Global Research and Development Summit 2019

The Global Research &Development Summit (GRDS) is an annual flagship event of the Government of India and the Industry focused on the emerging areas of science and technology developments around the world, inviting collaboration from our stakeholders. GRDS is organized bythe Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), India’s oldest and largest apex industry chamber, in partnership with Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. 

Each year the GRDS builds a thematic track around which various discussions and deliberations takes place involving world-renowned speakers and an eclectic mix of audience. The 2019 GRDS theme is “International Collaboration in Research and Development for Sustainable Growth.” Africa is the partner continent for GRDS 2019 (http://ficcirndsummit.com). FICCI has been successfully running multiple programs in Africa for promoting and advancing cooperation in science & technology. FICCI helped nurture and build deep grassroots connect with hundreds of top researchers/entrepreneurs across Africa who now understand technology innovation and commercialization. Through various bilateral programmes, a good working relationship has been established, with more than 45 African countries. Overall, India is now regarded as development partner in “South-South Cooperation” especially in the context of enabling low-income countries utilize Indian technology-lead innovation for socio economic impact development. The vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to “ShareTechnology for Shared Prosperity” has been applauded in Africa. We expect to host close to 15 S&T Ministers and senior scientists from the partnering African countries. 

It is to be noted that the India Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme (IRIGP – www.irigp.org) is first of its kind bilateral initiative tailored to respond to the assessed needs of Rwandan Stakeholders, and matching them with India’s affordable, robust and validated technology and innovations. The IRIGP addresses the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The programme furthers the agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Centre for Africa set up in Kigali. Also, through IRIGP, Rwanda can become East Africa’s regional hub for the transfer and adoption of Indian technology and innovation. This will allow Rwanda to become a Talent Pool Epicentre for EAC Nations and perhaps even rest of Africa.IRIGP was launched in February 2017 during the State Visit of the Former Vice President of India. IRIGP Year 1 programme was applauded for its successful outcome, during the first State Visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Rwanda in Jul 2018. IRIGP’s 1st Year was successfully completed in October 2018. Now, the Programme starts Year 2. 

Concurrent to the conference, GRDS 2019will also host an exhibition to showcase some of the major achievements and capabilities of leading R&D-focused organizations from industry, Government and academia. It provides a tremendous opportunity for B2B and B2G networking, collaboration and commercialization of technology and innovation.