The IT Conclave 2025, jointly organized by the Department of Industries, UT Chandigarh and PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), was successfully held in Chandigarh on Friday. The event brought together industry leaders, government representatives, academia, and start-ups to deliberate on Chandigarh’s emerging role as an IT and digital innovation hub.

Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address. He highlighted Chandigarh’s rapid emergence as a hub for IT, IT-enabled services, and start-ups in North India, noting that the city’s modern infrastructure, proximity to industrial and educational hubs, and a highly skilled workforce make it an attractive destination for digital growth.

The Deputy Commissioner shared that Chandigarh is home to more than 56,000 MSMEs, a large number of which are engaged in IT, ITES, and professional services, providing employment to over 50,000 professionals. He emphasized that the future of Chandigarh lies in embracing Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Blockchain, and Cloud Computing, which are creating immense opportunities for innovation and start-up ventures.

He further underlined that MSMEs are increasingly adopting digital tools and AI-based solutions to scale up nationally and globally. Referring to the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme, supported by the Ministry of MSME and the World Bank, he noted that it is being actively implemented in Chandigarh to drive skilling, digital adoption, technology upgradation, and stronger market linkages.

Reaffirming the Administration’s vision, the Deputy Commissioner said that Chandigarh is committed to becoming a regional IT & Start-up capital, with focus on strengthening IT infrastructure, building a robust digital ecosystem for MSMEs, and encouraging women and youth-led entrepreneurship.

The Conclave concluded with a joint call from the Deputy Commissioner and participants for stronger collaboration between government, industry, and academia to make Chandigarh a model city for AI adoption and MSME-led digital transformation.