Vi Business has released the MSME Growth Insights Study 2026, revealing that India’s small and medium enterprises are increasingly embracing artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technologies to drive business growth and long-term resilience. The study found that 57 per cent of surveyed MSMEs consider AI a critical growth enabler, while 25 per cent have already integrated AI into their business operations. Drawing insights from over 2.5 lakh MSMEs across 16 sectors through the company’s ReadyForNext digital advisory platform, the report recorded an increase in India’s Digital Maturity Index (DMI) to 60.8, up from 58.0 in 2025. It also highlighted that 46.3 per cent of MSMEs have implemented cybersecurity solutions, while women-led enterprises outperformed male-led businesses with a DMI of 61.6. To expand its assessment framework, Vi Business introduced Financial Readiness as the fourth pillar alongside Digital Customer, Digital Workplace and Digital Operations, enabling businesses to evaluate funding preparedness and financial resilience.
The report identified AI, SaaS-based workplace collaboration and cybersecurity as the three key technology drivers shaping the next phase of MSME growth. Telangana and Karnataka emerged as the country’s most digitally mature MSME ecosystems, while Andhra Pradesh entered the top 10 for the first time. Financial Services ranked as the leading sector in digital maturity, ahead of 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 progressing beyond basic digitisation towards intelligent, secure and future-ready enterprises. He added that Vi Business is strengthening its enterprise portfolio through collaborations with global technology partners while the new Financial Readiness pillar will help businesses improve resilience, funding readiness and sustainable growth.
The study presents encouraging prospects for the Siliguri business ecosystem, where MSMEs are expanding across retail, logistics, tourism, manufacturing and services. Increasing adoption of AI, digital payments, cloud platforms and cybersecurity solutions could help local enterprises improve productivity and competitiveness. The report also signals opportunities for telecom providers, fintech companies and technology solution providers to support the digital transformation of MSMEs in Siliguri and the wider North Bengal region.