Indian Quant Conference 2026: Agentic AI & SIFs Emerge

A recent conference in Gurugram brought together experts to discuss new trends in quantitative and systematic investing. This event, held on July 17, focused on agentic AI, alternative data, and Specialised Investment Funds, or SIFs. One key session explored how autonomous AI agents could change portfolio management and trading. Another looked at how AI and alternative data are used in India compared to global practices, noting differences in data availability and regulations. The conference also highlighted the increasing interest among wealthy investors and family offices in SIFs for systematic allocations. Discussions covered the regulatory future for quantitative strategies and macroeconomic challenges in policymaking. The bottom line: India's institutional quant ecosystem is moving from strategy design to actual implementation, with growing technical rigor.