SmartTech Asia 2025: A Visionary Look at Digital Innovation and Cybersecurity

At the sprawling Jio Convention Center, BKC Mumbai, India, leaders from across the globe gathered to delve into the next frontier of digital innovation and, most critically, the cybersecurity challenges that come with it. SmartTech Asia 2025 , a highly anticipated event, focused on emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, biometrics, RFID, and digital payments—technologies that are reshaping industries but also becoming prime targets for cyber threats. 

The two-day conference, which ran from February 13th to 14th, not only addressed the latest technological advancements but also positioned cybersecurity at the heart of the conversation. As global digital transformation continues to unfold, the discussions and insights shared at SmartTech Asia serve as a timely reminder that while technological progress offers enormous promise, it also invites significant risks. 

Opening remarks: Laying the groundwork for transformation 

The event began with a warm welcome from Tanmay Pol, COO of Messe Muenchen India, who set the tone for the conference. Pol highlighted the critical role that the event plays in bringing together key industry players and government representatives to shape the future of smart technologies. 

In his special address, Dr. Sumit D. Chowdhury, Founder and CEO of GreenEarthX, emphasized the need for sustainable development alongside technological advancements. Dr. Dipesh Shah, Executive Director of the International Financial Services Centres Authority, followed with remarks underscoring the importance of regulatory frameworks to ensure a secure digital future. 

Aman Mittal, IAS, Joint Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), also addressed the audience, acknowledging the state’s drive toward becoming a hub for digital innovation, while also stressing the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of rising cyber threats. 

The keynote session, delivered by Sumnesh Joshi, Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, set the stage for deep discussions on the intersection of policy, governance, and technology in shaping the secure digital landscape of tomorrow.

Rajiv Wadhwa, Group Project Director at Messe Muenchen India, closed the opening session with a vote of thanks, reiterating the conference’s purpose to ignite transformative conversations across industries and sectors. 

A spotlight on cybersecurity

The focus quickly shifted to the subject at the core of the conference: ‘cybersecurity’. Anup Purohit, Executive Council Member and Global CIO at Wipro, called for a collaborative approach to secure the increasingly complex technological ecosystem. He remarked, “We need to build an ecosystem where cybersecurity is integrated at every level, particularly in sectors like healthcare, which has become one of the highest target areas for cybercriminals.” His comments were not just a warning but a call to action for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity as an integral part of their operations. 

The severity of these risks was further highlighted by Brijesh Singh, Additional DGP for the Government of Maharashtra, who discussed the rising frequency and sophistication of cybercrimes, particularly in healthcare. Singh elaborated on the dark web’s role in enabling ransomware attacks, noting, “Platform responsibility is a crucial aspect to mitigate cyber risks. As these threats grow, companies and organizations must not only secure their infrastructure but also take ownership of their digital footprint to protect users and data.” 

The conversation on cybersecurity took a particularly somber tone when Dr. S.K. Meher, IT Head at AIIMS, shared the incident of the recent ransomware attack that crippled the hospital’s operations. Meher stated, “Securing endpoints is critical. The ability to quickly recover from an attack is just as important for ensuring ROI in cybersecurity.” His insights revealed the broader implications of cyberattacks on critical healthcare infrastructure, where the impact is felt not just on data but on lives. 

The AIIMS ransomware attack served as a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in our increasingly interconnected world. The attack forced the hospital to suspend numerous services, highlighting the immediate need for more robust defenses, not only in healthcare but across all sectors. 

The panel discussed the growing trend of cyberattacks targeting essential sectors such as healthcare, government, and finance, and how digital transformation initiatives need to take security into account from day one. 

As the conversation progressed, one key takeaway became evident: awareness and education around cybersecurity are fundamental in preventing the next wave of attacks. Rahul Patil, Associate Partner at Grant Thornton, discussed how businesses must proactively educate employees at all levels about cybersecurity. Shreesha Nagar, Director of Digital Solutions at Eaton, echoed the importance of cultivating a cybersecurity-conscious culture within organizations. “Technology can only go so far. We need to ensure that every individual, from the C-suite to the frontline workers, understands their role in securing the company’s data and assets,” Nagar added. 

The panel concluded with an agreement on the urgent need for better cross-sector collaboration in addressing cybersecurity threats. Industry leaders and government officials recognized that the pace of digital transformation must be matched by an equally swift commitment to safeguarding sensitive data and critical infrastructure. The final remarks by Dr. Sandeep Kothaari, Chief Technology Officer at a leading cybersecurity firm, summed up the key themes of the event.

SmartTech Asia tech expo with exhibitors showcasing breakthrough innovations 

While the SmartTech Asia conference was a platform for critical conversations on the intersection of technology and cybersecurity, the accompanying expo provided a tangible showcase of the innovations shaping the future of industries. For over the years, the SmartTech Asia Expo has been a cornerstone for manufacturers, solution providers, and key industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and present the latest advancements in smart technologies. 

This year’s event placed a strong emphasis on pivotal sectors, with exhibitors showcasing breakthrough innovations that highlight the ongoing digital transformation across various industries. In particular, smart card technologies took center stage, featuring everything from card readers and printers to inks and chips, essential components in the secure management of digital transactions and identity verification. RFID technologies were also prominently displayed, with companies presenting tags, scanners, and readers that are streamlining logistics, inventory management, and product traceability across sectors. 

The biometrics sector made its mark, highlighting cutting-edge products and solutions that are transforming identity verification for everything from secure building access to digital payment systems. As the world moves toward more interconnected systems, IoT devices and solutions took on increased importance, showcasing advancements that enhance the capabilities of smart homes, healthcare systems, and industrial applications. 

In addition to these sectors, the expo spotlighted crucial advancements in e-security, with providers offering both hardware and software solutions to address the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats facing businesses today. Artificial intelligence was another key focus, as solution providers presented AI-driven tools that promise to revolutionize industries from healthcare to finance. The digital payments sector also offered innovative solutions, streamlining payment systems and improving consumer and business security. 

The barcode systems showcased featured printers, tags, readers, and scanners—essential tools for businesses aiming to improve operational efficiency and data accuracy. 

The expo’s Buyer-Seller Forum served as a focal point for business discussions, where industry leaders and decision-makers could connect, share insights, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Meanwhile, the startup pavilion offered a glimpse into the future, highlighting cutting-edge innovations from emerging companies eager to make their mark on the tech world.

In brief 

As SmartTech Asia 2025 concluded, one message was clear: the road ahead is one of unprecedented innovation, but without a heightened focus on cybersecurity, the very technologies that promise to revolutionize our world will also expose us to more significant risks. The future of digital transformation is intrinsically linked to the steps taken today to build secure, resilient systems for tomorrow. 

The conference provided a timely and necessary space for industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to come together and engage in thoughtful discussions about navigating these challenges and securing the digital future.