Over the past eight years, the India Mobile Congress (IMC) has emerged as South Asia’s largest and most influential digital forum, bringing together key stakeholders from industry, government, academia and beyond to explore and showcase the latest advancements in technology. Since its inception, IMC has actively promoted India’s capabilities as a global hub for manufacturing cutting-edge technology products.
The eighth edition of IMC, held in 2024, featured insightful discussions on the telecom and technology sectors, along with impressive demonstrations of innovations by leading companies and emerging startups. Organised jointly by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), IMC 2024 attracted participants from over 67 countries. The event ran alongside the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly 2024, which focused on shaping the future work program and structure of the ITU’s Telecommunication Standardisation Sector.
With the theme, “The Future is Now”, IMC 2024 brought together global leaders, visionaries and innovators to collaborate on shaping technologies redefining the modern world. Key focus areas included 6G and 5G use cases, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, telecom and digital infrastructure, circular economy, 6G and 5G use cases, cloud and edge computing, semiconductors, cybersecurity, green technology, cybersecurity, internet of things (IoT), CleanTech, satellite communication (satcom) and electronics manufacturing. The event featured over 100 sessions and discussions, highlighting how these technological breakthroughs are transforming industries such as healthcare, education and agriculture, creating a profound global impact.
The event showcased a diverse lineup of sessions and panels, where industry leaders shared insights into the latest technological advancements and challenges shaping the global digital landscape. Highlights…
AI dominates the discourse
At IMC 2024, AI emerged as a key focus area, captivating the attention of tech and telecom companies, startups and academic institutions. Over the course of the four-day event, more than 900 technology use cases were presented, with 750 of them highlighting AI-based applications. These use cases covered a wide range of scenarios, focusing on conservation, convenience, efficiency, safety, automation and human assistance. AI-driven innovations demonstrated their potential to revolutionise various sectors, from customer service to healthcare.
Among the many applications showcased were AI-powered virtual agents, presented as game changers for contact centres, taking over workloads and streamlining customer interactions. Ericsson demonstrated a standout use case with “Rocky”, a 5G-powered robotic dog capable of assisting authorities in emergency situations. Meanwhile, Reliance Jio offered an exclusive preview of PhoneCall AI. This AI tool, which is currently in its alpha testing phase, promises to transcribe and summarise phone calls, offering enhanced communication tools to both businesses and individuals.
Meanwhile, a dedicated session on “AI and Digital Intelligence”, an initiative led by DoT, highlighted the integration of AI and digital technologies.
Experts also explored the future of private networks and how AI is driving the development of autonomous networks. In addition, the evolving landscape of chipsets and the growing role of AI across industries were highlighted at the event.
The power of edge AI
As AI becomes more integral to industries, it places increasing demands on data centres, raising concerns about energy consumption. Discussions at IMC 2024 explored how shifting Al workloads from data centres to edge devices such as smartphones, PCs and vehicles could significantly reduce power consumption. This approach, known as edge Al, allows devices to process data and run Al tasks independently, easing the burden on large data centres and offering a sustainable solution for the future.
Unlocking revenue streams through NaaS
Another standout session at the event focused on unlocking new revenue streams through scalable network as a service (NaaS). Panelists discussed the architecture and business advantages of NaaS, highlighting how it differs from traditional network models. Key topics included network slicing, containersation and future applications of NaaS in connectivity, cloud-native applications, IoT and 5G networks. The discussion also addressed the challenges of NaaS implementation, such as security, compliance and vendor lock-in, providing valuable insights for future developments.
In addition to these sessions, participants gained deep insights into cutting-edge technologies such as GenAI and domain-specific adaptations of large language models (LLMs). These discussions provided inspiration to attendees to drive innovation and growth within their industries and ventures, making IMC 2024 a powerhouse of ideas and forward-thinking solutions.
Ensuring cybersecurity in the 5G world
The discussions also spanned a wide range of crucial topics, including cyber defence and the growing role of telecom service providers (TSPs) in ensuring robust cybersecurity. The deployment of 5G comes increases network vulnerability, making cybersecurity a pressing concern. It was suggested that TSPs must spend aggressively on cybersecurity to implement safeguards in light of AI and automation.
During the discussions, COAI emphasised that cybersecurity is no longer an add-on, but an integral part of digital infrastructure. As telecom networks become more interconnected with AI, IoT and cross-border operations, ensuring the security networks is vital for national security and economic stability.
