India: A Global Hub for Technological Transformation
Senior leaders from Standard Chartered (SC) Ventures underscored India’s rise as a major technology hub that is significantly reshaping the way individuals live, work, and connect. This statement was made during the Global FinTech Festival (GFF) 2025.
Innovation and Startups in India
Apurv Suri, head of client engagement and partnerships at SC Ventures, pointed out that India stands out globally for its scale and speed of innovation. Describing it as a “goldmine of startups and talent,” he remarked that the burgeoning ecosystem is characterized by global ambitions.
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
Suri emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) is set to become the next major wave of transformation across industries. He predicts that as AI technology advances, it will not only revolutionize traditional banking but will also create disruptions within fintech companies themselves.
Hyper-Personalization Through AI
“With AI, you can achieve extensive reach and scale, while also enabling hyper-personalization,” Suri noted. He explained that India’s diverse linguistic and cultural backdrop makes it an ideal locale for developing AI-driven solutions tailored to individual needs. The emergence of “agentic AI,” capable of functioning autonomously, could lead to the birth of a new generation of startups.
Blockchain: Beyond the Hype
In addition to AI, Suri discussed other groundbreaking technologies, particularly blockchain and quantum computing. He argued that the true value of blockchain lies in its practical applications rather than just its tokens. “India presents a unique scale, ample opportunity, and numerous use cases that only blockchain can effectively address,” he added, projecting that evolving regulations will further enhance blockchain’s role in the Indian economy.
Exploring Quantum Computing
Regarding quantum computing, Suri revealed that SC Ventures recently initiated a joint venture with Fujitsu in the UK, focusing on utilizing quantum energy to bolster AI and fintech solutions. “India represents the best market for us in terms of actionable use cases,” he stated, emphasizing the intent to incorporate Indian talent and innovation into global efforts.
Strategic Partnerships in India
Suri reaffirmed India’s critical importance for Standard Chartered Ventures, recalling the bank’s pioneering projects such as a B2B SME marketplace and a recent collaboration with Kiya.ai aimed at creating immersive digital experiences for users both in India and globally. “We actively seek more opportunities in strategic partnerships, investments, and joint ventures,” he asserted.
Collaborating for the Future of Fintech
Echoing Suri’s sentiments, Harald Eltvedt, an operational member of SC Ventures, termed India “one of the best places in the world to discover tech talent.” He expressed enthusiasm about the potential for deepening collaborations with local startups, emphasizing India’s increasingly vital role in the global fintech landscape. “We aim to collaborate with fintechs in India to shape the future of banking,” he concluded.