AI, Alternative Data, and SIFs Steal the Show at Indian Institutional Quant Conference 2026
The growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Indian finance hit a major milestone at the Indian Institutional Quant Conference 2026, where industry leaders, academics, and policymakers gathered to share insights on quantitative investing and AI-driven strategies.
The conference, now in its sixth edition, saw experts from across the globe converge to discuss the changing landscape of investment and the increasing reliance on AI, alternative data, and Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs). Deepak Shenoy, founder of Capitalmind, a leading Indian financial platform, was among the prominent speakers who emphasized the importance of agentic AI – a subfield of artificial intelligence that enables systems to learn from experience and adapt to new situations.
Shenoy’s keynote address highlighted the potential of agentic AI to revolutionize the investment process by automating tasks, reducing costs, and enhancing decision-making capabilities. He argued that AI-driven strategies could significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of investment portfolios, making them more resilient to market fluctuations.
Alternative Data Takes Centre Stage
Alternative data, which includes non-traditional sources of information such as social media, climate data, and satellite imaging, also garnered significant attention at the conference. Dhruv Bhatia, co-founder of Data Science India, showcased the capabilities of alternative data in enabling more accurate investment decisions. He demonstrated how combining traditional financial data with alternative data sources can lead to better risk management and return on investment.
SIFs: The Future of Investment
The role of Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) in India’s investment landscape was also a major topic of discussion. SIFs, which are designed to cater to specific investment objectives, such as impact investing or thematic investing, are gaining traction among institutional investors. Manish Singhal, CEO of InCred Finance, emphasized the potential of SIFs to create customized investment solutions that align with the unique needs of investors.
The Indian Institutional Quant Conference 2026 provided a platform for industry leaders, academics, and policymakers to engage in meaningful discussions on the future of quantitative investing and AI-driven strategies. As AI, alternative data, and SIFs continue to shape the investment landscape, it’s essential for investors and financial institutions to stay ahead of the curve.
**What this means**: The increasing focus on AI, alternative data, and SIFs in India’s investment landscape signals a shift towards more sophisticated and data-driven investment strategies. As investors seek to optimize returns and minimize risks, the use of AI and alternative data is likely to become more prevalent, leading to more efficient and effective investment decisions.
