India-US CEO Forum Debuts Platform for Entrepreneurship and Inclusive Growth

A significant stride in fostering collaboration and innovation between India and the United States was made on Tuesday, with the launch of a bilateral knowledge-sharing platform by the India-US CEO Forum's working group. This initiative, aimed at entrepreneurship, inclusive growth, and the promotion of small businesses, marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations of the two nations. The platform was inaugurated in partnership with the United Services Institute (USI) and CyberPeace Foundation during a dialogue focused on inclusive growth, unlocking trade, and empowering startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Digital Age at USI.

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The event also introduced 'Prakshepan', an innovation hackathon, alongside Cybersecurity & AI Capacity Building and Skilling Workshops specifically designed for MSMEs and startups. These workshops are dedicated to equipping these businesses with the necessary knowledge and tools to safeguard themselves against online threats and to develop robust security frameworks. Subi Chaturvedi, Chief Corporate Affairs & Public Policy Officer, Global Senior Vice President at InMobi, and Sherpa of Working Group 7, highlighted the significance of these initiatives. She emphasized their role in enhancing the bilateral relationship and trade between India and the US, promoting inclusive growth by integrating startups and MSMEs into the global supply chain, and fostering a resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy.

Chaturvedi further elaborated on the potential of the Prakshepan hackathon to identify, mentor, and accelerate startups that could play a crucial role in strengthening the ties between India and the US. Echoing her sentiments, Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary of the New Emerging and Strategic Technologies Division at the Ministry of External Affairs, underscored the importance of such initiatives and dialogues. He pointed out their contribution to fostering a better relationship between the two nations, especially in areas related to trade, innovation, and emerging future technologies where startups are increasingly pivotal.

The collaboration between India and the US through these platforms is expected to unlock new avenues for trade and innovation. By focusing on empowering startups and MSMEs with the knowledge to protect themselves online and integrate into global supply chains, this initiative aims to create a more inclusive economy that is resilient against threats while being innovative at its core. The dialogue on inclusive growth and the subsequent launches represent a forward-thinking approach to international relations, emphasizing economic cooperation and technological advancement as key drivers of progress.