Chennai: The 8th Edition of the Digital Disruption and Transformation Summit and Exhibition, organized by FICCI, was held at Hotel Ramada Plaza Guindy on July 26, 2024.

The summit centered on the theme, “Are AI, Electronics, Telecom, and e-Governance the key themes to drive Tamil Nadu toward a Trillion Dollar economy by 2030?”

Dr. GSK Velu, Chairman of FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council, delivered the welcome address. A notable entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Velu highlighted Tamil Nadu's digital transformation under the leadership of Chief Minister MK Stalin. He introduced Mr. Kumar Jayanth, the newly appointed Additional Chief Secretary of IT and Digital Services, and praised Germany's contributions to IT, acknowledging Ms. Michaela Kuchler, Consul General of the German Consulate in Chennai.

Dr. Rajaram Venkatraman, Convener of FICCI TNSC Technology Panel, delivered the theme address, discussing the pivotal role of AI and digitalization in creating jobs and attracting businesses. He emphasized that achieving a trillion-dollar economy requires leveraging AI, electronics, telecom, and e-Governance to foster inclusive growth and competitiveness.

Chief Guest Thiru Kumar Jayanth IAS humorously shared insights from his 25-year career in digitalization and stressed the importance of expanding IT growth beyond major cities. He praised Tamil Nadu's institutions like SIPCOT, TIDCO, SIDCO, and ELCOT for their roles in industrial and technological development.

Ms. Michaela Kuchler highlighted Germany's investment in AI research, while Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Adviser to the Raksha Mantri, emphasized skill development for new job demands. Mr. Patrick Fernandez, speaking online, discussed the potential of semiconductor manufacturing in driving Tamil Nadu's economic aspirations.

The summit underscored the collaborative efforts needed to transform Tamil Nadu into a trillion-dollar economy by 2030, leveraging advanced technologies and strategic partnerships.