BRICS Is Laying the Building Blocks to a More Inclusive Global AI Ecosystem

Shared AI infrastructure, open research resources and cross-border collaboration are shaping emerging economies’ approach to the global AI race

From Competition to Collaboration in AI

While the global AI landscape is being driven by the race to develop stronger models, access to computing infrastructure, research capabilities, data, talent, financing and technology ecosystems can shape how it is developed and deployed in other sectors. In this context, BRICS is increasingly looking to cooperate in science, technology and innovation, with AI playing an important part.

Under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship, the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” has placed science, technology and innovation at the forefront of development discussions, as seen in the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting in Chennai. AI and quantum technologies, advanced materials, biotechnology, photonics, geospatial technologies and high-performance computing were identified as technologies transforming economies and research systems within BRICS.

AI and High-Performance Computing Take Centre Stage

One of the clearest signs of this shift towards collaboration is the 2026 multilateral research call published under the BRICS STI Framework Programme, which identifies High-Performance Computing and Artificial Intelligence as a dedicated thematic area encompassing HPC and AI infrastructure co-design, AI and large language models, quantum computing, sensing and secure information technologies.

Importantly, the programme is designed around multinational research rather than individual efforts. Participating consortia must include partners from at least three BRICS countries, providing a mechanism for researchers and institutions to cooperate on technology challenges that require capabilities and expertise across borders. The approach broadens the scope of AI cooperation beyond individual models to connect computing resources, scientific specialisms and application-focused research across multiple economies.

Building Research Capacity

The wider BRICS AI ecosystem is also being built through increased cooperation in research infrastructure and knowledge sharing, as seen in the September 2026 New Delhi Declaration’s welcome of the BRICS Science and Research Repository as a platform for voluntary knowledge storage and sharing. The declaration also reaffirms cooperation on research infrastructure and megascience projects.

Such mechanisms could support researchers in accessing knowledge, finding potential collaborators and building scientific work across borders. The same ecosystem extends to initiatives around young scientists, innovation networks and research infrastructure, adding to the value of talent mobility and institutional cooperation as an addition to technology development.

Moving from Models to Applications

The practical direction of BRICS cooperation is increasingly apparent across sectors: the 2026 STI research programme links AI with healthcare, biotechnology, digital health, agriculture, food systems, energy and advanced materials. This points to an emphasis on applying AI to development-oriented challenges rather than a standalone technology domain.

Similarly, the New Delhi Declaration identifies AI as relevant to healthcare, energy systems, industrial development, financial services, education and other areas. In energy, for example, BRICS recognizes the potential of AI and advanced data analytics to improve system planning, grid management, renewable integration and operational efficiency.

Talent, Startups and Digital Capabilities Expand Opportunities

Infrastructure and research capabilities are not sufficient to create a sustainable AI ecosystem. Opportunities in skills, entrepreneurship and digital foundations are equally important: the 2026 New Delhi Declaration highlights cooperation around young researchers and startups through established mechanisms such as the Young Scientists Forum and BRICS Young Innovator Prize. At the same time, digital public infrastructure and digital public goods are being emphasized as foundations for a more inclusive and interoperable digital ecosystem, helping to connect AI capabilities to digital services, enterprise transformation and public-sector applications.

Governance Will Shape the Ecosystem

As AI cooperation develops, governance will become an integral part of the ecosystem: the New Delhi Declaration recognizes the need to improve accessibility to AI resources while addressing safety, security, inclusiveness, reliability and energy efficiency. It also calls attention to AI science and innovation, trustworthy AI and the use of AI for economic growth and social good.

A More Distributed Model of Global AI Development

BRICS' emerging AI agenda points towards a model in which AI development is supported by a wider network of research institutions, computing infrastructure, talent, startups, digital platforms and cross-border partnerships. The objective is not merely to participate in the global AI race but to strengthen the capabilities needed to develop and apply AI in diverse economies and development contexts.

For businesses, this evolution presents new areas to consider across technology adoption, emerging use cases, research partnerships, startup ecosystems, digital infrastructure and AI-related standards. As BRICS deepens cooperation across these areas, understanding where capabilities, investments and commercial opportunities are developing will become increasingly valuable for organizations operating across emerging markets.

Consult with HBG^TM Insights

As AI ecosystems develop through advances in infrastructure, research collaboration, digital capabilities and emerging technologies, businesses need more than insight into technology trends: they need visibility into market opportunities, competitive dynamics, technology adoption, regulatory developments, emerging use cases and the strategic implications of AI-led transformation. HBG^TM Insights supports organizations with strategic intelligence to assess evolving technology landscapes, identify growth opportunities, understand competitive positioning and evaluate the implications of emerging AI developments for their business strategies.

About The Author

Ankur Malhotra Vice President – Business Intelligence

Ankur is a research and knowledge leader with 20+ years of experience in business and financial research, serving clients across investment banking, consulting, accounting, and advisory. He has expertise in establishing global knowledge centers, delivering business intelligence solutions, and driving thought leadership. Before joining HBG^TM Insights, Ankur worked with Forvis Mazars, Korn Ferry, and was part of the founding team of Acuity Knowledge Partners. He is a CFA charterholder from ICFAI, Hyderabad, and a graduate of Delhi University.

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