The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar, under the Ministry of Ayush, will conduct a national symposium titled “Ayutech Navonmesh 2026” on October 15 and 16, 2026. The event marks the Institute’s Sixth Foundation Day and will bring together Ayurveda scholars, researchers, practitioners and technology experts to discuss how artificial intelligence and digital tools can advance traditional medicine.
The symposium centres on the theme “Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Ayurveda” and aims to create a platform for exploring research opportunities and healthcare innovations that blend ancient Ayurvedic knowledge with modern technology. Senior officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) and national institutions will participate alongside distinguished Ayurveda experts.
Key facts
- Event dates: October 15-16, 2026
- Location: ITRA, Jamnagar, Gujarat
- Chief Guest: Smt. Poonamben Madam, Member of Parliament
- International participation: Mr. Sameer Pujari (Head of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, WHO) and Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla (Director, WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre)
- Other key participants: Prof. Shailendra Saraf (Director, NIPER Gandhinagar); Dr. Mansi Deshpande (Vice-Chancellor, Gujarat Ayurved University)
- Event includes expert lectures, academic discussions, research deliberations and cultural programmes
About ITRA
ITRA, Jamnagar, is India’s first institution to receive the status of Institution of National Importance in the field of Ayurveda. It was dedicated to the nation on October 15, 2020. The Institute operates a 300-bed NABH-accredited hospital that treats approximately 1,000 patients daily through its outpatient department. Since establishment, it has provided consultation and treatment to over 18 lakh patients as outpatients and admitted nearly 27,500 patients for inpatient care.
The Institute conducts educational programmes from undergraduate to doctoral levels, along with courses in Ayurveda pharmacy, yoga and naturopathy. It maintains six NABL-accredited laboratories equipped with modern scientific instruments, a library with over 30,000 books and 5,000 manuscripts, and dedicated facilities for yoga and naturopathy research. Currently, 20 outpatient departments operate across various specialities, and weekly OPD services are provided at eight locations in Jamnagar city and district.
Focus areas of the symposium
The symposium will examine how artificial intelligence and digital technologies can be applied across multiple dimensions of Ayurveda. These include Ayurvedic research, drug development, medical education and healthcare delivery. Discussions will emphasise the ethical, scientific and practical applications of AI in areas such as quality assurance and research collaboration.
The gathering is intended to facilitate meaningful deliberations on how traditional Ayurvedic knowledge systems can be strengthened through convergence with modern digital technologies and data-driven approaches. This integration is expected to create new avenues for research and innovation while contributing to the advancement of public healthcare services.
Why this symposium matters
As Ayurveda gains recognition globally and India looks to modernise its traditional medicine sector, the intersection of ancient practices and emerging technology presents both opportunities and challenges. This symposium addresses a gap by bringing policymakers, researchers and technology experts together to explore practical and ethical ways to apply artificial intelligence to Ayurvedic practice and research. The participation of WHO officials signals international interest in how digital tools can support traditional medicine systems.
For Ayurveda practitioners and researchers, the event offers insights into how machine learning, data analytics and digital health platforms can enhance drug development, improve diagnostic accuracy and expand access to Ayurvedic treatments. For technology developers, it highlights opportunities to work within the framework of traditional medical knowledge.
Institutional collaborations
ITRA has established Memoranda of Understanding with 27 institutions, comprising 18 national and nine international institutions. This network enables the Institute to pursue research and educational partnerships that strengthen Ayurveda’s scientific foundation and global reach. The symposium builds on this collaborative approach by convening experts across disciplines to address a shared interest in advancing traditional medicine through responsible innovation.