The GOPIO Chambers of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) organized a Networking Luncheon Meeting on February 1 in Manhattan, bringing together new technology companies and investors. The event featured London-based guest speaker Raj Lakha.
Braj Aggarwal, a GOPIO Life Member, hosted the luncheon and welcomed attendees to the networking session. He also offered his office conference room for future GOPIO and GCCI seminar sessions.
The program commenced with a formal address by GOPIO International Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, who encouraged participants to become members of GCCI. “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 stated.
He further emphasized that “as a prelude to the convention, GCCI is providing a platform in different cities for technology startups, entrepreneurs, and investors.”
Newly elected GOPIO International President Prakash Shah extended an invitation to the GOPIO Convention in Brisbane, Australia, scheduled for March 28-30, 2025. He highlighted the theme, “The Diaspora’s Role in Shaping Future Technologies,” noting that the event provides a valuable opportunity for members of the Indian Diaspora to visit that region and network with the community there.
Conference sessions at the convention will align with the broader theme and cover a range of emerging technologies. Topics will include 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 Devices, and nano-bio-convergence technologies.
Raj Lakha, the guest speaker for the luncheon, is a London-based investor with stakes in several technology companies, including Holoxica.com, promake.com, unicatchup.com, and valenspay.com. Specializing in private equity, corporate finance, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, Lakha stressed the significance of investing in technological solutions that enhance longevity and health through innovations in life sciences.
“The future of technology is investing in solutions that increase Longevity of Health using innovations in life sciences,” Lakha said.
He further explained that “sectors such as Longevity Medicine, AI, Nanotech, Fintech et al will provide Indian Diaspora community members with opportunities not seen before.”
Lakha also expressed his support for the initiatives of Dr. Abraham and Mr. Shah by proposing the development of several projects, including a “GOPIO Bank” with debit and credit card services, “GOPIO TV online,” and the establishment of a GOPIO Chamber of Commerce office in London. “This will hopefully encourage younger PIOs/NRIs to join GOPIO,” Lakha added.
GCCI is actively expanding worldwide and encourages interested individuals to open new chapters in their cities. Those interested in establishing a chapter can contact Prakash Shah at 908-267-5021 or Sid Jain at 201-889-8888.