Showcasing India’s tech startups
IMC 2024 also served as a dynamic platform for showcasing India’s thriving tech startup ecosystem, highlighting the country’s innovation-driven digital transformation. With around 900 startups participating, the event showcased solutions powered by AI, IoT and 5G, aimed at revolutionising healthcare, education and public infrastructure. Many startups focused on AI and IoT applications in healthcare, enabling better access to remote services and improving patient outcomes. In education, adaptive learning platforms personalised student experiences while public infrastructure solutions leveraged IoT to create smarter, more efficient cities.
At IMC 2024, the Digital India Innovation Zone further highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering scalable public infrastructure projects, aligning with its vision of enhancing ease of living and governance through digital advancements.
International 6G Symposium
The International 6G Symposium was one of the major highlights of this year’s IMC, inaugurated by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of Northeastern Region. In his address, the minister emphasised India’s growing ambition to lead global 6G innovation. He pointed out that having already achieved one of the fastest 5G roll-outs globally, India is now well-positioned to shape the future of 6G by establishing standards that are inclusive, accessible and affordable for all.
Industry leaders discussed India’s immense potential in advancing 6G technology, with the government aiming to make India a leading contributor to 6G technology and manufacturing by 2030.
The minister also highlighted the critical role of cybersecurity in the 6G era and emphasised India’s potential to significantly contribute to the formulation of international 6G regulations. The event set the stage for discussions on how India can lead in defining the future of global connectivity through 6G innovation, while ensuring a secure and equitable digital future.
Opportunities for more research and innovations
In addition to industry showcases, IMC 2024 provided a platform for groundbreaking research and innovation from India’s premier academic institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management. These institutions, through initiatives like BharatGen, displayed cutting-edge research in LLMs and highlighted the future role of AI in shaping India’s telecom and technology landscape.
IMC 2024 also marked the second edition of Aspire, a pioneering startup programme designed to bridge the gap between startups and key industry stakeholders. Partnering with the Telecom Centre of Excellence India, the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council and TiE Delhi-NCR, Aspire provided startups with insights, mentorship and support to accelerate their growth.
The programme featured five master class sessions, covering topics such as AI, cloud technology and security, offering in-depth learning opportunities for participants. A highlight of the Aspire programme was an inspiring fireside chat with Dr Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications and Minister of State for Rural Development, and Ramakrishna P., CEO, IMC. During the discussion, the minister emphasised the need for startups to address real human problems, underscoring the value of perseverance and resilience in entrepreneurship.
Women driving the digital paradigm
One of the standout sessions at IMC 2024 focused on women’s leadership in digital transformation. The session titled “The Future Engineered: Women Behind the Wheel”, highlighted the crucial role women play in advancing the digital world. Drawing from two influential articles, “Women Behind the Wheel: How Women Drive the Digital World Forward” and “Women as Key Players in Shaping the Future Digital Landscape”, the discussion emphasised the importance of increasing female participation in tech.
The session underscored how women are essential drivers of product innovation and technological advancements. It highlighted the need for gender diversity to foster creative solutions and transformative change in the tech sector, affirming that women will be pivotal in steering the future of the digital landscape forward.
Other relevant themes
Another significant focus of the discussions was on navigating the advancements, challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI (GenAI). Panellists explored the action plan for fostering a circular economy, the future of digital infrastructure for a “Viksit Bharat”, and the role of satcom in advancing these objectives. Further, discussions delved into the importance of decarbonising the digital future and building a resilient semiconductor ecosystem in India, not only for domestic use but also to serve global markets. The immense potential of 5G in driving Industry 4.0 and the integration of International Mobile Telecommunications and non-terrestrial networks were also thoroughly explored.
The pivotal role of 5G in driving technological progress across industries worldwide was another key theme of IMC 2024. The prime minister underscored India’s capabilities in spearheading the global launch of 5G, reinforcing the country’s commitment to technological innovation and leadership.
Furthermore, discussions extended to spectrum for a $1 trillion digital economy, the evolution of fintech and the government’s enabling role in these sectors.
Conclusion
IMC 2024 has emerged as a global platform for technology standards, innovation and industry collaboration. This event celebrated and showcased the remarkable achievements of India’s technology sector, laying the groundwork for future innovations and reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in global technology.
According to COAI, IMC 2024 is poised to be a pivotal moment for the telecom industry, highlighting the critical need for collaboration among all stakeholders to address pressing issues. The insights gained from this event suggest that the path forward will be better defined through mutual understanding and cooperation among industry players, paving the way for a more connected and technologically advanced future.
