NEW DELHI (India CSR): The German Indian Innovation Summit 2025, held on 6 October at the AXICA Congress Center, Berlin, brought together over 300 leaders from business, government, research, and entrepreneurship to strengthen Indo-European innovation and sustainability partnerships.
At a time when India and Europe are navigating the twin transitions of green and digital transformation, the summit provided a platform for high-level dialogue and collaboration – marking a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two regions.
Strengthening the Indo-European Growth Story
Trade between India and the European Union surpassed USD 160 billion in FY2024, with projections of 30% growth by 2030, driven by collaboration in technology, clean energy, and digital infrastructure. The German Indian Innovation Summit built on this momentum, translating shared policy intent into tangible partnerships under the theme – “Forging an Indo-European Innovation Corridor for a Safe and Sustainable Future.”
The summit featured thought-provoking addresses and strategic interventions by leaders such as H.E. Ajit Gupte, Ambassador of India to Germany; Prof. Dr. Gesine Schwan, President, Humboldt-Viadrina Governance Platform; Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwala, In-Charge, Foreign Affairs Department, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); Jan Lachenmayer, Chair of the Executive Board, German Indian Innovation Corridor (GIIC); Upen Barve, Founding Partner & Executive Board Member, GIIC; Siddharth Bhasin, Managing Director, GIIC; and Luke Lalor, Partner, GIIC with partner organisations such as SAP, Trilegal, Elevar Equity, EPIC World amongst others.
In his keynote address, Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwala highlighted the broader vision behind India’s collaboration with Europe, saying: “India and Europe share a common vision of leveraging innovation to address global challenges. From digital transformation to green technologies, our collaboration has the potential to set benchmarks for inclusive growth. The German Indian Innovation Summit reflects this spirit of partnership and action.”
Five Cross-Border Initiatives Launched
The summit unveiled a suite of five strategic initiatives designed to deepen collaboration and accelerate innovation-led growth between India and Germany:
- German Indian Open Innovation Initiative: Unites 10 leading corporations from each country and over 500 startups to collaborate on emerging technologies, sustainability, and digital transformation — enabling shared growth and market access for businesses in both economies.
- Strategic partnership with NLND: Establishes a dedicated India Desk at Europe’s largest innovation campus to enhance cross-border R&D and technology exchange, fostering innovation that drives competitiveness in both markets.
- Launch of the German Deep Tech House in Madhya Pradesh: A public–private innovation hub for applied research in AI and industrial deep tech, creating opportunities for German and Indian companies to co-develop solutions.
- Democratic AI Initiative: A joint framework promoting ethical, transparent, and human-centric AI innovation, ensuring responsible tech adoption that benefits stakeholders across both countries.
- Expanded media collaborations: Amplifying stories of entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability in Germany and India, helping businesses in both economies attract talent, investment, and partnerships.
The event also witnessed strategic interventions and partnerships with leading Indian and global organisations such as T-Hub, TiE Delhi, Ladies Who Lead, and NSRCEL IIM Bangalore, underscoring the collective strength of India’s innovation ecosystem on a global stage.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Jan Lachenmayer, Chair of the Executive Board at GIIC, said: “Germany and India are natural partners in shaping a responsible innovation future. The Summit embodies our shared values — collaboration, transparency, and sustainable progress. What we have built together in Berlin is not just a conference, but a foundation for the next decade of global innovation diplomacy. It has shown that when the public sector, private enterprises, and academia work in synergy, innovation becomes a bridge — one that connects societies, builds trust, and creates opportunities beyond borders.”
Upasna Dash, Founder & CEO of Jajabor Brand Consultancy, partner for the summit added: “The Indo-European partnership goes beyond trade; it represents a convergence of two innovative cultures. The Indian delegation brought a strong and future-ready vision to Berlin – one that showcased India’s growing leadership in responsible innovation. From startups to policy institutions, India demonstrated how collaboration, creativity, and community-driven growth can inspire global partnerships rooted in shared progress.”
(India CSR)
