The India-US CEO Forum’s Working Group 7 (WG7) on Entrepreneurship, Inclusive Growth, and Promoting Small Businesses, in partnership with United Services Institute (USI) and CyberPeace Foundation, today launched the bilateral knowledge-sharing platform between India and the US, during the dialogue on inclusive growth, unlocking trade, empowering Startups and MSMEs in the Digital Age at USI.
The dialogue also saw the launch of Prakshepan, an innovation Hackathon, and Cybersecurity & AI Capacity Building and Skilling Workshops for MSMEs and startups. The workshops will focus on protecting MSMEs and startups from online threats, and provide these businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to build resilient security structures.
“The ‘Prakshepan’ hackathon will identify, mentor, and accelerate startups that contribute to enhancing the relationship between India and the US. This bilateral hackathon will focus on fostering innovation with a strong emphasis on women-led businesses, aiming for 50% female representation among participants”, she further added.
Major Vineet Kumar, Global President, Founder of CyberPeace Foundation, said, “The Cybersecurity Capacity Building Workshops aim to create a safe and equitable internet for all. CyberPeace Foundation looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders and netizens to foster an environment where innovation can thrive securely and we can empower startups and MSMEs with the knowledge and tools to navigate cyber threats and build capacity.”
Empowering startups and MSMEs through digital technologies is crucial for driving economic growth, enhancing market access, improving operational efficiency, and fostering innovation. By leveraging these technologies, businesses can unlock new opportunities, strengthen their competitiveness, and significantly contribute to the overall socio-economic development of India. This initiative not only aims to secure businesses against cyber threats but also promotes inclusive growth and entrepreneurship, enhancing the bilateral trade relationship between India and the USA.
