Kerala took centre stage at the India Pavilion during the 55th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The state hosted discussions on deep tech, biotechnology, and e-governance. These sessions highlighted Kerala’s pivotal role in India’s deep-tech advancements, especially in healthcare, space technology, and artificial intelligence.

Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan spoke about Kerala’s ambition to become a deep tech hub. She stressed that the state’s global partnerships and innovative mindset have been crucial for progress in this sector. “By participating in the WEF, Kerala has been able to showcase its potential in deep tech innovation, gain global recognition, and foster collaboration,” she said.

Deep Tech and Innovation

Sai Prasad from Bharat Biotech praised Kerala’s dedication to research-driven innovation. He noted that the state’s use of cutting-edge technology to address challenges demonstrates a forward-thinking approach. The discussions also featured insights from Ankit Anand of Riseberg Ventures, Iris Duan of Summit Capital, and Keshav Daga of Technosurge Industries.

In a separate session on e-governance, A Jayathilak, Additional Chief Secretary Finance of Kerala, highlighted the need for robust security measures against misinformation. He pointed out that with digital processes now integral to administration and service delivery, safeguarding information is crucial.

E-Governance Initiatives

Jayathilak also emphasised Kerala’s pioneering status as India’s first digital state. He attributed this achievement to proactive government initiatives that made Kerala the first e-literate state in the country. This transformation has set a benchmark for other states to follow.

The panel on e-governance included notable participants such as Amit Singh from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s office and Gurneet Tej from DPIIT. Kalyan Kumar from HCL Software hosted this discussion. They explored how digital governance can enhance service delivery while ensuring data security.

Biotechnology and Healthcare

APM Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary of the Industries Department, addressed a panel on Kerala’s biotech and pharma revolution. He stated that Kerala is positioning itself as a global hub for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The state aims to lead healthcare innovation by collaborating with industry leaders and policymakers.

Kerala’s commitment to sustainable growth through innovative policies was evident throughout these discussions. The state’s efforts to attract investments and foster collaborations were well-received at the forum. These initiatives are expected to bolster Kerala’s position in the global tech landscape.

The discussions at Davos underscored Kerala’s strategic vision for technological advancement. By focusing on deep tech, biotechnology, and e-governance, the state is paving the way for future growth. These efforts highlight Kerala’s potential as a leader in innovation on both national and international stages.