Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
AI, Drone Expo and Innovation, IP conclave organized by CGC Landran
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 22, 2024: Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC) Landran, in collaboration with the ACIC RISE Association, successfully organized a two-day Bharat’s AI & Drone Expo and Innovation & IP Conclave on its campus.
The event was North India’s first major showcase of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drone technology, drawing over 1,000 participants from across the region.
It served as an excellent platform for emerging startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators to present their ideas while emphasizing the critical role of Intellectual Property (IP) in protecting and advancing innovation.
The two-day program included engaging talk shows, panel discussions, and keynote addresses, along with a captivating drone show and competition and the launch of the Intellectual Property Management and Commercialization Cell (IPMCC) in campus at CGC Landran.
Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chairman of CGC Landran, warmly welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized the growing role of innovation and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India’s development.
“This conclave will not only help young innovators and entrepreneurs broaden their vision and perspectives by interacting with the distinguished thought leaders and experts present at the event, but it will also inspire them to leverage their talents for the betterment of society and the nation," he said. He further stressed the importance of education, self-confidence, and self-belief in building the foundations of successful ventures.
The Chief Guest on day one, Dr. Arshi Ayub Zaveri, CEO of Trust With Trade Group and Senior Advisor to Royal Family Offices, UAE, elaborated on the transformative role of AI across sectors such as education, healthcare, and defense, emphasizing its potential to shape a sustainable and prosperous future. She highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the UAE government, including a 100-year roadmap for AI, Science, and Technology, a $300 billion investment in science and technology, and the launch of the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 to become a global AI leader.
Dr. Zaveri also emphasized the importance of the India-UAE coalition under the leadership of the UAE President and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose shared vision for advancing AI will foster regional development.
"Events like these create the much-needed bridge between innovation and application," she added.
A keynote address by Ashneer Grover, Founder of BharatPe, was another highlight of day one. He captivated the audience with his insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and practical advice for budding business leaders.
On day two, the focus shifted to the Innovation & IP Conclave, which placed a strong emphasis on the importance of safeguarding Intellectual Property (IP). A major highlight was the launch of the Intellectual Property Management and Commercialization Cell (IPMCC), providing vital resources to innovators seeking to protect their ideas. The chief guest, Mr. Yogesh Brahmankar, Innovation Director, Ministry of Education’s (MoE) Innovation Cell, remarked, “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, creating a culture of innovation is key. Equally important is protecting that innovation with robust IP frameworks, ensuring our entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed.”
He commended CGC Landran for organizing the event and encouraged students to focus on problem-solving while academic institutions nurture a maker mindset. He also discussed key initiatives by the MoE’s Innovation Cell to promote innovation through funding, mentoring student startups, and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and academia.
Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, Joint Director of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), served as the guest of honor on day two. She praised the collaboration between ACIC RISE Association and CGC Landran in launching the IPMCC.
“This program has enabled us to fulfill our vision of establishing IPMCCs across the state, with the first launch being at CGC Landran. The vision for entrepreneurship, startups, and innovation at CGC Landran aligns with that of the PSCST. We are committed to supporting innovators and startups in IP management and protection, helping them commercialize and market their innovations,” she said.
The event also featured dynamic panel discussions with industry leaders, delving into topics such as AI’s role in shaping the future, challenges of IP ownership in the digital age, and the art and science of technology transfer. Notable panelists from AI, intellectual property, and innovation sectors contributed depth and perspective to these conversations.
The event concluded with participants feeling inspired and equipped to drive change through AI, drone technology, and the protection of intellectual property, marking a significant step toward encouraging and promoting innovation in India.