8th India Sweden Innovation Day 2021: Two nations come together to celebrate the power of climate-positive technology in pursuit of green transition

 New Delhi: India and Sweden are set to celebrate the 8th Innovation Day on 26th October at 08:00-16:30 (Swedish Time) and 11:30-20:00 (Indian Time). The online event themed “Accelerating India Sweden’s Green Transition” is hosted by India Unlimited in association with the Embassy of India in Sweden, Sweden-India Business Council, and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The one-day event will be divided into nine parts to discuss various aspects of climate change and the possible solutions to bring green transition. The sessions will include an exchange of ideas over the implementation of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence to introduce climate-friendly solutions. The power of technology could not be overstated in combating the pandemic and resuming multiple operations to reach some level of normalcy. Hence harnessing it further in a creative manner will boost growth and development of any country, providing them with the much-needed help to recover in the post-pandemic era. Hence, the forum will lead discussions to analyse various aspects of technology concerning the two nations, including Sweden-India Tech Startup Ecosystems, Joint Investments in Technology, Healthcare, Energy, Transportation, Industry 4.0, Technology Parks, Sweden-India Future Trends and the scope of Artificial Intelligence.

Robin Sukhia, President, Sweden – India Business Council, highlighted the ongoing developments in this space and said, “Being part of Sweden-India Innovation Day is an excellent way of staying on top of various collaborations that stakeholders including companies, organizations and academia have between our countries. This day shows us what the future has in store and gives a better understanding of what is possible based on hardcore collaborations. We are glad to support this initiative and would continue to advise and connect startups and large companies in the fields of AI, digitalization, fintech, road safety, music, defence, impact generation, cleantech and more.  The bond between Sweden and India has never before been stronger. The ongoing activities have created multiple opportunities leading both the nations to the path of growth and success!”

The governments of both countries have been remarkably supportive of the event and have worked together in the past as well to help each other achieve wellness and economic growth through eco-friendly strategies. Both the governments will also talk about the impact and efforts of the private players in pacing up the technology and combating the challenges posed by the pandemic.

On the eve of Cop-26, and commenting on bilateral relations between India-Sweden, Tanmaya Lal, Ambassador of India to Sweden and Latvia says, ‘As the world begins to overcome the pandemic and resumes the battle against global warming in earnest, accelerating an inclusive green transition is key. This requires innovative solutions for cleaner technologies, circular economy, smart grids, healthtech, AI & digitalisation more than ever. The India Sweden Innovation Day brings together some leading stakeholders who are making this happen.’

The event will hold sessions around different aspects of a climate change plan, including investments in technology, technology parks, Sweden-India Future Trends, and opportunities to create and co-create AI infrastructure to foster innovation and support Industry 4.0’s vision and mission.

Sanjoo Malhotra, Chief Executive Director, India Unlimited, said, “The 8th Innovation Day will be a platform to share the common initiatives India and Sweden intend to undertake for sustainable development and framing action plans to protect the environment. It will be a live virtual event, wherein think tanks, government officials and industry experts from two of the fastest-growing economies will share their insights on accelerating digitalization and climate positive technology and public-private partnerships. Climate change is a major threat to the world, and it’s time to transform our approach towards these challenges and spin them into opportunities through framing strategic policies and building partnerships on green technology, energy and creating sustainable industry and transport.”

The event will start with a welcoming note from Tanmaya Lal, Hon Ambassador of India to Sweden and Latvia. The inaugural speech will be delivered by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon Minister for Science and Technology, Government of India and Ibrahim Baylan, Hon Minister for Business, Industry and Innovation, Government of Sweden, Dr. Renu Swarup Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, Darja Isaksson, Director General, Vinnova;Sweden’s Innovation Agency. Other distinguished speakers at the event will be Sanjoo Malhotra CEO, India Unlimited; Robin Sukhia President, Sweden-India Business Council; TV Narendran President, Confederation of Indian Industry; Amit Chadha CEO & MD, L&T Technology Services; Robert Andren, Director General, Swedish Energy Agency; Martin Lundstedt CEO, Volvo Group.

Other speakers who will grace the event include Klas Molin Hon Ambassador of Sweden to India;; Sasan Shaba, Director of International Cooperation; Dr. Sapna Poti Director Strategic Alliances, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India; Per-Arne Wikström, Science and Innovation Counsellor; Erik Åstedt, Innovation Partnerships Manager, Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation Sweden. Jeevan Prakash G, Vice President & VD/MD – Nordics & Benelux, L&T Technology Services. Ludvig Lindström, Senior Business Developer, Swedish Energy Agency; Annika Nilsson, Senior Business Developer, Swedish Energy Agency; Nicolas Fouassier, Project Manager, Pamoja Cleantech; Felix Sippel, Project Manager, Pamoja Cleantech; Cecilia Oskarsson, Trade Commissioner of Sweden to India, Business Sweden; Venkatagiri KS, Principal Counsellor, Confederation of Indian Industry; Hitesh Kumbhat CFO Sweden, Kalpataru Power.

Innovation Day will strengthen the relations of the two countries and will bring new opportunities for the public and private sectors to boost prosperity in the nations. It is expected that it will help both the countries to evolve new and common strategic goals in terms of environmental policies, the role of startups in economic development, and the adoption of technology.