31st Convergence India & 9th Smart Cities India expo set to attract 1,200 participants

Under the theme ‘Innovation Driving Sustainability: Realise the Power of Tomorrow – Today’, India’s largest Tech & Infra Expo is set to showcase India’s transformation over three days, 17-19 January at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Organisers expect over 1,200 participants to be showcasing their

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

The three-day expo marks India’s growing prominence as a global force in the world and showcases the country’s evolving landscape of modernisation and holistic development.

This year’s theme is designed to create a platform to showcase ‘Brand India’, including through 250 home-grown startups that are exhibiting.

Over the years, the expo has evolved into an important annual gathering for government and industry leaders, centred on the vision of building 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, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union minister for road transport & highways, said: “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.”

Shri Piyush Goyal, Union minister for commerce & industry, consumer affairs, food & public distribution said the two events would serve as a unique platform for showcasing ‘Brand India’ and exploring new opportunities. “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,” the minister said.

Organiser of the exhibition say they expect a footfall of approximately 55,000 visitors over three days. The expo will also host 50 conference sessions  featuring ministers and senior dignitaries from the government of India, industry leaders, Smart City CEOs, city planners, mayors, ambassadors and other stakeholders from around the world.

The Startup Hub will have over 250 startups presenting innovations in emerging technologies, ICT, and Smart City solutions and the expo will also facilitate mentoring sessions by ecosystem pioneers, a Startup Pitch competition, and a meeting between investors and startups.

Also on display will be some latest solutions in gadgets, accessories, gaming, Satcom/OTT solutions, customised WiFi/media, surveillance equipment, computer peripherals, and more.  

Sharing her views about the expo, Ms. Chandrika Behl, managing director, Exhibitions India Group (pictured), 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.”