The India-US CEO Forum’s Working Group 7 (WG7) on Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Growth, and Promoting Small Businesses, alongside the United Services Institute (USI) and CyberPeace Foundation, has launched a new bilateral knowledge-sharing platform.
This initiative aims to enhance cooperation between India and the US, focusing on inclusive growth and the digital empowerment of startups and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
USI recently hosted a forum to discuss key topics such as inclusive growth, trade, and the role of digital technologies in enabling startups and MSMEs.
A significant part of the event was the launch of ‘Prakshepan,’ an innovation hackathon, and a series of Cybersecurity & AI Capacity Building and Skilling Workshops tailored for MSMEs and startups. These workshops are designed to help these businesses protect themselves from online threats and build robust security frameworks.
Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, Chief Corporate Affairs & Public Policy Officer, Global Senior Vice President at InMobi, and Sherpa of WG7, emphasized the importance of this dialogue. She stated that the platform would strengthen the bilateral relationship between Bharat and the US, unlocking trade opportunities and promoting inclusive growth.
By empowering startups and integrating MSMEs into the global supply chain, this initiative aims to foster a resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy.
Dr. Chaturvedi also highlighted the ‘Prakshepan’ hackathon’s goal to identify, mentor, and accelerate startups that enhance Bharat-US relations. A key focus of the hackathon is on women-led businesses, with an aim for 50 percent female representation among participants.
This initiative underscores the commitment to nurturing innovation and ensuring equitable participation in the digital transformation journey.
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Government Support
Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary of the New Emerging and Strategic Technologies Division at the Ministry of External Affairs, served as the Chief Guest. He praised the initiatives and reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to improving bilateral trade and boosting the country’s competence in emerging technologies. Singhvi stressed that dialogues like this are crucial for fostering better relationships between the two nations, particularly in the realms of trade and innovation.
Major Vineet Kumar, Global President and Founder of CyberPeace Foundation, spoke about the importance of cybersecurity. He stated that the Cybersecurity Capacity Building Workshops aim to create a safe and equitable internet environment.
By collaborating with various stakeholders, the foundation seeks to empower startups and MSMEs with the knowledge and tools to navigate cyber threats effectively.
Support from Various Organizations
The event, organized by InMobi, Mastercard, and Tata Sons, was supported by CyberPeace Foundation, USI, and the US-India Business Council (USIBC). Jonathan Heimer, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs of the United States Government, was the Guest of Honour.
He expressed his best wishes and pledged continued support for the forum’s success. Other notable speakers included Major Gen (Dr) Pawan Anand, AVSM (Retd), Director of USI-CANB, and Varun Sakhuja, Director of Product Development at Mastercard, Asia Pacific.
Empowering startups and MSMEs through digital technologies is crucial for driving economic growth. These technologies can help businesses enhance market access, improve operational efficiency, and foster innovation. By leveraging digital tools, businesses can unlock new opportunities and strengthen their competitiveness, contributing significantly to India’s overall socio-economic development.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade
The India-US CEO Forum brings together top businesses from both nations, guided by the Ministry of Commerce in India and the Department of Commerce in the US. The collaboration aims to enhance bilateral trade and foster innovation.
The USI-CyberPeace Centre of Excellence (CoE), a partnership between the United Service Institution of India and CyberPeace Foundation, also plays a key role in promoting digital empowerment and cybersecurity.
This new initiative not only aims to secure businesses against cyber threats but also promotes inclusive growth and entrepreneurship. By strengthening the bilateral trade relationship between Bharat and the US, it paves the way for a more resilient and innovative economic environment.
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