India’s premier tech showcase, the 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities India Expo, celebrated transformative technologies driving the country’s future. Organized by Exhibitions India Group (EIG), the expo served as a key platform for innovations supporting initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, and the Smart Cities Mission. The event was inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, who highlighted AI’s pivotal role in India’s economic growth and emphasized the need for more research and innovations to propel the nation forward.
Under the theme “Imagining an AI-Driven Future Today: Innovating for a Better Tomorrow,” the expo turned into a bustling hub of activity with thousands of delegates and visitors exploring the latest in drones, robotics, AR/VR technologies, mobile devices, and digital gaming. The Smart City Pavilion displayed numerous projects that are improving urban life quality and benefiting millions of citizens.
Chandrika Behl, Managing Director of Exhibitions India Group, remarked, “This expo plays a critical role in driving technological upgrades and national development while promoting an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem. We continue to support businesses, particularly startups, and provide them with opportunities to grow and establish themselves globally.”
The event featured over 40 conference sessions covering a broad range of topics. These discussions brought together industry leaders, innovators, think tanks, and academia to explore the latest tech trends and market developments. Representatives from various ministries also participated, showcasing the government’s commitment to fostering innovation in the tech sector.
Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary & CEO of the India AI Mission, stated, “AI-based applications are being developed in key sectors, allowing them to be scaled and deployed effectively. The AI policy aligns with the needs of new tools for data bias detection, machine learning, and content watermarking.”
The conference also hosted notable entrepreneurs such as Aman Gupta (Co-founder & CMO of boAt), Barkha Dutt, and Ankur Warikoo (Founder of WebVeda), who offered valuable insights into India’s growing startup ecosystem. Gupta emphasized that Indian brands should aim to be aspirational and competitive rather than just affordable. He also shared his entrepreneurial mantra: “Follow your passion, stay grounded, and take responsibilities seriously.”
A highlight of the expo was the Investors Pitch competition, where 10 innovative startups from fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and safety presented their ideas to a distinguished jury. Kerala-based agri-tech startup Fuselage Innovation won the prestigious PremBehl’s Excellence Award and received a cash prize, along with an all-expenses-paid participation at GITEX Dubai and Morocco, and a guaranteed pitch slot at the Supernova Challenge in Berlin.
The event also saw the presentation of several prestigious awards. The Smart Cities India awards celebrated achievements in urban development categories, such as AI for Urban Development and Innovation in Urban Mobility. The Fintech India Innovation Awards highlighted excellence in areas like Digital Lending Solutions and AI in FinTech, with Russia-based Alfa Bank winning two awards, including Global Leader in Fintech and Best Global Use of AI in FinTech.
Since its inception in 1992, Convergence India has been at the forefront of India’s telecom and digital revolution. As the largest technology showcase in India, it provides a platform to promote Brand India while supporting the Make in India and Digital India campaigns.
The event highlights technological advancements in sectors such as telecom, satcom, 5G & 6G networks, and IT solutions. The Smart Cities India Expo focuses on the integration of cutting-edge technologies in urban development. It showcases innovations in areas like green buildings, clean energy, water conservation, and urban mobility, aiming to make cities smarter and more sustainable for a better future.
