The GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) organized a networking luncheon on February 1 in Manhattan, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. The event underscored GOPIO’s ongoing mission to empower the Indian diaspora, particularly in the ever-evolving technological sector.
As a business and networking platform established by the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), the GCCI seeks to foster connections among small and medium-sized businesses within the Indian diaspora on both local and international levels.
The luncheon was hosted by GOPIO Life Member Braj Aggarwal, who welcomed participants and provided his office conference room as the venue. He also offered the space for future GOPIO and GCCI seminar sessions. The gathering served as a vital networking opportunity, particularly for emerging technology firms and investors.
GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham formally opened the event, urging attendees to become part of the newly relaunched GCCI. He stressed the organization’s crucial role in fostering business connections, stating, “GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) will connect small and medium businesses of the Diaspora locally and internationally, and it is a great opportunity for them to network.”
Dr. Abraham also highlighted that the GCCI initiative is creating avenues for technology startups, entrepreneurs, and investors to collaborate ahead of the upcoming GOPIO Convention.
During the event, GOPIO International President Prakash Shah extended an invitation to all attendees for the GOPIO Convention, set to take place in Brisbane, Australia, from March 28 to 30, 2025. He emphasized the convention’s theme, “The Diaspora’s Role in Shaping Future Technologies,” and described it as a unique opportunity for networking and learning about cutting-edge advancements.
The convention will feature discussions on various technological fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), nanotechnology, advanced materials, electronic and photonic devices, pharmaceuticals, food supplements, medical devices, biomedical innovations, energy generation and storage, and nano-bio convergence technologies.
A highlight of the Manhattan event was a speech by London-based guest speaker Raj Lakha, an experienced investor with stakes in multiple technology ventures. Lakha is a key investor in several technology firms, such as Holoxica.com, Promake.com, Unicatchup.com, and Valenspay.com.
Specializing in private equity, corporate finance, and private-public partnership (PPP) projects, Lakha spoke about the importance of investing in innovations that promote health and longevity. He remarked, “Sectors such as Longevity Medicine, AI, Nanotech, Fintech, et al. will provide Indian diaspora community members with opportunities not seen before.”
In addition to supporting the initiatives led by Abraham and Shah, Lakha proposed establishing new ventures under the GOPIO umbrella. He suggested the creation of a ‘GOPIO Bank’ offering debit and credit card services, as well as ‘GOPIO TV Online’ and a GOPIO Chamber of Commerce office in London.
He further noted, “This will hopefully encourage younger PIOs/NRIs to join GOPIO.”
The luncheon provided an invaluable platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore new opportunities within the Indian diaspora’s business and technology sectors.