Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, and Atal Incubation Center at Shiv Nadar University, in partnership with the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance (GTIPA) and the Institute for Competitiveness, hosted the GTIPA Summit 2024 from 14th – 15th November in Delhi. This prestigious summit, held for the first time in India, gathered global policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts to foster dialogue on global trade, innovation policy and strategies for sustainable economic growth.
The two-day summit, themed “India: The Innovation Hub for Tomorrow,” is spotlighting leaders from over 35 countries, including diplomats, bureaucrats, industry CEOs, startup founders, and investors. Day 1 of the summit brought together leaders from various regions, including the US, UK, and Asia Pacific. It featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including academicians, leading researchers, government officials, and regulatory experts. Notable highlights included panels on the future of global trade and innovation, providing attendees with practical insights into crucial topics such as regulatory frameworks, innovation policy, and emerging technology trends.
At a welcome dinner held prior to the conference, Mr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, shared valuable insights into the India’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. He emphasized the rise of over 10,000 deep-tech startups across fields such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and biotechnology, many of which are translating academic research into commercial success. Mr. Karandikar highlighted the Ministry’s active support, noting the provision of funding to approximately 700 startups in these critical sectors. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that increased private sector investment in research and development would further drive India’s ascent as a global innovation powerhouse over the next decade.
In his keynote address, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, emphasized, “Innovation is driven by creative destruction—the need to replace outdated systems with more efficient ones. India’s strength in software and emerging sectors like drones offers a unique opportunity to build globally competitive products. However, for India to lead, we must foster a more open trade regime that enables startups to thrive, focusing not just on growth but on profitability and long-term sustainability. Institutions like Shiv Nadar University play a crucial role in nurturing talent and fostering the kind of innovation that will shape the industries of the future.”
Dr. Rajat Kathuria, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, mentioned, “India stands at the confluence of technological progress and societal transformation, driving innovation not only in advanced technologies but in tackling global challenges like climate change, healthcare, and economic equity. At Shiv Nadar University, we believe sustainable innovation flourishes where science, technology, policy, and humanities intersect. True innovation shapes a better tomorrow by addressing today’s challenges with inclusivity and sustainability. Platforms like the GTIPA Summit are crucial for fostering collaboration and amplifying diverse voices to solidify India’s leadership in innovation.”
The summit featured influential voices such as Mr. Stephen Ezell Vice President, Global Innovation Policy, The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, John Cabeca, U.S. Intellectual Property Counselor for South Asia, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), American Embassy – New Delhi, Mr Richard Dasher, Director, US-ATMC, Stanford University, Dr Rajat Kathuria, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences & Professor, Department of Economics, Shiv Nadar University and Dr. Sheeba Khan, CEO, Shiv Nadar Atal Incubation Centre (AIC).
Key discussions covered India’s growing role in global semiconductor supply chains, regional innovation ecosystems driving national growth, and regulatory frameworks in life sciences and healthcare to accelerate sector advancements.
On Day 2 of the summit, delegates visited the Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR campus for an immersive experience. This included guided tours of the university’s state-of-the-art Search and Innovation Labs, offering a glimpse into groundbreaking research projects. Additionally, a startup exhibition was organized, showcasing innovative ventures incubated at the Shiv Nadar Atal Incubation Centre (AIC). The exhibition highlighted the creativity, market-ready solutions, and entrepreneurial talent emerging from India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, further emphasizing the nation’s role as a global innovation leader.
Since 2021, Shiv Nadar AIC has been a member of the GTIPA alliance, which hosts its annual summit in different countries each year. The 2024 summit marks the first time this event is being held in India, a significant milestone for both GTIPA and Shiv Nadar University. As GTIPA 2024 progresses, attendees look forward to further insights and strategies to enhance India’s role in the global innovation landscape.
