Among the most visible innovations is Annapurti – a “grain ATM” – that allows beneficiaries of public food programs to authenticate with biometric data and collect rations quickly and accurately.
Quick access to grain
WFP representative in India, Elisabeth Faure, explained its impact:“They put their finger in, they pick up the grain very quickly and in a dignified manner, it’s accurate and provides 24/7 access.”
The system means families no longer need to sacrifice a day’s wages to receive their entitlements. It is already expanding nationally and has spread to neighboring Nepal.
Another solution focused onsmart warehouseswhere sensors track humidity, pests and stock levels in real time, helping to prevent food spoilage and improve decisions in the supply chain.
Also highlighted were route optimization tools, which support India’s vast public distribution network that delivers food to more than 800 million people each month through more than 600,000 stores, reducing both delivery times and carbon emissions.
Parvinder Singh, Head of Communications and Media, WFP India, said the importance of the summit lies both in its location and its purpose.
“This event is very important because it happens in the Global South and in India.” he said, noting that the exhibition demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be applied to humanitarian and development work, especially to address food security challenges.
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Integrating AI and data
Global tools were also presented, including platforms that help agencies quickly assess crises and determine what supplies are needed and how to deliver them via the shortest routes. These systems reflect WFP’s broader push to integrate data and artificial intelligence across operations.
“AI can transform data into a strategic asset to improve operational efficiency, accelerate emergency response, and strengthen global food systems.” said Magan Naidoo, WFP’s chief data officer.
Through predictive analytics, early warning systems and optimized logistics, WFP estimates that such technologies can increase operational efficiency and forecast accuracy by 30 to 50 percent.
Hackathon winners at the World Food Program event.
Local innovation for last mile nutrition
While the expo highlighted global technologies, a parallel hackathon focused on local solutions to close nutrition gaps at the community level.
The challenge, titled“AI-Powered Nudges: Closing Last Mile Nutrition Gaps Through Smart Local Solutions”invited innovators to design tools that could be integrated with existing government programs, such as school meals, community nutrition services, and supply chains.
Three winning ideas were honored. One linked school meals to community nutritional gardens. Another proposed a mobile nutrition app. A third developed a system that scans and predicts risks of child malnutrition. Mr. Singh highlighted that such grassroots innovation is essential because, despite strong safety net programs, last-mile challenges persist.
India as a testing ground for global solutions
UN Resident Coordinator in India Stephan Priesner highlighted the broader importance of collaboration.
“We are applying innovation and artificial intelligence forever, in an inclusive way, to improve the efficiency of these massive food distribution systems.”He said, adding that India’s digital innovation leadership means that solutions developed here can be adapted and scaled up in other countries through South-South cooperation.
For WFP, the message from the exhibition was clear: artificial intelligence alone will not end hunger, but when combined with partnerships, political support and local ingenuity, it can dramatically expand the reach and effectiveness of humanitarian action.