The 32nd Convergence India Expo and 10th Smart Cities India Expo are set to be a landmark event in India’s digital and smart infrastructure evolution. Chandrika Behl, Managing Director of Exhibitions India Group, shared insights on how the expos have been instrumental in driving technology adoption, innovation, and economic growth across multiple sectors. With participation from 1,000+ exhibitors, 300+ startups, and 55,000 attendees, the event will serve as a hub for industry leaders, policymakers, and tech pioneers to explore the latest advancements in AI, IoT, 5G, fintech, and smart governance. The exhibitions have consistently played a vital role in fostering R&D collaborations, technology transfers, and large-scale business partnerships to accelerate India’s digital journey.
Q1: What role have the Convergence India and Smart Cities India expos played in boosting the adoption of technology and digital shift across industries?
Ans: India is experiencing a definitive shift driven by digital transformation, particularly in AI, IoT, 5G, fintech, and smart governance. In this ecosystem, the Convergence India and Smart Cities India series of expos continue to successfully connect technology managers, policy makers, and startups in a vibrant setup, allowing them to explore new partnerships, opportunities for R&D, technology transfer, and upgradation, directly boosting manufacturing, generating jobs, and stimulating the country’s economy.
Since 1992, Convergence India has supported the country’s digital and telecom sectors. Over the years, it has expanded to encompass new and emerging technologies, innovations, and trends in the verticals of IoT/IT, Cloud, Big Data & Analytics, VR/AR, AI, Industrial IoT, Embedded Tech, Fintech, 5G/6G networks, robotics, cybersecurity, EMS, etc., allowing them to thrive and raise India’s status in global markets.
Likewise, the Smart Cities India expo is inspired by the landmark Smart Cities Mission and emerged as the beacon for the mission’s core agenda to integrate new technologies into urban infrastructure. The programme targets clean & sustainable mobility, smart grids, renewable energy, and AI-driven city planning. The two expos support innovative solutions encouraging wholesome and inclusive urbanisation by enabling successful interaction between government departments, businesses, startups, and the scientific community.
Over the years, Convergence India and Smart Cities India series has received unwavering support from esteemed Ministries, including the Ministry of Science & Technology, MoHUA, MoRTH, and Ministry of External Affairs, besides Invest India, Startup India, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Skill India, NITI AAYOG, and Digital India. The Ministry of Electronics & IT has supported all editions of Convergence India. The Smart Cities Mission, under MoHUA, is also a co-organiser for the expo. Since 2017, the India Trade Promotion Organisation, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has also been a valued Co-Organizer of the expo.
Q2: What are the key highlights of the 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities India expos?
Ans: The 2025 edition of Convergence India and Smart Cities India promises to be an impressive show of industry strength. Over 1,000 exhibitors, including about 300 startups from India and overseas, will showcase their product profiles to approximately 55,000 attendees.
Key Highlights:
● Next-Gen Connectivity: India’s leadership in 5G and its roadmap towards 6G development will be a focal point, with industry experts discussing regulatory frameworks, AI integration, and the impact of Satcom in bridging the urban-rural divide.
● AI & Emerging Technologies: From AI-driven governance to the convergence of AI, IoT, and blockchain, the event will showcase how technology shapes industries like finance, healthcare, education, mobility, and more.
● Smart Cities Solutions: Discussions on green buildings, smart mobility, energy-efficient solutions, and water conservation will provide insights into urban resilience strategies.
● Startup & Innovation Hub: Over 300 startups will present groundbreaking ideas across Fintech, AI, and smart city solutions, with investor meetups and business matchmaking opportunities.
● Government & Industry Participation: Senior ministers, policymakers, and global industry leaders will discuss ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’s’ roadmap for digital self-sufficiency and India’s role as a global innovation leader.
Q3: What innovations and trends can attendees expect at this year’s event?
Ans: The 2025 Convergence India and Smart Cities India expos will focus on next-generation technologies, showcasing cutting-edge solutions that align with India’s digital and sustainability goals.
6G and AI-powered connectivity
● India is transitioning from a 5G leader to a 6G game-changer, with discussions on AI’s role in telecom, quantum computing applications, and regulatory measures for seamless adoption.
● The Satcom revolution will be a major theme, with industry leaders discussing satellite-driven connectivity solutions for last-mile digital inclusion.
AI & IoT Integration in Governance & Industry
● AI-powered Smart Governance frameworks will highlight innovations in Digital Twins, blockchain, and predictive analytics to improve citizen services.
● AI-driven fintech solutions will be showcased, addressing secure transactions, quantum computing in banking, and digital financial inclusion.
Sustainable & Smart Urban Development
● The expo will explore EV adoption, battery recycling, renewable energy integration, and AI-based urban mobility solutions to align with India’s Net Zero targets.
● Smart transportation discussions will cover contactless payments, multimodal transport integration, and AI-driven traffic management.
Fintech & MSME Digital Transformation
● Fintech innovations, including AI-powered credit scoring, blockchain-driven lending, and digital payment infrastructure, will drive financial inclusion for MSMEs.
● Regulatory bodies will discuss data security, consumer protection, and the evolution of Digital Banking 3.0.
Q4: What will be the major attractions and focus areas at this year’s event?
Ans: The 2025 edition will feature a multi-sectoral convergence of disruptive innovations, policy discussions, and industry showcases.
Country Pavilions: Featuring Russia, and other overseas delegations showcasing cross-border collaboration.
AI & Quantum Tech Panels: Thought leaders will discuss the ethical and economic implications of AI, including DeepFake detection, AIoT, and responsible AI.
Experiential Zones: Hands-on exhibits featuring 5G-powered IoT solutions, AI-driven city management tools, and cutting-edge Satcom applications.
City Leaders Conclave: Urban planners, Smart City CEOs, and policymakers will discuss localised financing models, sustainable development policies, and green urban infrastructure.
ESG & Sustainability Focus: Panels will explore EV adoption, energy-efficient smart grids, and AI-driven optimization.
Q5: How are emerging technologies like 6G, AI, and IoT reshaping the future of urban mobility and smart cities in India?
Ans: Emerging technologies such as 6G, AI, and IoT are transforming urban mobility and smart cities in India by establishing a hyperconnected, intelligent infrastructure. 6G’s ultra-low latency will allow vehicles with autonomous driving technology and smart traffic systems to communicate seamlessly, decreasing congestion and boosting safety. AI-powered statistical analysis in cities such as Bengaluru and Delhi is improving traffic flow, while IoT-enabled smart parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging grids are increasing urban sustainability.
Government and industry collaboration are critical as India transitions to self-reliant, AI-driven transportation solutions through initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission. Convergence India Expo, known for promoting conversations on next-generation technologies, demonstrates the increased emphasis on these developments. The event brings together policymakers, technology providers, and urban planners to discuss potential solutions for India’s urban future. As the country transitions to an integrated mobility ecosystem, these technologies will be critical to creating sustainable, efficient, and people-centric smart cities.
About Convergence India & Smart Cities India expos
The Convergence India expo, in its 32nd edition, has played a pivotal role in accelerating the telecommunications revolution in India over a three-decade period. Over the decades, the expo has continued to showcase innovation and advancements in the fields of telecom & IT, communications, broadcast, satcom, mobile & accessories, IoT, embedded tech, fintech & AI, and showcase India’s emerging role as a leader in technology and empowerment. Meanwhile, the Smart Cities India expo, in its 10th edition, has been pivotal in driving forward the Smart Cities mission and working towards a more sustainable and citizen-friendly future