Curtain Raiser of SMARTec India Initiative Organized by ASSOCHAM

ASSOCHAM is organizing a curtain raiser of SMARTec India event at Hall- Inspire, Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi today. In the last one and half years, this ongoing pandemic has motivated all industry sectors, all over the world to adapt automation and smart technologies for improving their operations and increasing their productivity.

Hence, it was apt for ASSOCHAM to take lead in promoting the use of smart technologies in Healthcare, Agriculture, BFSI, Transportation, BFSI Solutions, Education & MSMEs, that’s how SMARTecIndia Initiative was first organized in 2020 and became a successful global platform witnessing impressive participation of leaders from government and industry, stakeholders from domestic and international markets and enthusiasts of smart technologies.

The SMARTecIndia Initiative is a unique Digital platform that has reached out to the maximum target audience all over the world to showcase, reward, recognize and celebrate the world of smart technologies and how they are making our lives and businesses smarter and simpler.

The event was graced and addressed by many dignitaries across the world including Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology & Earth Sciences, Sheetal Chopra, Director & India Lead - IPR Policy at Ericsson India Ltd.(Chief Guest of the event), Vineet Agarwal, President, ASSOCHAM, Prasad Unnikrishnan, Chief Operating Officer, KPMG India, Ritva Koukku-Ronde, Ambassador of Finland to India Embassy of Finland, India, Freddy Svane, Ambassador. Royal Danish Embassy New Delhi, Katrin KIVI, Ambassador. Embassy of Estonia, New Delhi, Dr. Ron Malka, Ambassador of the State of Israel to India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, Yasuyuki Murahashi, Chief Director-General, Japan External Trade Organisation ( JETRO), Hemin Bharucha, Country Director, London & Partners, Petula Thomas, Chief Executive officer, Indo Australian Chamber of Commerce, and Ranjani Rangan, Honorary Chairperson, International Trade.

Sheetal Chopra greeted ASSOCHAM and expressed her pleasure to be part of such an event and said that three decades ago things like Robo cleaners were impossible, however now its a reality right now with various electronic gadgets like smartphones and smartwatches. Highlighting the Boston Consulting Report of 2014, she said that this report stated that cellular tech has fuelled tremendous economic growth and generated 3.3 trillion dollars now.

She concluded by saying “India’s tech advantage is the new normal, it is a combination of time tested traditional pillars such as a continued focus on optimal cost efficiency, human capital, infrastructure, and government support”.

Dr. Jitendra Singh has started his speech by giving an example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has a natural temper for science; he said that PM Modi during his Independence Day address, talked about the start-ups in India & many heterogeneous people across India took time to understand this. Though from last 3-4 years, it has picked up in a big way.

PM Modi has been pushing everyone to understand technology. Now, when technology has become an essential part of our life, we have no other option but to live it up with technology, and those of us who are hesitant or reluctant though we still do not realize that we already using this technology.

He then, compliments ASSOCHAM, to take this initiative & wished them for this new endeavor. He asked them to carry this forward & highlighted that the Smart Technology is integrated with the Smart Ecosystem.

Jukka Holappa, Commercial Counsellor, Country Director India at Business Finland, said that India is the most innovative country and Finland’s relationship with India is wonderful. Then, he highlighted that both countries are collaborating in the areas of 6-G, Quantum computing, and Sustainability.  

Prasad Unnikrishnan, Chief Operating Officer, KPMG India talked about how Covid19 has accelerated digital transformation in India starting from the launch of the Arogya Setu app. He also talked about how SMARTecIndia Initiative will help in improving India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index as well as how this is the perfect platform for the exchange of knowledge and technology as it is attended by many delegates from across the world.

Petula Thomas has expressed her pleasure to be part of this wonderful initiative. She said, "This event will provide an amazing opportunity to the Australian Companies to engage on a one-to-one basis with the Indian Technology Giants and build commercial partnerships”. 

She also said that both India & Australia are working in the field of the Digital Economy, AI, Space Technology & Cyber Security and this event provides an excellent opportunity for mutual growth.

Ranjani Rangan introduced what International Trade Council is & what it does. Since 1956 the Council has been engaging business leaders across 179 countries; offering unparalleled access to industry-specific trade data, business introductions, networking opportunities, education, insights, and government advocacy.

She also said, "Digitalisation can transform health, transport, Urban living, businesses alike. A digitally smart nation is the way forward."

Thereafter, the event was concluded with the release of SMARTecIndia 2021- Program Report by Dr. Jitendra Singh along with the unveiling of SMARTecIndia Promotional Video and SMARTecIndia Platform & Mobile App.