prepare graduates for successful careers in India and around the world.
By hosting ICAN 2026, Chitkara University has once again demonstrated its leadership in fostering global dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and its real-world applications, creating a powerful platform where academia, research, and industry converge to shape the technologies that will define the future.
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