Indian Consulate at Chicago and Global Indian Diaspora Foundation host 35+ startups as India strengthens its position in the global deep-tech landscape.
Our Bureau
Chicago, IL
In a pivotal initiative that strengthens the global presence of Indian deep-tech startups, the Indian Consulate in Chicago, in collaboration with the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, hosted over 35 of India’s most promising tech innovators as part of the Global Market Access Program. The event also launched NASSCOM InnoTrek 2024 USA, a prestigious, invite-only program designed to connect Indian startups with key players in the U.S. tech, business, and investor ecosystem.
The program provides a vital platform for Indian entrepreneurs to engage with venture capitalists, accelerators, and local incubators, fostering collaboration and opening up new market opportunities, particularly in Chicago, a city emerging as a hub for innovation, investment, and global business partnerships.
In his keynote address, Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, emphasized India’s rise as a leader in the global startup ecosystem. “While India is the third-largest startup ecosystem in terms of numbers, by quality and impact, it ranks second globally,” Ghosh noted. He highlighted the exceptional drive of India’s youth, stating, “You give a chance to India’s youth, and they can achieve things that are unachievable elsewhere in the world.”
Ghosh also drew from his experience with IDEX, a defense startup initiative, highlighting India’s ability to fast-track technological developments, with some projects achieving implementation in just three-and-a-half years—an impressive feat by global standards.
Mayank Gautam, Director of Global Trade at NASSCOM, led the delegation of deep-tech startups and stressed Chicago’s pivotal role in shaping future collaborations. “NASSCOM represents the voice of a $250 billion technology industry in India. Our vision is to establish India as the world’s leading technology ecosystem,” said Gautam. He underscored the value of deep-tech sectors like AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies, as key drivers of future growth.
The delegation included pioneering startups such as AIVOT AI, Algomox, FluxGen Sustainable Technologies, UNINO Healthcare, Gigin, LiveNsense, Rezo AI, and Manastu Space Technologies, which are pushing the boundaries of innovation on the global stage.
Rakesh Malhotra, President of the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, spoke about the significance of cross-border collaboration in fostering growth for Indian startups. “At the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, we believe the true strength of India’s growth lies in the collaboration between our dynamic startup ecosystem and the global diaspora,” Malhotra remarked. He further emphasized, “The power of startups lies not just in their innovation, but in the connections, they build across borders, cultures, and communities. Chicago, with its rich history of diversity and strong Indian community, is the perfect city to nurture these collaborations.”
Chicago is a strategic gateway for Indian Startups and Chicago’s unique position as a dynamic global business hub was a focal point of the event. With its robust infrastructure, diverse economy, and growing influence in the tech industry, Chicago offers Indian startups unparalleled opportunities to expand their global reach. The city’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, bolstered by its international business connections and a large Indian diaspora, provides a fertile ground for collaboration and investment.
Abhinav Raina, Secretary of the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation and a prominent entrepreneur and investor, added: “Business isn’t just about trade and numbers—it’s about understanding cultures, sharing values, and building trust. The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in bridging these gaps, fostering both economic and cultural growth on a global scale.”
NASSCOM InnoTrek 2024 USA is a prestigious program that gives Indian startups exclusive access to the U.S. market and the opportunity to collaborate with leading U.S. tech companies, venture capital firms, and accelerators.
