International Conference on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership ICEIL 2024 Highlights Tech-Driven Path to “Atmanirbhar Bharat”
Global experts and innovators gathered at Amity University to explore the role of emerging technologies in shaping India's self-reliant future during the 6th International Conference on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership.
NOIDA: Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, successfully concluded the 6th edition of the International Conference on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership (ICEIL 2024), which was held from October 9th to 11th, 2024. Themed “Leveraging Emerging Technologies for a Self-Reliant Nation,” the three-day event brought together global thought leaders to discuss how emerging technologies could propel India towards becoming “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India).
During her opening remarks, Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh and Chair of ICEIL 2024, emphasized the importance of technology in India’s development. “Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and bioinformatics are transforming global societies and economies. India must seize these opportunities to build sustainable and self-reliant growth models, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047,” she had stated, highlighting the significance of domestic capacity building and technology-driven export competitiveness.
Mr. Masaki Seki, President of Sekisho Corporation, Japan, also spoke at the conference, stressing the close ties between India and Japan. He noted that Japan faced a deficit of 4-8 lakh IT professionals by 2030, and Indian talent would be essential in bridging this gap. “We looked forward to collaborating with Amity University to nurture skilled professionals for this challenge,” Seki had remarked, commending Amity’s role in fostering future innovators and leaders.
Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Government of India, underscored the pivotal role of innovation. “Innovation-led growth is crucial for every country’s progress. India’s biotech companies are at the forefront of new technologies and innovation, positioning the country as a global leader in the startup ecosystem,” Kumar had stated. India’s third-place ranking in global unicorn startups and 39th position in the Global Innovation Index had been highlighted as indicators of the immense opportunities available to students.
Shri Chirag Kumar Paswan, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, had also sent a special message, congratulating Amity University on organizing the event. In his message, Paswan emphasized that such conferences motivate students to work toward nation-building and success.
Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor of Amity University Uttar Pradesh, had reiterated the institution’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. “Amity aims to nurture students into becoming successful entrepreneurs, in sync with the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership across all disciplines,” Dr. Chauhan had said, emphasizing the future role of Amity graduates in expanding India’s innovation landscape.
During the event, Mr. G S Krishnan, President of the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE), had shared insights on the role of biotech in India’s economy. “India produced 25% of global vaccines in 2023 and is the third-largest producer of bioethanol. Our outreach programs aim to foster entrepreneurship among the youth,” Krishnan had noted.
Amity Entrepreneurial/Leadership Excellence Awards 2024 were conferred upon several prominent industry leaders, including Dr. A.K. Tyagi, Executive Director of Haldiram Snacks Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Masaki Seki of Sekisho Corporation, Japan, among others. The inaugural session also featured the release of an abstract book and souvenirs for the Start-up Expo and Eureka events.
The three-day ICEIL 2024 included a Start-up Expo showcasing 50 start-ups, 56 panel discussions, and over 300 speakers. Various sessions covered topics ranging from innovative tech trends and drug discovery to social entrepreneurship and sustainable innovations. Competitions like “Eureka: Innovative Design Project” and “Lakshya: Business Plan” engaged young innovators, with 80 and 60 teams participating, respectively.
The conference culminated in a plenary session on “Transforming Nation into Viksit Bharat@2047,” focusing on emerging technologies and leadership as key drivers of sustainable growth.
