Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot on January 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to open the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for the Saurashtra-Kutch area on 11 January in Rajkot. This two-day event aims to unite innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, startups, and global partners with government representatives. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi will also attend the opening ceremony, according to officials.

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The conference will feature over 1,500 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) expected to be signed. More than 110 international buyers are participating, with over 1,800 business meetings planned during the Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) in Rajkot. Leading companies like Torrent Power Limited, KOSOL, Adani Green, Essar Group, Nayara Energy, and Jyoti CNC will showcase their innovations across a 26,000 square meter exhibition space.

International Participation and Sector Representation

The event will attract 110 international buyers from more than 16 countries, including the USA, European nations, and Australia. These participants represent diverse sectors such as engineering, agriculture, and textiles. Additionally, 20 national buyers will join the meet to enhance collaboration opportunities. The conference aims to promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local initiatives while fostering sustainable economic growth.

An Udyami Mela will be organised to facilitate networking among entrepreneurs, mentors, and institutions. This initiative aims to increase awareness about government schemes and policies that encourage innovation and enterprise development within Gujarat’s startup ecosystem. The first day of the summit will include a CEO Roundtable on "Ocean of Opportunities - Blue Energy, Green Future" and discussions on topics like "Carbon to Crops: Greener Molecules, Greater Yields."

Focus on Renewable Energy and Sustainability

The second day of the conference will begin with a flagship programme titled "Solar Dividends: Empowerment through PM-KUSUM & PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana." This session will highlight Gujarat's achievements in decentralised solar adoption. A compendium showcasing best practices by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) and its subsidiaries will be released.

Discussions on smarter renewable energy integration and stadial storage solutions through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) are planned. Topics like "Cables that Enable Clean Energy" and "One Corridor; Many Connections: Climate-Resilient Energy Systems" will also be covered. The high-level panel on "Mission 100 GW Shapath Patra: State’s Commitment to Panchamrit" will outline Gujarat's pledge to achieve over 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Exploring New Energy Frontiers

The conference will feature panels on green hydrogen and nuclear energy's role in India's long-term energy security. The CEO Roundtable on "Ocean of Opportunities - Blue Energy, Green Future" will explore nearshore wind and blue energy prospects. Thematic seminars include "One Corridor; Many Connections: Climate-Resilient Energy Systems," focusing on transmission planning and grid resilience.

Additional discussions will address enhanced cyber security in the power sector and sustainable agriculture solutions under "Carbon to Crops: Greener Molecules, Greater Yields." A Green Startups Fireside Chat and Startup Felicitation Programme will provide a platform for innovators to engage with investors, corporates, and policymakers while acknowledging contributions to clean energy goals.

The conference aims to facilitate structured B2B, B2G, and G2G meetings. It highlights Gujarat's integrated approach to energy security, sustainability, and industrial competitiveness. This reinforces the state's leadership role in India's journey towards energy independence and Viksit Bharat@2047.

With inputs from PTI