Ritu Jha-
TiEcon 2022, scheduled for May 5 through 7, will be all virtual again this year.
With the theme, ‘Is Imagination Unleashed’ The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) Silicon Valley, plans to attract 50,000 attendees, bettering the 30,000 seen last year.
TiE Silicon Valley, a non-profit founded in 1992 by entrepreneurs and executives of South Asian origin, is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship.
Aparna Pujar, the TiEcon 2022 marketing chair, told indica this is a special year for the organization since TiE is celebrating its 30th year of operation.
“This year is also special because we are moving into a post-pandemic era …, which serves as a perfect backdrop for entrepreneurial activity,” she said “TiEcon 2022 and TiE is the best platform to help nurture these activities!”
Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer, is to be the grand keynote speaker.
“Under his leadership, we saw the world take on and defeat the deadliest pandemic in modern times,” Pujar said.
She said the theme for TiEcon 2022 – Is Imagination Unleashed – is timely and strategic, given the changes being envisaged in various tech industries. To cover them, TiEcon 2022 is to have 100 plus sessions across 14 tracks and programs. Some of the hottest tracks this year are health care, cryptocurrency, cybersecurity and supply chain.
“AI continues to penetrate every aspect of our lives now – and continues to be an all-time favorite for all audiences,” Pujar said. “We have some interesting speakers and panels for this track as well.”
TiE plans to continue providing a platform for social impact companies that help reshape societies, change outlooks and round up perspectives.
Pujar pointed out to TiE’s entrepreneurship track programs, such as Startup Bootcamp, VC Connect and Mentor Connect, which are hands-on and interactive. TiE Youth Forum is designed to give young minds the opportunity to explore paths of entrepreneurship.
Asked about the conference going virtual in recent times, Pujar said that the virtual version has been a game-changer.
“This is by popular demand,” she said. “We are now able to reach entrepreneurs around the globe. It works both ways, and they get a piece of the Silicon Valley action. We not only get to meet some brilliant people from around the world, but the event and post-event engagement also helps promote entrepreneurial activity and opportunities that are very specific to different geographies.”
Pujar, who is heading the TiEcon conference marketing chair for the first time, feels some pressure.
“We are mounting this event at a global scale – no small feat,” she said. “I am a tiny bit nervous, but also fortunate to have a rock star team of staff and volunteers… that are dedicated and committed to making this a mega success.”
