India Mobile Congress 2024: A Showcase of Innovation and Leadership in Technology
NEW DELHI, Oct. 21, 2024 — The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held from October 15 to 18, has emerged as a pivotal platform for showcasing India’s technological advancements and leadership on the global stage. With over 175,000 participants from more than 123 countries, this year’s congress, themed "The Future is Now," highlighted India’s commitment to setting global standards in 6G technology, ethical artificial intelligence (AI), and data privacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address underscored the four pillars of Digital India: affordable devices, widespread digital connectivity, accessible data, and the overarching goal of a ‘Digital First’ approach.
A Grand Inauguration
The congress was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, who emphasized the importance of India’s role in shaping the future of technology. His vision for a digitally empowered nation resonates with the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that technology is accessible to all citizens. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), marking a significant collaboration between government and industry.
Unprecedented Participation and Global Engagement
IMC 2024 set a new record for attendance, drawing participants from various sectors, including government, academia, and industry. The event featured over 310 partners and exhibitors, including representatives from 13 ministries and 29 academic institutions. The congress also hosted more than 186 sessions, engaging around 820 speakers who shared insights on a wide array of topics related to future technologies. This year’s event was particularly notable for the increased presence of the GSMA, which brought its global leadership team to engage with key stakeholders.
Showcasing India’s Innovation Ecosystem
The IMC 2024 served as a vibrant showcase for India’s innovation ecosystem. Leading tech and telecom companies presented groundbreaking advancements in various fields, including quantum technology, circular economy initiatives, and the latest developments in 6G and 5G applications. The congress also spotlighted critical areas such as cloud and edge computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), semiconductors, cybersecurity, green technology, satellite communications, and electronics manufacturing.
Ramakrishna P., CEO of India Mobile Congress, expressed his satisfaction with the event, stating, "IMC 2024 more than lived up to its focus on ‘Future is Now,’ with ideas exchanged on several disruptive innovations and engaging discussions on a host of future technologies." His remarks reflect the congress’s role as a catalyst for collaboration and innovation among global leaders and industry experts.
Emphasis on Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence was a prominent theme at IMC 2024, with a diverse range of tech and telecom companies, including startups and educational institutions, showcasing over 900 technology use cases. Notably, 750 of these were AI-based applications, demonstrating the growing significance of AI in various sectors. The discussions surrounding AI not only highlighted its transformative potential but also addressed ethical considerations and the importance of responsible AI development.
Supporting Startups and Future Innovators
The congress also placed a strong emphasis on nurturing the startup ecosystem, featuring over 920 startups under its flagship program, ‘Aspire.’ This initiative aims to highlight innovative solutions and provide a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to connect with industry leaders and potential investors. The presence of startups at IMC 2024 underscores India’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic growth.
Conclusion
The India Mobile Congress 2024 has successfully positioned India as a leader in the global technology landscape. With its focus on 6G, ethical AI, and data privacy, alongside the four pillars of Digital India, the congress has set the stage for a future where technology is not only advanced but also accessible and responsible. As the world looks to India for leadership in these critical areas, the insights and collaborations fostered at IMC 2024 will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of technology in the years to come.
In a rapidly evolving digital world, events like IMC 2024 are essential for driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the benefits of technology are shared by all. As Prime Minister Modi aptly stated, the future is indeed now, and India is poised to lead the way.