GTIPA Summit 2024 at Shiv Nadar University Focuses on India’s Rising Role in Global Innovation

New Delhi, 19th November 2024 – Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, and Atal Incubation Center at Shiv Nadar University, in partnership with the Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance (GTIPA) and the Institute for Competitiveness, hosted the GTIPA Summit 2024 from 14th – 15th November in Delhi. This prestigious summit, held for the first time in India, gathered global policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts to foster dialogue on global trade, innovation policy and strategies for sustainable economic growth.

The two-day summit, themed “India: The Innovation Hub for Tomorrow,” is spotlighting leaders from over 35 countries, including diplomats, bureaucrats, industry CEOs, startup founders, and investors. Day 1 of the summit brought together leaders from various regions, including the US, UK, and Asia Pacific. It featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including academicians, leading researchers, government officials, and regulatory experts. Notable highlights included panels on the future of global trade and innovation, providing attendees with practical insights into crucial topics such as regulatory frameworks, innovation policy, and emerging technology trends.

At a welcome dinner held prior to the conference, Mr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, shared valuable insights into the India’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem. He emphasized the rise of over 10,000 deep-tech startups across fields such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and biotechnology, many of which are translating academic research into commercial success. Mr. Karandikar highlighted the Ministry’s active support, noting the provision of funding to approximately 700 startups in these critical sectors. Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that increased private sector investment in research and development would further drive India’s ascent as a global innovation powerhouse over the next decade.

In his keynote address, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, emphasized, “Innovation is driven by creative destruction—the need to replace outdated systems with more efficient ones. India’s strength in software and emerging sectors like drones offers a unique opportunity to build globally competitive products. However, for India to lead, we must foster a more open trade regime that enables startups to thrive, focusing not just on growth but on profitability and long-term sustainability. Institutions like Shiv Nadar University play a crucial role in nurturing talent and fostering the kind of innovation that will shape the industries of the future.”

Dr. Rajat Kathuria, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, mentioned, “India stands at the confluence of technological progress and societal transformation, driving innovation not only in advanced technologies but in tackling global challenges like climate change, healthcare, and economic equity. At Shiv Nadar University, we believe sustainable innovation flourishes where science, technology, policy, and humanities intersect. True innovation shapes a better tomorrow by addressing today’s challenges with inclusivity and sustainability. Platforms like the GTIPA Summit are crucial for fostering collaboration and amplifying diverse voices to solidify India’s leadership in innovation.”

The summit featured influential voices such as Mr. Stephen Ezell Vice President, Global Innovation Policy, The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, John Cabeca, U.S. Intellectual Property Counselor for South Asia, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), American Embassy – New Delhi, Mr Richard Dasher, Director, US-ATMC, Stanford University, Dr Rajat Kathuria, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences & Professor, Department of Economics, Shiv Nadar University and Dr. Sheeba Khan, CEO, Shiv Nadar Atal Incubation Centre (AIC).

Key discussions covered India’s growing role in global semiconductor supply chains, regional innovation ecosystems driving national growth, and regulatory frameworks in life sciences and healthcare to accelerate sector advancements.

On Day 2 of the summit, delegates visited the Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR campus for an immersive experience. This included guided tours of the university’s state-of-the-art Search and Innovation Labs, offering a glimpse into groundbreaking research projects. Additionally, a startup exhibition was organized, showcasing innovative ventures incubated at the Shiv Nadar Atal Incubation Centre (AIC). The exhibition highlighted the creativity, market-ready solutions, and entrepreneurial talent emerging from India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, further emphasizing the nation’s role as a global innovation leader.

Since 2021, Shiv Nadar AIC has been a member of the GTIPA alliance, which hosts its annual summit in different countries each year. The 2024 summit marks the first time this event is being held in India, a significant milestone for both GTIPA and Shiv Nadar University. As GTIPA 2024 progresses, attendees look forward to further insights and strategies to enhance India’s role in the global innovation landscape.

