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 remarked, “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.”
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. It served as a unique platform for government officials, industry leaders, startups, and global corporations to exchange ideas and forge strategic partnerships.
More than 45 conference sessions explored pressing 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.” Distinguished speakers like Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & IT and CEO of India AI Mission, and A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Science & Technology, shared insights on AI governance and policy evolution in India.
Global perspectives were also center stage. Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, presented insights into international smart city initiatives, while leading corporates such as Nokia, Capgemini, Meta, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Jio Platforms, and Cisco showcased transformative tech solutions.
Entrepreneurs and Startups Take Center Stage
Adding a dynamic edge, leading voices from the startup ecosystem participated in energizing discussions. Aman Gupta, Co-founder & CMO of boAt, journalist Barkha Dutt, and Ankur Warikoo, founder of WebVeda, engaged in thought-provoking conversations around India’s entrepreneurial surge.
Barkha Dutt led a compelling session on “Women in Technology,” spotlighting the evolving role of women in shaping India’s digital journey. During a Fireside Chat, Aman Gupta emphasized the importance of mindset for Indian entrepreneurs: “Indian brands should not aim to be affordable but aspirational.” His personal philosophy: “Find your passion and follow it wholeheartedly. Be efficient and take responsibilities seriously.”
The Startup Hub featured over 300 startups showcasing cutting-edge solutions across AI, robotics, fintech, and sustainability. The Investors Pitch Competition spotlighted ten promising startups in healthcare, agriculture, and safety. Fuselage Innovation, an agri-tech startup from Kerala, won the prestigious Prem Behl Excellence Award, a ₹1 lakh cash prize from Exhibitions India, and fully funded participation at GITEX Dubai and GITEX Morocco. They also secured guaranteed pitch slots for the Supernova Challenge 2025 in Berlin.
The Fintech & Smart Cities Innovation Awards recognized exceptional achievements in AI-powered urban solutions, digital lending, and financial inclusion. Russia’s Alfa Bank won 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, Alfa Bank.
An Immersive Experience Beyond Conference Halls
Beyond formal discussions, the event offered immersive experiences—from interactive AI zones and indoor drone shows to hands-on demos of emerging tech like big data and robotics. Visitors engaged with AR/VR gaming environments, live Satcom and OTT tech displays, and working smart city models—providing tangible glimpses into the future of urban living.
A Vision Towards Digital India 2047
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Chandrika Behl, Managing Director, Exhibitions India Group, emphasized its central role in India’s digital journey:
“India is at the forefront of the digital revolution. The Convergence India & Smart Cities India Expo has proven to be a transformative platform, turning ideas into action. As we move toward becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’, we will continue driving innovation in digital infrastructure and smart technologies.”
Since its inception in 1992, Convergence India has remained India’s largest technology and infrastructure expo, championing initiatives like Make in India and Digital India. It spans sectors from telecom, Satcom, and 5G/6G networks to cloud computing, IoT, AI, fintech, and digital gaming.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As this year’s event concluded, anticipation began for the 2026 edition, which promises a sharper focus on robotics, urban innovation, automation, and cybersecurity.
With India’s digital economy projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, platforms like Convergence India are reinforcing the country’s position as a global innovation leader.
In Brief
The 2025 Convergence India and Smart Cities Expo served as a catalyst for global innovation, featuring breakthroughs in AI, fintech, and 6G. With participation from global leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and over 300 startups, the event reinforced India’s digital leadership. Highlights included Barkha Dutt’s impactful session on gender equity in tech, and pioneering showcases by Nokia, Alfa Bank, and others—cementing the expo’s role as a cross-border innovation hub.