Exhibition India group has been redefining the technology landscape in India by hosting grand technology exhibitions since 1992. This year also, EI group is organizing 30th Convergence India and 8th Smart Cities India expo around the theme of “Innovation Driving Sustainability”. The expectations from this expo are high as all the previous editions have registered tremendous success. Rajeev Ranjan, Editor, Digital Terminal recently interacted with Chandrika Behl, Managing Director, Exhibitions India Group. The discussion revolved around the two upcoming trade events, objectives, targets and much more. Take a look at the conversation.
Rajeev: Tell us about the two upcoming trade events organised by the EI Group.
Chandrika: Since 1992, Convergence India has heralded the telecom and digital revolutions in India. During this time, it has remained at the forefront of promoting technological advancements in the fields of telecom, Satcom, broadcast, wired & wireless technologies, 5G & 6G networks, IT solutions such as Cloud, Big Data & Analytics, AI, smart solutions, M2M, Mobile & Accessories, IoT, Embedded tech, Blockchain, FinTech and Digital Gaming – the entire gamut of digital solutions.
Celebrating 30 glorious years of fostering partnerships between India and the world, the 2023 edition of the expo will be a celebration of what we have achieved to help create a digital infrastructure capable of bridging the digital divide in the country through digital inclusion. It is also an opportunity to showcase to the world India’s growing popularity as a digital powerhouse and its ability to emerge as a clear leader in times to come.
The 8th Smart Cities India 2023 expo is a display of India’s emerging modernisation and development landscape by showcasing the integration of transformative technologies with the key pillars of urban development, i.e. green buildings, rooftop solar, renewable and clean energy, clean environment, clean water, water conservation, urban mobility, and the use of smart ICT solutions for optimising resources that make cities smart and sustainable.
Together, the expos offer a comprehensive platform for domestic and overseas players, innovators, technologists and start-ups from across all segments of urban development, mobility, and smart and sustainable technologies to unleash the power of in-person networking, expand business opportunities, and make new alliances. The expos focus on creating a modern India through landmark initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Start-Up India, Smart Cities Mission, Swachh Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, and other associated missions.
Rajeev: What is special about your shows and how are they different from competition?
Chandrika: All our events are driven by a desire to contribute towards India’s growth story. The expos draw inspiration from initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India, and the Smart Cities Mission to create an environment conducive for fulfilling the vision of these initiatives.
For example, when Convergence India was launched, the IT/ICT and IoT sectors in India were barely recognisable. Today we are ranked third worldwide with over 600,000 cloud experts across all verticals, including technology. The expo has played a crucial role in providing a platform for Indian IT, Telecom and BPM to forge strategic alliances with each other and international players. This helped them to achieve technological upgradation and also diversify across verticals. The expo also became the launchpad for many start-ups associated with the space, some of whom went on to become Unicorns.
Similarly, the story of the Smart Cities India expo is intertwined with the Smart Cities Mission, which has helped it to emerge as one of the most impactful events in space. It facilitates coordination between governments and technology providers to pool the expertise needed to implement and integrate the latest and innovative technologies for the public good. The expo also provides opportunities for collaboration and partnerships among the private players, including overseas participants, which is perhaps the best way of marking growth.
It is, perhaps, one of the reasons why the Smart Cities Mission under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has partnered with event organisers India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Exhibitions India Group to support the expo.
Rajeev: What is the theme for both the expos this year?
Chandrika: The theme of the 30th Convergence India and 8th Smart Cities India expo is “Innovation Driving Sustainability”. The expo is scheduled to be held at the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from 27-29 March 2023.
India’s digital story is one of ICT-led development by using technology that is affordable, inclusive and transformative. Today, ICT-enabled Management Information Systems have penetrated every aspect of our lives. Convergence India and Smart Cities India have been at the forefront of promoting emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Robotics Process Automation, Cloud Computing, 3D Printing, Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics etc.
At the same time, the concept of creating smart infrastructure, including smart cities, has evolved from merely incorporating technology to becoming futuristic demonstrations of cutting-edge technology to achieve sustainable and resilient futuristic infrastructure. Therefore, it is logical to bring these aspects on a single platform to create a comprehensive picture of what India can achieve. This event is a stepping-stone for those who wish to explore new technologies in their segments, forge new partnerships, and gauge global competition.
Rajeev: Convergence India is celebrating 30 years this year. What should the industry and guests expect when they visit the expo this year?
