During the discussion on inclusive growth, unlocking trade, and empowering startups and MSMEs in the digital age at United Services Institute (USI), the Working Group 7 (WG7) on Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Growth, and Promoting Small Businesses of the India-US CEO Forum, in collaboration with USI and the CyberPeace Foundation, launched the bilateral knowledge-sharing platform between India and the US.
In addition, Prakshepan, an innovation hackathon, and workshops on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence for MSMEs and startups were introduced at the dialogue.
The India-US CEO Forum seminars’ main goal is to shield MSMEs and startups against cyberattacks while arming them with the information and resources they need to create robust security systems.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, Chief Corporate Affairs & Public Policy Officer, Global Senior Vice President (SVP), InMobi, and Sherpa WG7, said, “The dialogue and the knowledge-sharing platform will enhance the bilateral relationship and unlock trade between India and the US, promoting inclusive growth by empowering startups and integrating MSMEs in the global supply chain and fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy. Through our collaborative efforts in cybersecurity and capacity-building, we aim to create a secure environment for businesses to thrive, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of our nation. The launch of NIHIT and PRAKSHEPAN underscores our commitment to nurturing innovation and ensuring equitable participation, especially for women, in this digital transformation journey.”
“The ‘Prakshepan’ hackathon will identify, mentor, and accelerate startups that contribute to enhancing the relationship between India and the US. This bilateral hackathon will focus on fostering innovation with a strong emphasis on women-led businesses, aiming for 50% female representation among participants”, she further added.
Sh. Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary (New Emerging and Strategic Technologies Division), Ministry of External Affairs, who was the Chief Guest, appreciated the initiatives and emphasized the Government’s focus on improving bilateral trade and enhancing the nation’s competency in innovation and adoption of emerging technology. “I believe initiatives and dialogues like this will help foster a better relationship between the two nations, especially in trade and innovation, new and emerging future technologies and startups have a key role to play,” he said.
Major Vineet Kumar, Global President, Founder of CyberPeace Foundation, said, “The Cybersecurity Capacity Building Workshops aim to create a safe and equitable internet for all. CyberPeace Foundation looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders and netizens to foster an environment where innovation can thrive securely and we can empower startups and MSMEs with the knowledge and tools to navigate cyber threats and build capacity.”
CyberPeace Foundation, USI, and USIBC provided assistance for the launch and discussion, which were organized by InMobi, Mastercard, and Tata Sons. Mr. Jonathan Heimer, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, United States Government, was the honored guest. He wished the forum ongoing success and offered his assistance. Major Gen. (Dr.) Pawan Anand, AVSM (Retd.), Director USI-CANB, and Varun Sakhuja, Director of Product Development – Innovation & Customer Solutions at Mastercard, Asia Pacific, on behalf of the Chair from the US side of WG7, were among the other notable speakers and dignitaries. Mastercard reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive growth, MSMEs, and startups while sharing a number of efforts on financial capacity building.
Digital technology empowerment for startups and MSMEs is essential for stimulating economic growth, expanding market access, increasing operational effectiveness, and encouraging innovation. Businesses may increase their competitiveness, seize new possibilities, and make a substantial contribution to India’s overall socioeconomic growth by utilizing these technologies.
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