CeBIT, STPI eye start-ups from Pune

The Software Technology Park of India and CeBIT have come together to promote the software industry in the country. The IT and ICT event will also provide an opportunity to MSMEs to get global exposure.

CeBIT is the world's largest IT and ICT expo that has its roots in Hannover Milano. This is the first time that the expo is coming to India with its global brand 'CeBIT Global Conferences'.

"This is for the first time that CeBIT is using its global branding for an event in India. This is going to be an annual feature in India. We think the Indian domestic market is now mature enough for adoption of IT and ICT services," said Tushar Alekar, commercial director, Hannover Milano Fairs India.

As part of the tie-up with STPI, 100 MSMEs from across the country will get an opportunity to showcase their technology at the pavilions between November 12-14 at Bangalore.

"We will provide free space to 100 MSMEs to showcase their capabilities at CeBIT. It is an initiative from STPI under the PM's 'Make in India' campaign," said Sanjay Kumar Gupta, director, STPI who was in Pune conducting road shows to make start-ups aware of this opportunity.

The event will also give an opportunity to 10 MSMEs to participate at represent the country at CeBIT Hannover 2015 event in Germany.

Alekar said that based on the initial feedback the event is expected to see around 25,000 visitors over the three days and participation from 300 companies from across the globe such as UK, Japan, Taiwan and others. Though Alekar did not comment on the business that the event will generate, CeBit Hannover fair held in March 2013 saw business worth €20 billion being transacted.

The event will have 60 national and international speakers. Vishal Sikka, the new CEO of Infosys will be making his first address to the industry after taking over the helm of the company.

CeBIT is also bringing in several of its trademark projects to India as well. Like the CodeN Startup challenge for entrepreneurs at Hannover, CeBIT India has also created an India startup challenge called +91 Startup Challenge. "The numbers represents the code for India. The numbers of technology users in India has increased tremendously. In the next few years India will have the highest number of mobile users. We will have about 40-50 start-ups being showcased at CeBIT India. Of these five will have the chance to be present at the Hannover event in March," added Alekar.