National Technology Day 2024 Live Updates: From Schools to Startups: Igniting Young Minds to Innovate

Prashanth Chunduri, Sr. VP - Strategy & Alliances/Partnerships; Managing Director - Neilsoft

India is making huge strides in the manufacturing and ER&D space, with government's initiatives such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Digital India encouraging significant boost in domestic production.

Towards making our PM’s Vision of Make in India successful and contributing to making India a global manufacturing hub, we at Neilsoft, are developing Technology/IP-led solutions tailored to the needs of the Indian industry, focusing on improving quality and productivity. We have identified India as a major focus for us with our Pune-based facilities dedicated to developing Quality Inspection solutions for Manufacturing companies and Energy Management Solution for large facilities like factories, industrial buildings, hospitals, data centers, etc. to reduce energy consumption. We also believe that Digital Factory technology has the potential to transform Indian Manufacturing companies. We are already engaged with several companies to devise and implement these solutions in India.”

Juveri Mukherjee, Global Head of HR, Aurionpro Solutions

When industry veterans share their knowledge and expertise with newcomers, the synergy that flourishes, promotes innovation. National Technology Day is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of such collaboration and mentoring in the tech industry, as this guidance from mentors equips youth with tools to navigate evolving landscapes. Moreover, cross-generational knowledge exchange preserves wisdom while fostering collaboration and diverse perspectives that spark breakthroughs. I strongly believe that embracing mentorship and entrepreneurship propels innovation's future in tech. 

Geetha Ramanna, Director, Software Development and Network Security, Sophos

On this National Technology Day, we reflect on our nation's digital evolution and the need for attention on the pressing issue of cybersecurity. As we march towards innovation, the specter of ransomware attacks and data breaches grows ever more ominous. The scarcity of cybersecurity experts strains those already in the field, leading to exhaustion and missed opportunities. This is backed up by Sophos’ Future of Cybersecurity in APJ survey, which revealed that 83% of cybersecurity professionals are affected with burnout and fatigue. However, amidst these challenges, lies a solution in education and mentorship. By equipping the next generation of tech professionals with essential skills and guidance, we can bolster our defenses against cyber threats and pave the way for a secure digital future. Let us join forces in safeguarding our nation's technological advancement, one mentoring relationship at a time.”

Ravi Chhabria, Managing Director, NetApp India

 India is rapidly advancing its usage of new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). As revealed by NetApp’s 2024 Cloud Complexity Report, India is leading the global charts with over 70% of companies already in the process of adopting AI projects, as opposed to the global average of 49%.

While we see a readiness among enterprises to accept these technologies, we still need a heavier push towards education and skilling in deeptech. Education

and mentorship play an incomparable role in nurturing innovation across the tech sector. To train them young, we're committed to empowering teens through initiatives such as the NetApp Data Explorers program, equipping them with critical data skills – with an aim to provide opportunities for exploration and problem-solving.

Our effort towards mentorship extends through NetApp Excellerator, where we engage with deep-tech startups, offering them our expertise in intelligent data infrastructure solutions. This coupled with access to our resources helps them drive advancements and innovations in the field.

Together, we're shaping a future where the youth and innovators have the tools they need to excel.

Sachin Panicker, Chief AI Officer, Fulcrum Digital

National Technology Day celebrates not just technological advancements, but also the widespread accessibility of innovation. In this era, enterprise AI serves as a pivotal force, driving the digital transformation of businesses across all scales, enabling them to flourish amidst heightened competition. This underscores the significance of AI in the ongoing evolution of technology, revolutionizing how businesses operate and innovate in the modern landscape.

The widespread adoption of enterprise AI is leveling the playing field, enabling even MSMEs to stand toe to toe with global competitors. Through intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and personalized insights, AI equips these companies with the tools to optimize operations, enhance productivity, and deliver unparalleled value to their customers. Beyond its capacity to optimize business operations, AI today also emerges as the great equalizer, bridging gaps between individuals and communities like never before. It transcends boundaries, providing ease of access to information, education, and opportunity, thus paving the way for inclusive growth and empowerment.

As we commemorate National Technology Day, let us recognize the transformative power of AI and share enthusiasm for the continuous strides being made in space, contributing to India's tech journey. Let's also champion inclusivity, shaping a future where everyone benefits from this progress.

Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director, Thales in India

"National Technology Day serves as a powerful reminder of India's unwavering commitment to technological progress, and Thales stands proudly by its side as a trusted partner in this remarkable journey. With our global expertise, we support India's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and actively collaborate with local industry and academia to develop advanced solutions under Make in India. Our robust capabilities in Defence, Aerospace, Cybersecurity and digital identity, combined with R&D efforts in Open Hardware Research play a key role in advancing the country's growth in these critical domains.

We nurture a highly skilled workforce, fuelling cutting-edge innovation from our engineering competence centres in Bengaluru and Noida. We firmly believe that technology holds the key to unlocking India's boundless potential, and we tirelessly strive to drive transformative change through innovation.

Dr Lalit Singh - CEO of TelioEV

Let us honor the innovative spark that lights a sustainable future on this National Technology Day! Leading electric vehicle charging platform TelioEV is a perfect example of this kind of thinking, connecting companies and schools. We understand that green ideas are bred in classrooms as much as boardrooms.

By fostering curiosity, giving young brains STEM skills, and enabling them to turn their ideas into solutions, we can raise a generation of sustainability advocates. Imagine students collaborating in schools to build apps to fight climate change or to find sustainable energy sources!

We reiterate today our dedication to supporting an innovative culture that is sustainable. Let us promise to encourage young brains by giving them the tools and chances they need to succeed. From school to startup, they can become the designers of a more environmentally friendly future.

Amit Singh – Founder and CEO of TelioLabs – A deep Tech Company

Our young people are born with an innovative spirit that shines in both classrooms and companies. Let's close the 'School to Startups' gap on this National Technology Day. Remembering that innovation is bred in classrooms as much as boardrooms as we celebrate our technical prowess. It's about fostering in young brains a spirit of inquiry, giving them STEM skills, and enabling them to turn their ideas into solutions that will help to create a better future. We want to restate our dedication to creating a culture that supports the imagination, discovery, and invention of every young mind. Let's commit as we celebrate this day to helping young brains and closing the gap so they have the tools and chances they need to succeed from school to startup. For it is in their hands that our world may be transformed and a future fueled by innovation and advancement laid.

Darshil Shah Director of TreadBinary Technologies Pvt. Ltd

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have been steadfast allies in the ever-changing field of technology, influencing industries for decades. Still, their impact is about to go beyond historical limits. These technologies will advance to previously unheard-of levels in the future, transforming industries like banking with sophisticated ERP systems that can effectively prevent fraud. Initiatives dubbed "Tech on Top" will surface, shedding light on the critical role that AI and ML play in modern industries. Businesses must negotiate the complexities of a digitally driven environment, making an understanding of these critical technologies essential to their success going forward. By utilizing AI and ML, processes may be optimized while also realizing unrealized potential, tailoring the curriculum to individual needs, and optimizing learning outcomes worldwide. That will drive future innovation and competitiveness to unprecedented levels.   

Sudeep Kulkarni, Founder & CEO, Game Theory

Sportstech revolutionizes performance analysis by placing data at its core. With advanced analytics algorithms, it dissects every movement, unveiling unprecedented insights. Biomechanical assessments and predictive modeling are just a glimpse of the cutting-edge technology that equips coaches and athletes with the competitive edge to outsmart opponents and shatter records.Sportstech is not only about enhancing performance but also about making sports accessible to everyone. Virtual coaching platforms connect aspiring athletes with world-class trainers, regardless of geographic barriers. Interactive training apps empower enthusiasts of all levels to hone their skills anytime, anywhere. Through technology, we're leveling the playing field and fostering a global community bound by a shared love for the sport. Outside the arena, Sportstech is revolutionizing the fan experience. Augmented reality overlays breathe life into stadiums, offering spectators immersive insights and interactive content. Social media platforms serve as virtual bleachers, uniting fans from all corners of the world and amplifying the thrill of the game. As pioneers in Sportstech, we're at the forefront of athleticism and innovation, driven by a collective desire to push the boundaries of what's possible. Together, we're not just shaping the future of sport but redefining the essence of competition, championing a spirit of collaboration and shared success.