Chandrika: Convergence India is one of the first and oldest events catering to the IT/IoT and Telecom segments in India. Over the years, the expo has expanded its influence across various industries. When Convergence India was launched in 1992, sectors such as IT/ICT, IoT, Big Data, Cloud, Blockchain, etc., were either in the nascent stage or unheard of. The expo has since become the central platform for showcasing these revolutionary technologies and is the foremost venue for startups to learn and explore the best in the industry.
The 2023 edition of the expo will host over 1,000 companies, including 200+ startups, from around 40 countries. The conferences being organised alongside the expo will have 150 speakers, including those from the Union and State governments, industry, think tanks and academia. The expo will be graced by the Ministers and senior dignitaries from the Government of India along with industry leaders, Smart City CEOs, city planners, Mayors, Ambassadors and stakeholders from India and around the globe. The three-day event is expected to see a footfall of 50,000+ visitors.
Key Attractions of the Expo:
The international conference will have concurrent sessions spread over three days and will focus on the government’s initiatives to develop India into a ‘Digital’ economy. Discussion areas will include upcoming technologies such as 5G adoption; the changing face of AI, Blockchain; ChatGPT; strategies to prevent cybercrime; new use cases in Telecom; the future of Digital Twin and IoT; next frontier for Digital Gaming and OTT, innovative FinTech business models, etc.
The expo has received support from the following ministries & Government campaigns: Digital India, Skill India, Smart Cities Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC).
The expo will host Country Pavilions from Russia, the United Kingdom, Slovakia and China.
Curated B2B meetings will be held during the expo. This value-added service will assist exhibitors to establish new business engagements and create lucrative business opportunities through one-to-one interaction.
Rajeev: Who all are expected to attend the expo?
Chandrika: We will be displaying different technologies during the three-day expo. Companies, organisations and individuals working in any of the technology domains mentioned can be a part of the expo.
Technologies on Display:
IT & Communications: GPON / FTTH products (ONT, OLT), Android / iOS Apps for WiFi Management, FTTx Infra, Unified Communications & Enterprise Telecom Products, 5G xHaul Timing Aware Switch, Network TAPs & Packet Brokers, 5G Infrastructure – Test & Verification.
Satellite Communications: Satellite IOT Network Communication, iNetVu mobile antennas, VAST systems with one button, motorized and automatic.
OTT / IPTV: AndroidTV, Media Player, Video streaming Solutions, Video Delivery over IP, Headend in the CLOUD, Middleware, Cloud Streaming, Cloud Distribution, Video Appliances.
Broadcast, Content Distribution and Delivery: Set-Top Box, DTH Antenna, Satellite Receiver, Media Storage, CDN, Head End & Cable Tv, Cable SMS, ISP AAA Server & CRM Application
IoT / AI / ML, Data Analytics & Big Data: Industrial Cellular Router (4G/5G), Industrial Switches, PoE Lan Extenders, Media Converter, IOT Hardware Manufacturer, IOT Gateway, IO Cards and Customized Products, Routers, Gateways, Telecom Monitoring Solution and energy Meters
EmbeddedTech: Electronic Components, PCB, Electronic Manufacturing Services, Server Motherboard, Desktop Motherboard, Memory products, DashCam (DVR)
FinTech, Cyber Security & Surveillance: Lending Solutions, Insurance Solutions, Retail Solutions, e-Learning & Immersive Technology, Payment Aggregator, Treasury Management, Spend Management and Corporate Cards Platform, CBS, POS Solutions & Equipment, Risk Assessment and Digital KYC
Mobile Accessories: TWS, Wireless Speaker, Headset, Wireless Headphone, Power Banks, Mobile Battery, USB Cables, Touch Screen, LCD, Connectors, Plugs and Jacks, RF Connectors, Charger Connectors, Neckband Headphones, Mobile Phone Charger, Wired Earphone
Digital Gaming: Gaming Application Software's Keyshot, AR/VR Equipments, Apps & Games, Games Developer, drone, cameras, telescopes & gaming consoles
Rajeev: Can you share the details of some big brands participating in the show?
Chandrika: With time, the expo has attracted the best of the best across all segments. Some of industry leaders participating in this year’s event are: LG Electronics, Western Digital Corporation, TATA Communications, Vuenow, Arycom, Realtek Semiconductors, Micron, Amazon Pay, Airtel Payment Bank, Lenovo, Zebronics, Seagate, CtrlS, Anritsu, Cloud Infotech, BBNL, Power Grid Corporation, C-DOT, Ashtel, Syrotech, Corsis Technology, Techroutes Networks, Fujikura, Grandstream Network, GX Group, Matrix Comsec, PPC Broadband – A Belden Brand, Extreme Broadband, Software Technology Parks of India, U&I, Varni, MIVI, KDM, Sonilex and many more.
