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Alt Data Workshop 2026

The Alt Data Workshop 2026 focuses on the use of "alternative data" -- the remarkable world of novel and clever data sources bubbling up outside the traditional official statistical machinery.

We seek to bridge the gap between STEM researchers (Computer Science, Statistics, Engineering) and domain experts in Economics, Public Policy, and Law. We will de-prioritise data from one-off field experiments and emphasise the use of widely available datasets that are predictably updated through time thus permitting long-term longitudinal research and the development of a research community surrounding each dataset. Examples of this include satellite imagery, digital footprints, high-frequency transaction data, and large-scale web-scraping to solve complex problems in the Indian context. Some examples are at https://www.xkdr.org/field/statistics-computer-science


Please note that this is an in-person event.

Type
Roundtable
Date
21 - 22 Aug 2026
Time
10:00 AM
Where
XKDR Forum, 201, Samarpan Building, Guru Hargovindji Rd, Chakala, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059
In partnership with:
Cmi
Agenda
10:00 - 10:15

Inaugural Remarks

Rajeeva Karandikar, CMI

10:15 - 11:00

Tracking Shipping Disruptions in India: A Maritime Supply Chain Disruption Index and Its Impact

Anirban Sanyal, RBI

Discussant: Rajeeva Karandikar, CMI

11:00 - 11:45

Talk: Tracking capital formation through CMIE CapEx

Mahesh Vyas, CMIE

Discussant: Renuka Sane , TrustBridge

11:45 - 12:30

Developing a Subdistrict-Level Economic Progress Index Using Geospatial Data

Meenu Mohan, Sattva Media and Consulting

Discussant: Sourish Das, CMI

12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

13:30 - 15:00

Panel: Role of Alternative Data for Policy Research

Moderator: Ayush Patnaik, XKDR Forum

Panelists: Rounak Hande, XKDR Forum

Kapilan Mahalingam, XKDR Forum

Abhijit Vaidya, Independent

15:00 - 15:45

Better methods of running subsidy programs: Evidence from the Karnataka schemes of 2023

Jay Kulkarni, XKDR Forum

Discussant: Mahesh Vyas, CMIE

15:45 - 16:30

Talk: Mapping urban housing inequality: A satellite eye-view

Krishna Balakrishnan, Map Solve AI

Discussant: Abhijit Vaidya, Independent

10:00 - 10:45

Talk: Alt Data & AI in Investment Decision-Making

Hemen Sampat, J.P. Morgan

Discussant: Akhilesh Tilotia, Thurro

10:45 - 11:30

Measurement of renewable energy capacity in India

Utkarsh Narain, XKDR Forum

Discussant: Aditya Malladi and Arav Patel, CMIE

11:30 - 12:15

Mining Proximity and Residential Property Values in India

Sayan Dasgupta, Presidency University

Discussant: Ayush Patnaik, XKDR Forum

12:15 - 13:00

Monetary policy communication in India and impact on financial markets

Roma Kumari, IGIDR

Discussant: Ajay Shah, XKDR Forum

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

14:00 - 14:45

Talk: Data Science for Complex Systems: Agriculture to Health

Anirban Chakraborti, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Discussant: Amiya Bhowmick, ICT Mumbai

14:45 - 15:30

Toll-roads usage and nightlights in surrounding regions

Yugank Goyal, IIM Ahmedabad