India’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are rapidly embracing digital technologies, with artificial intelligence emerging as a key business enabler, according to the **Vi Business MSME Growth Insights Study 2026**. The study found that **57 per cent** of MSMEs view AI as a vital driver for business growth, while **25 per cent** have already integrated AI into their operations, signalling a shift from basic digitisation to technology-led enterprise transformation.
The study, based on data from over 2.5 lakh MSMEs across 16 sectors through Vi Business’ ReadyForNext platform, showed India’s Digital Maturity Index (DMI) rising to 60.8 in 2026 from 58.0 a year ago. Cybersecurity adoption also gained momentum, with 46.3 per cent of MSMEs deploying cyber defence solutions amid rising online threats. Women-led enterprises outperformed male-led businesses with a DMI of 61.6, while Digital Workplace emerged as the fastest-growing pillar of transformation. To strengthen enterprise resilience, Vi Business introduced Financial Readiness as the fourth pillar of its ReadyForNext assessment, complementing Digital Customer, Digital Workplace and Digital Operations. Telangana and Karnataka topped the digital maturity rankings, while Andhra Pradesh entered the top 10 for the first time. Financial Services led sectoral rankings, followed by IT &ITeS, Transportation, Energy & Utilities and Tourism & Hospitality.
Commenting on the findings, M P Sunil Kumar, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited, said Indian MSMEs are increasingly investing in AI, workplace technologies and cybersecurity to build intelligent and future-ready businesses. He said the addition of the Financial Readiness pillar would help enterprises assess resilience, improve funding preparedness and scale sustainably in an increasingly competitive market. The report indicates significant opportunities for Guwahati’s growing MSME ecosystem despite eastern states remaining outside the country’s top 10 digital maturity rankings. As businesses across Assam increasingly adopt AI, cloud services, digital payments and cybersecurity solutions, demand for enterprise technology, digital advisory services and financial readiness programmes is expected to rise. The findings could encourage local MSMEs to accelerate digital investments, improving competitiveness while supporting Guwahati’s emergence as a regional business and technology hub for Northeast India.
