31st Convergence India & 9th smart cities expo unveils innovation

India’s premier Tech & Infra Expo, themed ‘Innovation Driving Sustainability,’ unveils the nation’s transformative advancements, Jan 17-19.

The 31st Convergence India and 9th Smart Cities India expo is a collaborative effort involving the Smart Cities Mission, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), and the Exhibitions India Group (EIG).

This three-day expo signifies India’s increasing prominence as a global force and showcases the nation’s evolving landscape of modernisation and holistic development.

The theme for this year, ‘Innovation Driving Sustainability: Realise the Power of Tomorrow – Today,’ will provide a platform to exhibit ‘Brand India’ through cutting-edge showcases from leading brands in India and around the world. Additionally, 250 home-grown startups will present their vision for the future.

Over the years, the expo has transformed into a significant annual gathering for government and industry leaders. It is centered around the vision of constructing a modern India inspired by initiatives such as ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ ‘Startup India,’ the ‘Smart Cities Mission,’ ‘Swachh Bharat,’ ‘Jal Jeevan Mission,’ and other initiatives aimed at nation-building.

In his message, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, noted, “Supporting the Government of India’s vision of ‘Digital India’, ‘Make in India’, and the ‘Smart Cities Mission’, the two leading expos provide a one-of-a-kind international forum to showcase ‘Brand India’ and focus on unlocking new opportunities in India’s economic revolution.”

Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles is of the opinion that “These events will serve as a unique platform for showcasing ‘Brand India’ and exploring new opportunities in the context of India’s ongoing economic transformation. This will not only contribute to the growth of industries but also serve as a catalyst for the larger goal of building a technologically advanced and sustainable India.”

Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister for IB, Youth Affairs and Sports, observed, “Convergence India has played a vital role in nation building by supporting the government’s initiatives. I am sure that the hard work and dedication of the entire team of Exhibitions India, the Smart Cities Mission and ITPO will make these forthcoming exhibitions a grand success.”

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Jal Shakti observed, “I am happy to learn that the ITPO and Exhibitions India Group are organising the 31^st Convergence India and 9^th Smart Cities India Expo. I applaud the efforts that are being made by those associated with water and its associated segments in helping India realise its dreams.”

The expo will host 1,200 participants presenting innovations from 35 countries and is expected to attract approximately 55,000 visitors over three days. The event will also feature 50 conference sessions aimed at facilitating discussions among Union/State governments, industry representatives, innovators, think tanks, and academia on the latest innovations and market trends impacting India’s digital revolution and the urban landscape. Ministers and senior dignitaries from the Government of India, industry leaders, Smart City CEOs, city planners, Mayors, Ambassadors, and stakeholders from India and around the world will be in attendance.

A National Smart Cities Pavilion will showcase award-winning projects and initiatives from across the nation. Additionally, a designated Startup Hub will host over 250 startups presenting innovations in emerging technologies, ICT, and Smart City solutions. The expo will also facilitate mentoring sessions by ecosystem pioneers, specifically curated conference sessions, a Startup Pitch competition, and a meeting between investors and startups. The objective is to enable participating startups to establish leads and meaningful business relationships with industry stakeholders.

Apart from the business activities planned during the three-day expo, the event is a crowd-puller and the go-to venue for those seeking the latest solutions in gadgets, accessories, gaming, Satcom/OTT solutions, customised WiFi/media, surveillance equipment, computer peripherals, and much more!

Sharing her views about the expo,  Chandrika Behl, Managing Director, Exhibitions India Group, said, “Over three decades, this platform has been a key driver in advancing the digital transformation and modernisation within India – playing a significant role as a catalyst for national growth and global recognition. The expo is India’s largest Tech & Infra expo, so, really, it’s the go-to event for anyone interested in India’s advancing role in the realms of digital and urban development. Through digital inclusion and keeping the citizen at its core, the 2024 edition will cement the expo’s legacy of bridging the country’s digital, social and economic divide.”