Experts Discuss Future of India’s Digital Economy at TechSparks 2026

Industry leaders at TechSparks 2026 explored strategies for engaging India’s next 500 million digital users, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence, localized content, and app discovery. Priya Narasimhan, Chief Business Officer at Indus Appstore, and Sagar Gaonkar, CTO of Eloelo Group, identified shifting consumer habits as the primary driver for future growth.

The Shift Toward Localized AI Content

Narasimhan noted that India’s digital economy is expanding rapidly into hyperlocal entertainment, utilities, and artificial intelligence. She emphasized that new users increasingly demand services tailored to specific local contexts, such as micro-dramas and digital tools for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Gaonkar highlighted micro-dramas as a significant trend, noting they are designed around individual viewing habits rather than collective consumption. AI is currently transforming how this content is produced and distributed. Gaonkar stated that platforms must balance content quality and quantity. AI tools assist developers in assessing potential content performance before allocating resources, though budget constraints require precise identification of viable ideas. On the consumption side, personalization is essential to maintain engagement as content volume increases.

Adapting App Discovery and AI Integration

The role of app stores is evolving as AI changes how consumers find services. Narasimhan questioned how marketplaces can maintain relevance when AI influences discovery. She proposed a hybrid model that combines familiar app interfaces with AI-ready backends. This approach would allow consumers to continue using traditional interfaces while offering developers ways to integrate with large language models.

Gaonkar added that while technology should foster creativity, platform design must remain accessible. He suggested that creators should not need advanced knowledge of prompting to utilize these tools effectively.