By Ritu Jha-
The Evolve 2024 Global Innovation Summit, held at the Santa Clara Convention Center from November 13-14, served as a key gathering for innovators, investors, and domain experts, offering invaluable insights and networking opportunities. The event, themed AI-Deep-Tech Convergence, showcased thought-provoking discussions and cutting-edge trends in the fields of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Evolve 2024 was co-hosted by the Evolve Silicon Valley Foundation (Evolve SVF), a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering tech entrepreneurs with a global, research-based playbook for success. In partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Consulate General of India, the summit attracted a diverse international audience from Brazil, France, Israel, and beyond, as well as Silicon Valley’s leading innovators.
During the conference, Evolve 2024 also honored Jay Chaudhry, Chairman, CEO, and Founder of Zscaler,Inc with the Business Leader of the Year 2024 award.
Rajan Navani, Chairman and Managing Director of Jetline Group and JetSynthesys, and National Chairman of CII’s Council of Future Businesses, highlighted the importance of fostering global connections.
“This bridge with Silicon Valley is very important for CII, the largest industry body in India. Our goal is to connect global innovation to India, and Silicon Valley is the ideal place for that,” Navani explained. “CII’s new presence in Silicon Valley serves as a platform for Indian startups to engage with the Valley’s vibrant ecosystem of mentorship, funding, and emerging technologies.”
Navani emphasized the growing role of India in the global tech landscape, particularly in the field of GenAI, where Silicon Valley remains a leader. CII’s efforts are focused on democratizing access to technology and innovation for Indian companies, helping them integrate into the global market, and fostering collaborations with startups in the Valley.
The summit also focused on preparing enterprises for the future of artificial intelligence.
“AI is shaping the future of business, and the goal of Evolve 2024 is to equip innovators with the right tools, mentorship, and connections to leverage AI for growth and value creation,” said Ram Reddy, co-host of Evolve 2024 and a serial entrepreneur. Reddy is also the Founder & CEO of Global Industry Analysts and Chairman of AngioSafe.
Evolve’s India Initiative, in collaboration with CII, aims to foster stronger ties between the U.S. and India, facilitating access to both markets.
“Evolve is building a foundation that connects entrepreneurs with the right platforms and resources,” Reddy said. “With CII’s support, we’re helping innovators tap into India’s massive market potential.”
Looking ahead, Reddy shared that Evolve plans to host more specialized events, focusing on specific domains such as machine learning and autonomous vehicles. These events will bring together companies working on cutting-edge technologies, allowing them to collaborate and share their innovations.
Evolve 2024’s international scope and emphasis on AI and deep-tech convergence demonstrated its commitment to supporting global entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration, and advancing the future of technology. As the event concluded, it was clear that the summit had successfully connected innovators from around the world, with a particular focus on strengthening ties between Silicon Valley and India.
The summit’s ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, from venture capitalists to academia, underscores the growing importance of cross-border collaboration in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Evolve 2024 proved to be more than just an event; it was a powerful platform for ideas, partnerships, and the future of global innovation.