- TRENDS STAGE (IT, DEEPTECH & TRENDS): The “AI for India 2030” session at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 brought together a distinguished panel moderated by Purushottam Kaushik, Head of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution at the World Economic Forum. Esteemed speakers included Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for IT, BT, and Rural Development, Karnataka; Harshil Mathur, CEO and Co-founder of Razorpay; Daisy Chittilapilly, President of Cisco India; Balakrishna D.R., Executive Vice President at Infosys; and Smita Deorah, Co-CEO and Co-founder of LEAD.
The session spotlighted Karnataka’s Nipuna Karnataka ini tiative for AI-driven skill development, AI’s transformative role in tailoring education for 270 million schoolchildren, Infosys’s work on scalable AI models, and the need for robust policies to drive fintech innovation. Advocating for ethical, accessible AI, the panel underscored the importance of public-private collaboration to position India as a global AI powerhouse by 2030.
Session recording – https://www.youtube.com/live/vVw_LpoOkgg?feature=shared
- LIFE STAGE (Biotech & Healthtech): Opening Keynote: Biomanufacturing E3 – Towards a Viksit Bharat – Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, highlighted India’s emerging leadership in biotechnology through the integration of biotechnology and technology. The session underscored the government’s Biotechnology Policy (Bio3) and its role in driving economic progress across sectors like food, chemicals, agriculture, and healthcare. Key discussions focused on sustainable development, avoiding the middle-income trap, and leveraging digital and green technologies to foster job creation and innovation.
Dr. Gokhale predicted biotechnology’s industrialization over the next 25 years, akin to the IT sector’s rise, with transformative innovations such as converting plastic waste into oil and integrating sustainability in chemical industries. The session concluded by emphasizing biotechnology’s pivotal role in shaping India’s economy and industries by 2047.
- World Stage 1, Session 2: Vive la Tech – French Ideas, Global Impact: The session brought together Marc Lamy, Consul General of France; Olivier Lepine, President and Co-founder of Brad Technology; and Estelle David, South Asia Director at Business France, to celebrate the dynamic collaboration between India and France in driving global innovation. Showcasing the ingenuity of French startups like Eldim, Brad Technology, Ecomesure, Mediawen, and Studely, the discussion highlighted how La French Tech embodies creativity and ambition. Central to the dialogue was the transformative power of AI, with insights on its potential to reshape industries and address global challenges. Key milestones, including the Global Summit for Action on AI in Paris (February 2025) and the Indo-French Year of Innovation 2026, were emphasized as pivotal for fostering deeper partnerships. With thriving sectors like AI, health tech, FinTech, and sustainable tech, and India’s position as a crucial market with over 700 French subsidiaries, the session underscored the immense opportunities for Indo-French collaboration in shaping a sustainable and innovative future.
- Fireside Chat with Rishad Premji on Building Legacy Through Purpose: In a dynamic fireside chat moderated by TM Veeraraghav, Executive Editor of NDTV, Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman of Wipro Limited, discussed the rapid pace of technological change and the need for reskilling to adapt to new job roles. He emphasized the importance of a learning mindset, agility, and soft skills such as empathy and critical thinking. The conversation also touched on the role of government in fostering AI growth, leveraging data in sectors like education and healthcare, and the need for sustainability and mental health initiatives in corporate culture. Rishad stressed the importance of staying grounded, reflecting on his father’s legacy, and advised startups to prioritize strong organizational culture and long-term profitability over short-term valuations.
Session recording – https://www.youtube.com/live/Qtx-hYyU9GY?feature=shared
