Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 9th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 on Wednesday, October 8th, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. This year's IMC, recognized as Asia's largest telecom, media, and technology event, is organized jointly by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). The event is scheduled to run from October 8th to 11th.

The theme for IMC 2025 is "Innovate to Transform," underscoring India's dedication to utilizing innovation for digital transformation and societal advancement. The event is poised to showcase the latest advancements in telecom and emerging technologies, uniting global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and innovators.

Key Points of IMC 2025:

• Focus on 6G and Bharat 6G Alliance: IMC 2025 aims to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in telecom and digital technologies, with a significant focus on the 6G ecosystem and the Bharat 6G Alliance. The International Bharat 6G Symposium will highlight India's research and development in 6G technology, bringing together over 70 global and Indian experts, including technology leaders and academics from leading institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology. Discussions will cover crucial 6G themes like global initiatives, key use cases, enabling technologies, AI-native networks, non-terrestrial connectivity, and spectrum harmonization. India aims to play a significant role in setting 6G protocols by 2027.
• Startup World Cup 2025 - India Edition: Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the Startup World Cup 2025, India edition, where 550 companies will compete with 300 venture capitalists and private equities for funding. Fifteen companies will be selected to represent India at the International World Cup competition in San Francisco.
• Key Thematic Areas: The event will emphasize several key areas, including cybersecurity, satellite communications (Satcom), Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Internet of Things (IoT), and telecom manufacturing and indigenous innovation.
• Global Summits: IMC 2025 will host six major global summits and programs, including the International AI Summit (focusing on AI in communication networks), the Cyber Security Summit (emphasizing the protection of India's telecom network), and the Satcom Summit (exploring the future of satellite-based communications). The IMC Aspire Programme will also bring together startups, VCs, and investors.
• Scale and Participation: IMC 2025 expects over 150,000 visitors from more than 150 countries, with over 7,000 global delegates and around 400 exhibitors. More than 1,600 new technology use-cases will be showcased across 5G, AI, cybersecurity, and related domains, with over 100 sessions featuring 800+ speakers.
• International Collaboration: IMC 2025 underscores international collaboration, with delegations from countries like Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Russia, Ireland, and Austria participating.
• Showcasing Use Cases: Over 1,600 new use-cases across areas such as 5G/6G, AI, smart mobility, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and green technology will be showcased through 100+ sessions and 800+ speakers.
• Focus on Key Technologies: IMC 2025 will focus on optical communications, semiconductors in telecom, quantum communications, 6G, and fraud risk indicators, reflecting India's strategic priorities in next-generation connectivity, digital sovereignty, cyber fraud prevention, and global technology leadership.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted that IMC 2025 has evolved into an Asian and global technology congress, reflecting India's growing capability and leadership in the digital domain. He also noted that IMC 2025 would serve as a highway for emerging technologies like 5G, AI, ML, IoT, and satellite communications, connecting India to the world.