Exclusive Interview with Ramakrishna P

Please elaborate on the IMC 2023 theme, Global Digital Innovation.
The digital ecosystem around the world is expanding with new-age technologies disrupting every industry. In line with this, the theme for this year’s India Mobile Congress is Global Digital Innovation with the view to show India as a leader in digital transformation across the world and also as a hub for technological innovation and collaboration across industries. The IMC 2023 will highlight India’s expertise in emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, AI, manufacturing, semiconductors, cybersecurity, broadcasting, satellite, green technology, etc. The event also heralds the phenomenal impact these technologies are creating across various sectors worldwide, with India at the forefront of this digital revolution.

IMC 2023 serves as a global platform for discussions among thought leaders, tech enthusiasts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Together, they will debate and design the blueprint for the next phase of global digital innovation, with India playing a central role in defining this new era.

Please tell us more about the inaugural session that you are planning.
The inaugural ceremony of the premier event will be taking place at the Bharat Mandapam of the newly revamped International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, recently inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

As one of Asia’s top technology industry events, India Mobile Congress will bring together industry leaders from around the globe, government officials from India and partnering countries, academia, and ecosystem players to showcase and discuss the latest trends in technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT), and information and communication technology (ICT).

We are yet to unveil the agenda for the inaugural session at IMC 2023, but rest assured that it will be something big and exciting for the industry, just like every year. Last year, our Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, launched the 5G services in the country, which has witnessed a massive uptake from consumers over the course of one year.

What are your expectations from the event this year?
IMC this year is expected to witness over 1 lakh participants, 5000-plus CXO-level delegates, 350-plus speakers, and 400-plus exhibitors, along with partnerships with countries, academic institutions, and industry associations like Electronic Industries Association of India, India Electronics & Semiconductor Association, Indian Space Association, etc.

This is the seventh edition of the India Mobile Congress and given the increasing participation and response we have received over the years, we anticipate an enormous footfall this year. Given the presence of leading global and Indian leaders, we hope IMC will be an astounding event across Asia. In 2017, we had a mere footfall of about 32,000, and now we expect over a lakh participants this year, given last edition’s performance.

If we talk of what IMC 2023 will offer, everyone can expect a showcase of next-generation wireless devices, advances in AI, new and improved connectivity solutions and an empowering edge, and efforts to foster and up-skill new tech. Also moving ahead, there are plans to create a vision roadmap for 6G and showcases for 5G.

Please elaborate on Aspire, the grand startup event being introduced this year.
For the first time in the years of IMC, we are introducing Aspire. It is a pioneering startup program with an aim to encourage young innovators and digital and telecom industry professionals to become entrepreneurs and grow their businesses.

Aspire will also be showcasing some of the most promising startups in the fields of 5G, 6G, broadcasting, satellite, semiconductor, drone, devices, and green technologies. As an enriching and engaging ecosystem for budding entrepreneurs, the initiative is committed to fostering connections between startups, investors, and established businesses with an aim to catalyze fresh entrepreneurial initiatives and collaborations. With an anticipated lineup of 400 startups showcasing their cutting-edge digital and tech solutions, it seeks to be the ultimate platform to secure investments and funding. It will also boast various multifaceted zones designed to bridge the gap between startups, investors, and industry leaders.

Thus, Aspire, as we foresee, will become a great opportunity for these startups to interact with industry leaders, investors, mentors, and potential customers and gain exposure and recognition in the global digital innovation ecosystem. It will also foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India and contribute to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

How is IMC 2023 different from the earlier events you have held?
Over the past years, there has been a massive leap in terms of technology, and this change has been rapidly increasing in the goal of making telecom and tech services easy to use and more accessible while also providing a platform for new minds to showcase their skills, giving rise to a paradigm of innovation to prosper.

This year’s IMC will be back much stronger and bigger. Last year, we touched upon 5G; this year, we strive to expand our horizons with new-age technologies, such as 6G, broadcasting, satellite, and semiconductors, and how they can shape the future of communication, industry, enterprise, security, and sustainability.

We will also feature the pioneer startup program Aspire, as mentioned earlier, which will provide a platform for young and new ideas and solutions for the global audience to witness.

We have also planned to make IMC 2023 a ground for everyone to explore. Given the participation of partner countries and their representatives, we are confident that their insights and perspectives on the theme of global digital innovation will answer the questions of many fostering minds of innovators.

Anything else you may like to add.
While the growth and success of IMC are gratifying, it’s essential to acknowledge that this has been a collective effort. The contributions of all stakeholders – right from the government to our partners and attendees – have been invaluable. The collaborative spirit of everyone involved has made IMC not just an event but a landmark on the global tech calendar.

So, as we gear up for IMC 2023, to be held from October 27–29 2023, I invite you to be a part of what promises to be a watershed moment in India’s technological journey. Together, let’s make this event a celebration of India’s rapidly advancing position in the global tech industry.