- Gitex now has different editions focusing on AI and technology. How does the Kerala market fit into this ecosystem?
Kerala is a very exciting and interesting market. I spent the last three days at Huddle Global, and what impressed me was the level of innovation and the interesting ideas coming from people across different age groups.
It is a very promising market with significant innovative potential. Kerala has a growing startup ecosystem, and I believe it offers many exciting opportunities for innovation.
2. This year’s theme is ‘Global Reset 2027’. How does this theme connect with Kerala-based startups participating in Huddle Global?
Gitex has established itself as a major global technology ecosystem. Within Gitex, we have the North Star programme, which is specifically dedicated to supporting the startup ecosystem.
When we talk about the startup ecosystem, we include investors, startup businesses and incubators from across the world. We have built one of the world’s largest networks of incubators and investors.
With Gitex coming to India, this knowledge, global network and pool of resources will become accessible to Indian startups. Kerala-based startups will have an opportunity to meet, network and engage with international investors, incubators and businesses at Gitex India.
Q3. What is your message to Kerala-based founders who want to scale their businesses into international markets like Dubai and the UAE?
Mohammad Sarfraz: My advice is that businesses should not try to scale globally immediately. First, understand your fundamentals and build your strengths around them. Establish a strong customer base wherever you operate, whether in Kerala or elsewhere in India.
The more customers you build and the more problems you solve, the stronger your business becomes. Once you have established a solid foundation, you can explore international markets.
The UAE is certainly an attractive and open market for innovation, new ideas and different thought processes. It offers excellent opportunities for businesses looking to expand internationally.
However, my key advice to startups is to strengthen their core business before entering a new territory or market.
Q4. Gitex India is being organised in Bengaluru. Why was Kerala not selected as the location? Are there any possibilities of organising programmes in Kerala in the future?
Mohammad Sarfraz: This is an interesting question, and I receive similar questions from several other states, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Although the event is taking place in Bengaluru, it is not a Karnataka-focused event. Gitex India is a pan-India event. Our objective is to showcase India as one region rather than focusing on any particular state.
India is a country united by diversity, and that is the spirit we want to represent through Gitex India.
As for the possibility of organising future editions in Kerala, you never know. Perhaps one of the next editions could take place in Kerala. However, the current focus is on bringing the entire Indian technology ecosystem together through a single platform.
