New Delhi: Punjab National Bank (PNB) is bringing banks, technology companies, startups, academics and financial sector experts together at the PNB AI Summit 2026, as the banking industry looks at moving artificial intelligence from experimentation to wider operational use.
The two-day summit, being held in Dwarka on August 31 and September 1, is focused on the application of Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI and quantum technology in financial services. The event brings together policymakers, banking executives, technology firms and emerging companies to discuss use cases, implementation challenges and the capabilities needed for an AI-led banking environment.
The summit is being attended by Department of Financial Services Additional Secretary Dr Debashish Prushti, PNB Managing Director and CEO Ashok Chandra, the director of the National Quantum Mission and the chairman of the Indian Banks’ Association, among other industry representatives.
PNB looks at AI beyond technology adoption
For PNB, the summit is part of a broader effort to examine how emerging technologies can be integrated into banking operations. Chandra said the bank is exploring applications of AI, GenAI and quantum computing with the objective of making banking faster, simpler and more effective for customers.
The focus is therefore shifting from adopting technology for its own sake to identifying areas where it can improve banking services and operations. Customer service is among the areas where AI could have wider applications, particularly as banks handle increasingly large volumes of customer and transaction data.
Building in-house capabilities
PNB is also working on developing the skills required to support greater use of emerging technologies. The bank has undertaken employee reskilling and upskilling programmes and established a Centre of Excellence for AI, GenAI and quantum technology, according to Chandra.
The centre is intended to build internal expertise and support practical experimentation with emerging technologies. Combining workforce training with technology investments could help the bank develop the capabilities needed to integrate AI across different functions.
Banks share AI use cases
The summit is also bringing real-world banking applications into the discussion. Financial institutions are showcasing and discussing their experiences with AI and GenAI, giving participants an opportunity to examine how the technologies are being tested and deployed in banking environments.
The exchange is expected to help institutions assess potential applications while also examining issues involved in introducing AI into a sector governed by stringent regulatory, security and operational requirements.
Startups showcase emerging solutions
Startups and technology companies form another key part of the summit, with exhibitors presenting AI and GenAI products designed for financial services.
Bringing these companies together with banks provides financial institutions with an opportunity to assess emerging solutions and understand how they could address specific banking requirements. For startups, the summit provides a platform to demonstrate their technologies directly to potential industry users.
From digital banking to AI-led services
The discussions at the summit reflect the next stage of technology adoption in banking. Digital platforms changed how customers access financial services, while AI and GenAI have the potential to influence how those services are delivered, managed and tailored to individual requirements.
With PNB bringing together policymakers, banks, technology companies, startups and academia, the summit is focused on identifying practical applications of AI, GenAI and quantum technology that can improve efficiency, strengthen capabilities and keep customer needs at the centre of banking.
BI Bureau
