NEW DELHI: Fraunhofer, the world’s leading applied research organization, underscored the growing synergy between India and Germany at the India AI Summit held at Bharat Mandapam. Hosting the Indo-German Innovation and Technology Forum, titled “AI for Economic Development and Social Good,” the organization showcased key advancements in manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and digital policy.
The forum brought together top industry leaders, including representatives from Bosch, SAP, Auvomio, and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, to discuss the implementation of trustworthy AI.
Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus, Hessian Minister for Digitalization and Innovation, emphasized that technology must serve humanity. “India has shown with initiatives like India Stack how digital public infrastructure can scale innovation,” Dr. Sinemus said. “Germany can bring expertise in balanced regulation and data protection. Together, we can build bridges between innovation and rights.”
Georg Enzweiler, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy, noted that while Germany invests heavily in AI for climate sustainability, India offers an unparalleled talent base, creating a perfect environment for inclusive growth.
Breakthroughs in Data and Security Dr. Thomas Kuhn of the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software and Engineering introduced the “Virtual Employee” and the “Dataspaces Platform,” tools designed for the secure exchange of data and collaborative projects.
Anandi Iyer, Director of Fraunhofer Office India, highlighted the organization’s legacy of innovation, noting that Fraunhofer produces two patents every working day. “India needs translational research,” Iyer stated. “We are proud to have been among the first movers in India 18 years ago, bridging the gap between the laboratory and the market.”
Strategic Collaborations The summit also highlighted a deepening partnership with the Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT). Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, praised the collaboration for accelerating advancements in 5G/6G, quantum computing, and internet security.
The event also featured a “Women in Innovation and Technology” session, co-chaired by Dr. Sinemus and Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary to the Government of India. The session called for a sustained cross-border platform to support women leaders in science and climate innovation.
In the agricultural sector, experts called for integrated, standardized AI platforms. Raghu Chaliganti of Fraunhofer HHI stressed that fragmented digital solutions often fail farmers, advocating instead for real-time, farmer-centric decision support to mitigate climate risks.
