The roundtable brought together representatives from India and emerging markets to discuss technology development, commercialisation, financing, market access and cross-border partnerships.
A Global South Technology Roundtable was virtually organised by STPI in partnership with MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, bringing together representatives from India, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia.
The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation among emerging economies in technology development, commercialisation, financing, international market access and cross-border partnerships. Technology startups, investors, industry associations and innovation ecosystem representatives also participated.
Focus on South–South Technology Cooperation
Delivering the opening address, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai; Board Director, World Trade Centers Association (WTCA); and President, All India Association of Industries (AIAI), highlighted the scope for greater South–South cooperation.
“The Global South is emerging as an important centre of innovation, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity. India has a significant role to play in building stronger technology and business partnerships with countries across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and other emerging markets. Our focus must be on converting innovation into commercially viable products and connecting these products with global markets”, said Dr. Vijay Kalantri.
He also identified digital technologies, FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, healthcare, clean technology, agriculture, manufacturing and other emerging technologies as areas with scope for greater collaboration.
According to Dr. Kalantri, solutions developed successfully in India could find applications in other Global South markets when supported by appropriate frameworks.
India and the Global South Technology Opportunity
Setting the context for the discussion, Shri Rakesh Dubey, Chief Innovation Officer, STPI NEXT & Director, STPI-HQ, New Delhi, addressed the session on “India & the Global South Technology Opportunity.”
The session examined opportunities for India and other emerging economies to develop technology, innovation and commercial partnerships.
Ms. Rekha Jain, UNIDO National Programme Coordinator, discussed technology and innovation opportunities across the Global South.
Mr. Abdul Dewale Mohammed (ADM), Founder & Group Executive President, AASGON & GSEF, UK, shared perspectives on India–Africa knowledge, innovation and market linkages.
Dr. Bhushan Singh, Director, Export-Import Bank of Trinidad & Tobago, addressed financing mechanisms for cross-border technology ventures.
Market Access and International Partnerships
The roundtable also examined market-entry opportunities and international ecosystem linkages.
Ms. Busola Perez-Folayan, Head, Innovation Hub, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), discussed opportunities and partnerships in Africa.
Ms. Carolina Quintana, Director for Asia Pacific, World Trade Point Federation (WTPF), shared perspectives on international market access and global ecosystem connections.
Mr. Cristhian Salamanca, CEO, Conexiones B2B, Colombia, discussed B2B market access and international customer connections.
Mr. Hassan Elmiligui, Chief Operations Officer, ESLSCA University/Pyramids, Egypt, addressed technology and entrepreneurship opportunities in Egypt and the wider region.
Mr. Jens Bache, Principal, Denmark Relations & Operations, Indo-Danish Business Council, discussed India–Europe business collaboration and market-entry pathways.
Perspectives from Africa and Southeast Asia
The programme included regional perspectives from Africa and Southeast Asia.
Ms. Yvonne Botchey, Managing Director, World Trade Center Accra, Ghana, highlighted opportunities in Ghana and West Africa for Indian technology enterprises.
Mr. Peter Yap, Managing Director, World Trade Center Yangon, Myanmar, discussed Myanmar’s market potential and opportunities for India–Myanmar collaboration.
Eng. Diego Bravar, Founder and President, Biovalley Investments Partner SpA, Trieste, also participated in the international deliberations.
Focus on Commercialisation and Institutional Cooperation
Dr. Bijay Kumar Sahu, Senior Regional Manager & Head – Outreach Office, National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), outlined mechanisms for strengthening technology partnerships, institutional cooperation, market access and commercialisation between India and Global South economies.
The Roundtable concluded with an interactive open-floor discussion involving participating institutions, startups, investors and industry representatives. The session provided an opportunity to exchange market insights and identify potential areas for future collaboration.
A key component of the programme was the Global South Market Perspectives session, which brought international experts and business leaders together to discuss technology opportunities and market-entry pathways across different regions.
S. R. Patra, Additional Director, STPI Bhubaneswar, delivered the closing remarks and Vote of Thanks.