The conference witnessed participation from over 300 innovators, social entrepreneurs, students, academicians, and industry leaders from 25 countries. It provided a vital platform for connecting grassroots innovators from across the country with academia, policymakers, and industry leaders. ICCIG 5 underscored the importance of enabling ecosystems that empower local solutions and create sustainable business models.

Delivering the inaugural address, Shri Shaji KV, Chairman, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), stressed the importance of achieving equitable growth and bringing the rural sector into the mainstream. Announcing NABARD’s new initiative to finance grassroots innovation, he stated, “Having realised the importance of money that such innovations require, we are going to launch ‘AgriSure’ fund which will finance early-stage frugal innovations and start-ups for agriculture and rural enterprise.”

Speaking at the conference, Professor Bakul Dholakia, Chairman, Gujarat Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN) Board and Former Director of IIMA, remarked, “ICCIG 5 is a humble attempt to celebrate the creativity and innovation of the common people at the grassroots level for inclusive development. The overwhelming response to this conference is a testament to the impact the Honey Bee Network has had on the inclusive innovation ecosystem within the country and across the world.” He further highlighted that over 300 participants, including 60 from 25 different countries, attended the conference, reinforcing its global outreach.

Showcasing Grassroots Innovations

A key highlight of ICCIG 5 was the participation of grassroots innovators, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and women’s self-help groups, who showcased their innovations at an innovation exhibition. Notable innovations included Mushtaq Ahmad Dar from Jammu and Kashmir, who introduced a device designed to make it easier for women to transport LPG cylinders; Nabajit Bharali from Assam, who presented a condenser that extracts water from air for potted plants; Bisu Hang Limbu from Sikkim, who exhibited his locally developed Sel Roti maker; and Suneel Singh from Jammu, who showcased his dwarf walnut variety. The exhibition also featured mechanized farmyard manure distributors, improved walnut grafting techniques, and an automatic cotton wick-making machine.

Additionally, Farmer Producer Organizations displayed processed agricultural products, while Bharatbhai showcased seeds of more than 250 vegetables, and another innovator presented 750 different tree seed varieties. Local artists contributed to the creative spirit of the event with unique works inspired by grassroots traditions.

Advancing Grassroots Innovation through Policy and Market Integration

Over the course of three days, ICCIG 5 hosted 24 thematic sessions, where experts explored strategies to advance grassroots innovations by overcoming financial, regulatory, and technological barriers. Panel discussions emphasized the urgent need for structured support systems, market integration strategies, and inclusive policy frameworks to ensure grassroots innovations thrive. Speakers underscored that fostering a global collaborative network, enhancing digital accessibility, and implementing regulatory reforms can empower local innovators and drive meaningful socio-economic change. The discussions also highlighted how agroecological innovations and participatory farming models can combat climate change and strengthen food security.

Addressing the gathering, Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, noted, “In today’s fast-paced world, when we are surrounded by technologically-driven innovations, conferences like this serve as reminders to preserve the precious traditional knowledge systems of our communities and the innovations that are taking place based on this knowledge.” He also stressed that while India has improved its ranking in the Global Innovation Index (GII), moving from 81st in 2015 to 39th in 2024, it is crucial to provide structured support for grassroots innovations and scale them up.

Reflecting on the evolution of the grassroots innovation movement, Professor Anil Gupta, Secretary, GIAN, and Visiting Faculty, IIMA, stated, “This conference first started as a movement of the Honey Bee Network 36 years ago. Our goal was to provide institutional support to knowledge-rich but economically poor people so that their ideas could become instruments of societal change.” He acknowledged the unprecedented support from IIMA over the past four decades, which has been instrumental in advancing the grassroots innovation ecosystem.

Further emphasizing the role of grassroots creativity, Professor Ranjan Ghosh, Chairman, CMA at IIMA, remarked, “At the heart of this gathering lies a commitment to exploring the possibilities that grassroots creativity and innovation bring to the forefront of societal transformation. Grassroots initiatives often emerge from necessity, born out of lived experiences, cultural richness, and the aspiration to overcome challenges.”

Empowering Women and Creating Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Expert sessions also focused on commercializing grassroots innovations, leveraging digital platforms, and addressing market entry barriers. Discussions highlighted teacher-driven and community-led innovations as examples of decentralized systems solving local challenges. Panel discussions explored how entrepreneurial ecosystems can be strengthened, identifying hurdles such as funding constraints, lack of mentorship, and limited market visibility.

Gender disparities in grassroots innovation emerged as a key theme during the conference. One session shed light on societal biases, funding gaps, and mentorship shortages faced by women innovators in India’s informal sector. Initiatives like ShodhYatra were recognized for empowering women to actively participate in innovation ecosystems.

Valedictory Session and the ‘Grassroots to Global’ (G2G) Declaration

In the valedictory address, Shri Jagdish Vishwakarma, Minister of State, Khadi, Rural and Cottage Industry, Gujarat, lauded GIAN’s efforts in connecting grassroots innovators with global stakeholders. He remarked, “I had the opportunity to meet and interact with many innovators today and learn about their unique innovations solving real grassroots problems. Such conferences are the need of the hour to bring these talented individuals into the spotlight.”

On the final day of ICCIG 5, the ‘Grassroots to Global’ (G2G) declaration was adopted, marking a significant milestone in the journey of grassroots innovation. The G2G model emphasizes affordable, accessible, and environmentally sustainable solutions, promoting a circular economy through biodegradable products and low-waste production processes. It also aims to create jobs across both production and consumption markets, ensuring widespread economic benefits.

Conclusion

ICCIG 5 successfully reinforced the role of grassroots innovations in solving local and global challenges, bridging the gap between innovation, policy, and markets. The conference brought together diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to grassroots innovators, creating a collaborative ecosystem for scaling impactful solutions. With strong institutional support from CSIR, NABARD, SIDBI, Suzuki Innovation Cell, YIM Malaysia, Schola Campesina, and Gharda Chemicals Limited, ICCIG 5 set the stage for advancing grassroots innovations towards mainstream markets and policy frameworks.

Contact Information:
Phone: 9537574742
Email: ceo@gian.org