Convergence India and Smart Cities Expo 2025: Global Showcase of Innovation
Held from March 19–21, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities India Expo emerged as a global platform for technological advancements, drawing over 1,000 exhibitors from 28 countries.
Inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, the event highlighted India’s growing prowess in AI, 6G, IoT, fintech, and smart urban solutions. In a special address, the Hon’ble Minister said, “Today, AI is driving our economy. India’s future is connected with technological growth, so we need to push for more research and innovation. The good news is that we boast the highest number of young engineers driving innovations and futuristic technologies,” Gadkari remarked.
A digital revolution unfolds
Under the theme “Imagining an AI-Driven Future Today: Innovating for a Better Tomorrow,” the expo attracted an estimated 50,000 attendees over three days, creating an unparalleled platform for government officials, industry leaders, startups, and global corporations to exchange ideas and forge strategic partnerships.
More than 45 conference sessions delved into critical topics such as “Connecting India: From 5G Leader to 6G Game Changer,” “How AI Will Shape India’s Tech-Ade,” and “Women & Technology: Leading India’s Transformation in a Changing World.” High-profile speakers, including Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and CEO of India AI Mission, alongside A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Science & Technology, provided insights into India’s evolving tech policies and AI-driven governance models.
The event also welcomed international perspectives. Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, shared insights into global smart city initiatives, while corporate giants like Nokia, Capgemini, Meta, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Jio Platforms, and Cisco showcased innovations poised to reshape industries.
Entrepreneurs and startups take center stage
Adding a dynamic edge to the discourse, prominent entrepreneurs such as Aman Gupta, Co-founder & CMO of boAt, journalist Barkha Dutt, and Ankur Warikoo, founder of WebVeda, engaged in thought-provoking deliberations on India’s thriving startup ecosystem. Notably, journalist Barkha Dutt led a compelling session on “Women in Technology,” highlighting the transformative role of women in driving digital innovation.
During an insightful Fireside Chat, Aman Gupta emphasized the evolving mindset of Indian entrepreneurs: “The new India is dreaming big. However, Indian brands should not target to be affordable but aspirational. They should also have a competitive mindset.” Reflecting on entrepreneurial success, Gupta shared his personal mantra: “Find your passion and follow it wholeheartedly. Keep yourself grounded, and don’t get carried away. My mantra is—be efficient and take responsibilities seriously.”
The Startup Hub was a vibrant showcase of innovation, featuring 300 startups pioneering advancements in emerging technologies.
The Investors Pitch Competition stood out, with ten startups presenting transformative ideas across healthcare, agriculture, and safety. Fuselage Innovation, an agri-tech startup from Kerala, emerged victorious, earning the prestigious Prem Behl Excellence Award, a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh from Exhibitions India, and a fully funded participation in GITEX Dubai and GITEX Morocco. The startup also secured guaranteed pitch slots at the Supernova Challenge 2025 in Berlin.
The Fintech & Smart Cities Innovation Awards recognized transformative contributions in AI-driven urban development, digital lending, and fintech for financial inclusion.
Among the standout winners was Russia-based Alfa Bank, which took home accolades for Global Leader in Fintech and Best Global Use of AI in Fintech.
“India is not just a global technology leader but also one of Russia’s key partners,” said Alexey Kashirin, Head of the Advanced Analytics Department at Alfa Bank, in his acceptance speech.
An immersive experience beyond the conference halls
Beyond panel discussions and networking sessions, the expo was an immersive experience. Visitors engaged with interactive AI zones, an indoor drone show, and hands-on demonstrations showcasing the transformative power of AI, big data, and robotics.
Highlights included AR/VR gaming, live Satcom/OTT demonstrations, and smart city prototypes—offering a glimpse into how technology is reshaping everyday life.
Reflecting on the success of the expo, Chandrika Behl, Managing Director of Exhibitions India Group, emphasized its role in catalyzing India’s tech evolution:
“India is at the forefront of the digital revolution. And in this context, the Convergence India & Smart Cities India expo has remained a clear leader and a powerful platform where ideas transform into execution, shaping India’s future in digital technology and smart infrastructure. We will continue to guide the industry towards futuristic technologies that will empower the economy and bring the nation closer to the vision of becoming ‘Viksit’ by 2047.”
Since 1992, Convergence India has been a cornerstone of the global telecom and digital revolution, standing as the country’s largest technology and infrastructure expo. It champions initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’, showcasing innovations across telecom, Satcom, broadcast, 5G & 6G networks, IT solutions (cloud, big data, analytics), AI, smart technologies, IoT, fintech, and digital gaming.
As the event concluded, anticipation for next year’s edition began to build. The 2026 Smart Cities India Expo will place an even stronger emphasis on robotics, automation, urban innovation, and cybersecurity.
With India’s digital economy projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030, platforms like Convergence India are cementing the country’s position as a global technology powerhouse.
In brief
The 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities Expo emerged as a pivotal global platform, showcasing breakthroughs in AI, 6G, IoT, and fintech. The event highlighted the evolution of the global tech ecosystem with participation from international tech leaders, visionary entrepreneurs like Aman Gupta and Ankur Warikoo, and dynamic startup pitches.
Journalist Barkha Dutt led an impactful session on “Women in Technology,” underscoring the worldwide drive for gender equity in tech. Global insights from figures like Sergey Cheremin of Moscow’s government and innovations from companies like Nokia and Alfa Bank reinforced the expo’s role in shaping the future of technology across borders.
