Agentic AI and Alternative Data Revolutionize Quantitative Investing at Indian Institutional Quant Conference 2026

Quantitative investing and systematic trading strategies took centre stage at the Indian Institutional Quant Conference 2026, a day-long event held on July 17 at the Taj City Centre in Gurugram. The conference brought together global academics, institutional practitioners, regulators, and technologists to discuss emerging trends in quantitative and systematic investing.

Agentic AI and Alternative Data in Focus

The conference featured a key session on “Agentic AI in Quant: Practical Applications”, led by Prof. Miquel Noguer I Alonso. The discussion examined how autonomous AI agents and multi-agent systems could reshape areas such as portfolio management and systematic trading.

Another session, titled “Practical Uses of AI/ML and Alternative Data for India vs. Global Experience”, featured Balakrishnan Ilango of LSEG and Aditya Sharma of S&P Global Market Intelligence. The discussion highlighted differences between the adoption of AI globally and in India, particularly in the context of data availability and regulatory constraints in domestic markets.

Agentic AI: A Game-Changer in Quantitative Investing

Agentic AI, a type of artificial intelligence that enables autonomous decision-making, is poised to revolutionize the field of quantitative investing. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and alternative data sources, Agentic AI can help investors make more informed decisions and optimize their portfolios.

Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) Gain Prominence

• The growing relevance of SIFs was a major theme at the conference, with a dedicated panel featuring Rishi Kohli of JioBlackRock AMC, Amit Goel of PACE 360, Vinayak Magotra of Centricity WealthTech, and Puneet Jain of Karan Thapar Family Office.
• The panel discussed the rising appetite among ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices for systematic allocations through SIFs.
• The conference also examined the regulatory outlook for quantitative strategies from a global comparative perspective, while Prof. Chetan Ghate provided a macroeconomic perspective on the structural challenges involved in economic policymaking at scale.

Key Takeaways

• The Indian Institutional Quant Conference 2026 highlighted the growing importance of Agentic AI and alternative data in quantitative investing.
• The conference also underscored the increasing relevance of Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) among wealthy investors.
• The event brought together global academics, institutional practitioners, regulators, and technologists to discuss emerging trends in quantitative and systematic investing.

FAQs

What is Agentic AI?

Agentic AI is a type of artificial intelligence that enables autonomous decision-making. It leverages machine learning algorithms and alternative data sources to help investors make more informed decisions and optimize their portfolios.

What are Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs)?

SIFs are a type of investment vehicle that allows investors to make systematic allocations to a range of assets. They are becoming increasingly popular among ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices.

What was the main theme of the Indian Institutional Quant Conference 2026?

The main theme of the conference was the growing importance of quantitative investing and systematic trading strategies in India. The event featured a range of sessions and panels on topics such as Agentic AI, alternative data, and Specialised Investment Funds.

Conclusion

The Indian Institutional Quant Conference 2026 was a major event that highlighted the growing importance of quantitative investing and systematic trading strategies in India. The conference brought together global academics, institutional practitioners, regulators, and technologists to discuss emerging trends in quantitative and systematic investing. As the boundaries between traditional and systematic investing become less distinct, developments such as Agentic AI and alternative data are poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping India’s institutional investment ecosystem.