Yamaha Reaches 400 Blue Square Showrooms, Expanding in Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities

Bengaluru, 18th October 2024: India Yamaha Motor (IYM) has achieved a significant milestone by establishing 400 Blue Square showrooms nationwide, adding 100 new outlets in just the past six months. This rapid expansion underscores Yamaha’s ongoing commitment to delivering an unmatched customer-centric experience. By bringing its premium two-wheeler offerings closer to customers, particularly in India’s rapidly growing tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Yamaha is catering to the rising aspirations of its consumers across the country.

Since the launch of ‘The Call of The Blue’ brand campaign in 2018, Yamaha has focused on bringing its premium offerings closer to customers and building stronger connections. The introduction of Blue Square showrooms in 2019 has been instrumental in creating an exclusive environment that reflects Yamaha’s racing DNA and caters to the growing demand for performance-oriented products.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “Crossing the milestone of 400 Blue Square showrooms reflects our continuous effort to be closer to our customers, especially in India’s fast-growing tier-2 and tier-3 cities. We recognize the growing aspirations of customers across the country, and we are here to cater to those ambitions by offering a premium, personalized experience through our Blue Square outlets. These spaces are not just retail touchpoints—they are where customers can truly immerse themselves in the Yamaha world and explore our products in an environment designed for them. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dealer partners and customers for their continued trust and support in achieving this milestone.”

The design of Blue Square showrooms caters to the evolving needs and aspirations of today’s discerning customers. With dedicated zones for accessories, merchandise, and community engagement, these showrooms embody Yamaha’s philosophy of innovation, sportiness, and style. Each outlet serves as a hub for Yamaha’s ‘Blue Streaks’ rider community, enabling customers to participate in group rides and build connections with fellow enthusiasts.

The Blue Square network houses Yamaha’s most exciting products, including the track-oriented R3, street fighter MT-03, and the maxi-sport AEROX 155 scooter, alongside models equipped with advanced features like Traction Control System (TCS). Customers can also explore a range of other motorcycles and scooters, including the YZF-R15 V4, MT-15 V2, FZ-X, Fascino 125 FI Hybrid, and Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid, all designed to offer a thrilling riding experience with superior performance.

With 400 operational Blue Square outlets across India, Yamaha continues to expand its footprint, ensuring that more customers, especially in emerging regions, have access to its premium products and services.

U.S. Polo Assn. Joins Zepto’s Quick-Commerce Revolution, Expanding Fashion and Apparel Offering

Bengaluru, 25th September 2024 — In a landmark move that marks the next phase of the quick-commerce revolution, U.S. Polo Assn. (USPA), the official brand of the United States Polo Association, is collaborating with Zepto operators to bring its exclusive collection to the platform. Zepto, India’s fastest growing consumer internet platform known for its 10-minute delivery promise, is expanding its offering to include premium apparel and fashion, starting with USPA.

This collaboration not only enhances Zepto seller’s portfolio but also signifies a shift in how shoppers can access fashion—from groceries and personal care to now clothing from premium international brands—all within the same rapid delivery window.

On the announcement, Aadit Palicha, co-founder & CEO, Zepto shared, “We’re thrilled about this partnership. USPA, a brand that is synonymous with premium quality and timeless style. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our quick-commerce journey as Zepto expands into the fashion and lifestyle space. With USPA on board, our sellers are delivering a new level of convenience to fashion shoppers across India.”

Shailesh Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, Arvind Fashions Limited says “With U.S. Polo Assn.’s sporty coolness and Zepto’s lightning-fast delivery, we are bringing a new level of accessibility and convenience to our customers. That’s such an exciting trend setting solution for modern day needs of our consumers.”

U.S. Polo Assn.’s collection is live on the platform, offering Zepto platform users a curated selection of timeless, stylish apparel. From classic polo shirts to casualwear, Zepto users can now enjoy iconic USPA pieces delivered within minutes.

This collaboration represents a significant leap in quick-commerce, with Zepto sellers expanding from essentials to premium fashion. Whether it’s grabbing a classic polo shirt minutes before an event or ordering casualwear for a spontaneous outing, Zepto’s users can experience the unmatched convenience of fast, high-quality fashion—a true game-changer for those who value both speed and style.