As India focuses more on becoming a global AI powerhouse, ongoing Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026 In New Delhi, the unexpected appearance of Yann LeCun sent the entire venue into a frenzy. The well-known artificial intelligence pioneer, who until January served as Meta’s chief artificial intelligence scientist, quietly entered the summit venue, but was not ignored for long.According to attendees, the first person to recognize LeCun near the exhibition area was a Delhi-based software developer. Within minutes, participants gathered around the deep learning pioneer, with many asking for selfies and autographs.Despite the bustle, LeCun appeared relaxed, chatting briefly with developers and researchers, asking about local AI startups and ongoing research projects. The moment was symbolic for a summit focused on India’s growing ambitions for artificial intelligence.
Why is Yann LeCun called the “Father of Artificial Intelligence”?
He is widely considered one of the “godfathers” of modern artificial intelligence due to his fundamental contributions to deep learning. LeCun is best known for developing convolutional neural networks (CNN) in the late 1980s and 1990s, a major breakthrough that enabled machines to efficiently process images. Today, the power of CNN:
- facial recognition system
- medical imaging tools
- self-driving cars
- Image search and review system
Along with Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, LeCun led the deep learning revolution, transforming artificial intelligence from a primarily academic pursuit into an industry-defining technology.The three received the Turing Award for their contributions and are often called the “Nobel Prizes of computing.”While the field of artificial intelligence dates back to the 1950s, with pioneers like John McCarthy coining the term, LeCun’s work laid the foundation for the AI ​​systems that drive today’s digital economy. That’s why many call him one of the “Fathers of Modern Artificial Intelligence.”
His stance on India and the future of AI
LeCun has consistently advocated for open research, scientific collaboration, and responsible artificial intelligence development. He also stressed the importance of investing in talent and academic research, areas in which India is expanding rapidly.His presence at the summit underscores the country’s growing importance in the AI ​​ecosystem at a time when India is pushing for homegrown AI models, semiconductor capacity and global partnerships.For many of the young developers in attendance, this surprising sight was more than just a celebrity moment. This proves that India’s AI ambitions are firmly in the global spotlight.
From the Turing Award to the Legion of Honor
LeCun’s contributions to artificial intelligence have earned him some of the world’s most prestigious honors. In 2018, he shared the Turing Award with Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton for their pioneering work in the field of deep learning. Over the years, he has also received the Princess of Asturias Scientific Research Award, the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement, the IRI Medal, etc. In 2023, he was made a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his global impact on science and technology. In 2025, he became one of the recipients of the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, further cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in modern artificial intelligence research.
