Small and medium enterprises in India can benefit from innovative technologies and scale up their businesses in areas such as food production, energy, electronics, manufacturing and construction, among others, by partnering with industrial research institutes of international repute such as National Institute of Industrial Technology and Innovation (INTI), said Mr. Guillermo Devoto, Consul General and Director, Trade Centre of the Republic of Argentina in Mumbai at the webinar on 'Creating Joint Opportunities with Argentine Technology and Innovation' organized by MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Government of Argentina.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Marcelo Marzocchini, Chief Operative Director, INTI suggested that Indian SMEs can gain from industrial innovation, technology development and quality assurance, and improve people’s quality of life. INTI offers over 8,000 industrial services through over 200 accredited laboratories and assists over 15,000 SMEs every year, and can assist Indian SMEs through technology innovations.

Mr. Marzocchini further said, INTI offers industrial capabilities in a multitude of sectors such as automotive, biotechnology, building, chemical and pharma, dairy products, electronics and energy, to name a few. Indian SMEs should take advantage of its network of technology centers comprising of specialized professionals and unique equipment that provide comprehensive assistance to SMEs.

Ms. Maria Fernanda Becce, Manager, Institutional and Communication, Department, INTI said INTI can help Indian companies enhance export capabilities in areas such as design and launch of meat and milk plants, bioprocess development, industrial services including equipment and prototype design, renewable energy generation and technical assistance for the approval of international standards in the electromedical equipment sector, among others.

The principal services exported by INTI include analysis and tests, technical assistance, mandatory certifications, proficiency tests, calibrations and training workshops. INTI can offer Indian companies international linkage in the form of technology transfer, institutional strengthening in knowledge and capabilities, training of human resources, projects R&D&I, exchange of experts in the project framework, and scientific international workshops and meetings. Ms. Becce further remarked, INTI and Indian SMEs can have potential cooperation in biomass, textile (mainly silk), and API synthesis and fine chemistry sectors.

Earlier in his Welcome Address, Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, technology and its rapid growth play a major role in making MSMEs adaptive to the global economy. Business incubators promote and support creativity of individual innovators and assist them to become technology-based entrepreneurs.

Capt. Batra remarked, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai strives to make Indian MSMEs competitive in the global market and has been conducting virtual programmes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to educate MSMEs on ways to mitigate challenges and sail through the crisis, and the opportunities arising on the way forward.

Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai proposed the Vote of Thanks.

The event was attended by MSMEs, service enterprises, industry representatives, consular corps, students and members of the academia.