The Indian Takeover at CES 2026: How Affordable Ingenuity Stole the Global Tech Spotlight

January 10, 2026

For decades, Las Vegas’ Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has been the ultimate proving ground for global tech innovation. At CES 2026, a powerful and undeniable new force emerged on this stage: India. With its strongest-ever contingent of over 80 startups—a remarkable 40% increase from 2025—India moved decisively from the periphery to the center of the world’s premier tech showcase. This wasn’t just about participation; it was about making a statement, one that was validated by none other than CES President & CEO Gary Shapiro, who hailed India as “one of the most exciting emerging forces at CES this year.”

A Coordinated National Push on the World Stage

This historic presence was the result of a strategic, multi-layered effort. The India Pavilion, supported by Startup India, MeitY, and proactive state governments like Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, provided a unified platform. This coordinated push underscores a national recognition that competing in the global hardware and consumer tech arena requires more than individual brilliance; it requires ecosystem-scale branding and support. The pavilion transformed from a mere exhibition space into a diplomatic and commercial outpost for “Brand India Tech.”

Beyond Jugaad: Showcasing Depth Across Categories

Indian startups demonstrated they have moved far beyond the stereotype of frugal “jugaad.” The showcase revealed a mature, multifaceted innovation ecosystem tackling global trends with distinctive Indian flair:

AI-Powered Wearables & Health Tech: Startups like NeoSapien (with its AI-native personal assistant wearable) presented a vision where AI isn’t just a feature but the core intelligence of the device, anticipating a shift from smart to “intelligent” wearables.
Purpose-Driven Consumer Robotics: Moving beyond novelty, Indian robotics focused on practical automation for homes and industries, emphasizing intuitive design and accessibility.
Sustainability as a Core Innovation Driver: From e-waste recycling solutions to green packaging, Indian startups presented a compelling narrative of sustainable consumerism, addressing a critical global pain point not just as an afterthought, but as a foundational design principle.
Immersive Experiences & Smart Mobility: Companies like Tagbin redefined cultural storytelling with immersive AI/AR heritage experiences, while Ultraviolette showcased how electric mobility is evolving into an intelligent, connected riding experience with advanced AI-assisted features.

Standouts That Defined the Narrative

Several startups became the talk of the show floor, embodying the blend of creativity and real-world impact that Shapiro praised:

JARSH Safety: Their viral demo of an AI-powered industrial safety helmet perfectly symbolized the Indian advantage—applying advanced technology to solve a critical, widespread problem with life-saving potential, demonstrating that innovation can be both high-tech and deeply humane.
D2C Brands with Cultural Roots: Companies like The Pickls proved that consumer tech can be culturally resonant, exporting not just products but slices of the Indian lifestyle and aesthetic, finding a unique niche in a crowded market.

The “India Stack” for Global Hardware

The collective display revealed what could be termed an “India Stack” for global hardware: a potent combination of software/AI prowess, cost-effective engineering, sustainable design philosophy, and a deep understanding of mass-market needs. This stack allows Indian innovators to create products that are simultaneously advanced, affordable, scalable, and purposeful—a combination increasingly attractive in a global market weary of incremental gadgetry.

The Road Ahead: From Spotlight to Market Share

CES 2026 was a triumphant validation, but the real work begins now. The true measure of success will be in the international partnerships, distribution deals, and follow-on funding secured in the wake of the show. The spotlight has been earned; the challenge is to convert that visibility into lasting global market presence.

India’s performance at CES 2026 marks a definitive turning point. The narrative has officially shifted. The world now sees India not as just the “back office” for software services, but as a vibrant, essential “innovation front office” for the next generation of consumer technology. The message is clear: Indian startups are no longer just participating in the global conversation; they are starting to lead it.