All times below are Indian Standard Time (IST).
08:45 – 09:20 Registration opens
09:20 – 09:45 Conference Opening
- Lamp Lighting
- Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University
09:45 – 10:05 Introduction
- Prof Ramakrishna Velamuri, Dean, Mahindra School of Management
- Dr Matthias Catón, Director of Corporate Development, Frankfurt School; Deputy Chairman and Executive Director, Indo-German Centre
10:05 – 10:25 Keynote Address: The Power of Collaboration
- Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy New Delhi
As geopolitics shapes the connection and relationship between countries and regions, governments, corporate leaders, and organisations question how to navigate their operations during a time of geopolitical uncertainty and volatility. Thoughts such as “the end of globalisation” or the move away from multilateralism cloud decision- and policymaking and some countries becoming more inward-looking.
However, regional, and international alliances remain strong and events such as the pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, and economic crises, highlight the importance and power of collaboration. India and Germany have a long history with untapped potential. Where do Indo-German relations stand today? How far have they come? How can the two powerhouses further solidify their positions on the global stage and foster their collaboration?
10:25 – 11:00 In Conversation: Inclusive Innovation
- Anandi Iyer, Director, Fraunhofer India
- Dr Matthias Catón, Director of Corporate Development, Frankfurt School; Deputy Chairman and Executive Director, Indo-German Centre
In the realm of manufacturing and emerging technologies, both India and Germany are actively pursuing inclusive innovation to address societal challenges. In India, a focus on affordable and scalable solutions has led to the development of innovative manufacturing processes that can cater to diverse demographics. Meanwhile, Germany’s approach combines precision engineering with a commitment to social inclusivity, fostering collaboration between industries and institutions. These efforts demonstrate how inclusive innovation can transform sectors and ensuring all voices are heard and catered to.
11:00 – 11:30 Break (tea, coffee and snacks available)
11:30 – 12:30 Panel: Bridging Indo-German Advancements: Inclusive Innovation and Emerging Technologies
- Prof Sanjay Mansabdar, Professor, Mahindra University
- Reshma Pendse, Director Abas Force India
- Sarita Bahl, Country Group CSR Head, Bayer South Asia; Director, Bayer Foundation India
- Venkat Gajjala, Senior Vice President, Global Head, Engineering Services, Tech Mahindra
The development of industries shapes our paths to economic growth and as new technologies continuously enter the market and influence production, whether that is smarter cities, innovation in learning or streamlined manufacturing, organisations and individuals must adapt and hold resilience to these new methods to incorporate them and utilise them.
Arguably, the paradigm of Industry 5.0 was introduced too soon, especially at risk of hitting a “technology fatigue”. Industry 5.0, however, complements Industry 4.0 and encourages the use of research and innovation as drivers for industrial production that is more sustainable, human-centric, and resilient. Through highlighting importance on sustainability, theories of Industry 5.0 are an accelerator of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Through continuous collaboration and dialogue, Indo-German consultations emphasise the need to collaborate in the field of emerging technologies and with India’s robust IT sector and Germany’s strength in manufacturing and exporting, Indo-German relations can and should continue to share knowledge and skills to bridge gaps in both countries.
12:30 – 13:30 Panel: Sustainable Manufacturing: Indo-German Collaborations towards ‘Green Growth’
- Anirban Ghosh, Chief Sustainability Officer, Mahindra Group
- Ramesh Ramaswamy, APAC Head, Bosch
- Vijay Kalra, Former Director, Mahindra Institute of Quality
- Dr Nithyanandan Devaraaj, CEO, Voith
Our ongoing climate crisis removes the choice of incorporating sustainability in production; it is now an imperative for businesses and customers. The research and release of new technologies continues however the assurance of implementing them sustainably, coupled with increasing costs in materials, energy, and compliance, is more challenging for smaller and mid-sized companies in comparison to larger corporations. Sustainable manufacturing recognises a way of doing business and adding value through the minimisation of negative environmental impacts, conservation of energy and natural resources and ensuring safety for all stakeholders.
With an increase in initiatives, such as the six elements of sustainable manufacturing (reduce, reuse, remanufacture, recycle, recover and redesign), to encourage ‘Green Growth’ how can India and Germany collaborate further to realise their potential while meeting the 2030 Agenda.
13:30 – 14:40 Lunch and Campus Tour
14:40 – 15:00 Keynote Address: Challenges for Indian companies in Germany (and vice-versa)
- Ramesh T K, Managing Director, Ace Micromatic Group
15:00 – 16:00 Panel: Reshaping the Workforce: Indo-German Strategies for Skill Development & a Human-Centric Industry 5.0
Industry 5.0 calls for a human-centric industry and providing prosperity beyond jobs and growth. With skills shortages in Germany and India’s young potential, what steps must be taken to produce a resilient workforce? Touching on topics of empowering workers, inclusive education and skill development and closing the gap between worker and topic, this conversation aims to lay the path for how we can enable our workers, develop their skills, and bridge the evident divide between the efficiency of new technologies and including humans in our industries.
- Prof Ramakrishna Velamuri, Dean, Mahindra School of Management
- Srikanth Mohan Kethu, General Manager, ZF Group
- Dr Jagadeesh Gandla, COO, Federation of Asian Biotech Associations; Mentor, German Entrepreneurship
- Dr VCM Rao, Vice President, HR & Admin, Voith Turbo
16:00 – 17:00 Panel: Start-Up Ecosystem: Driving Growth
India is driven by its start-up culture and Germany with its Mittelstand (mid-sized) companies. In both scenarios, these organisations play a key role in driving growth, adopting innovative methods and connecting to their markets. Undoubtedly, they are crucial to the continuous growth in both countries but what challenges lie ahead? The well-known initiative, Make in India Mittelstand, illustrates the commitment between India and Germany to collaborate in furthering this. How much impact and success has the initiative had? Is there a need for more government-intervention and policy to maximise the potential of this sector and drive start-up growth? The session will also touch-on the five ingredients to optimise a start-up ecosystem, as recognised by UP Global (2014): Talent, Density, Culture, Capital and Regulatory Environment.
- Prof Rajkumar Phatate, Professor and Lead, E-Hub, Mahindra University
- Amrita Gandikota, Founder, PrimedinFabrik
- Tanya Singh, Director, India, Eurasia Group
- Rohith Pallerla, Founder and CEO, Zodhya Technologies
17:00 – 17:30 Keynote Address: Overcoming Challenges and Nurturing Collaboration
We have come far but there is still much more to go and potential to be tapped. Indo-German relations remain strong and hopeful, but challenges remain. How can Germany and India further secure and develop their relationship? As we navigating changing geopolitics, the climate crisis, emerging technologies and population shifts, what lies in the future for Germany and India?
- Kannan Chakravarthy, CEO Mobility, Mahindra Logistics
17:30 – 17:45 Conference Closing
- Prof. Ramakrishna Velamuri, Dean, Mahindra School of Management
- Dr Matthias Catón, Director of Corporate Development, Frankfurt School; Deputy Chairman and Executive Director, Indo-German Centre
17:45 – 18:45 Reception