TIME TO INNOVATE
General Electric’s annual Tech Mela in Bangalore showcased the latest in healthcare, aviation, energy and railway technology last month. By Sonali Acharjee
Tech Mela 2013 was a two- day technology extravaganza showcasing innovations from the GE India Technology Centre. The event, which was held in Bangalore last month, saw nearly 4,500 employees and family members from the centre attend the various displays and exhibitions.
This year the fair showcased a variety of products and technologies from the many GE businesses located at the John F. Welch Technology Centre. From a special ‘ tunnel of innovation’ where GE Healthcare took the audience through the different stages of life and the healthcare needs associated with each, to the magnificent CF6 engine that took pride of place at the GE Aviation stall, to the demonstration of GE Transportation’s railway signaling solutions on a model track, there was plenty to keep visitors engaged at the fair.
Energy businesses GE Power & Water, GE Oil & Gas and GE Energy Management showcased their technologies in the sector. These include wind technologies customised for the Indian low wind regime, to solutions for extraction, transportation and use of oil and gas, to various offerings in breaker solutions for the electrification industry. The GE Appliances stall boasted of a 3D printer in action and the research arm of the company, GE Global Research displayed their work with futuristic technologies such as contactless power transfer and battery integrated wind turbines.
“Being a part of the GE tech centre is an eye opening experience. I can just speak to a colleague and learn about any area of technology,” explains Gopichand Katragadda, managing director of the GE India Technology Centre. “We have developed and launched the GE Wind Turbines for India, we have also worked on a LED based phototherapy technology for infant care, and we have partnered with our global colleagues to deliver the GEnx aircraft engine. These are just a few examples of the work done at the centre that aim to solve some of the country’s toughest problems. The Tech Mela is a carnival of innovation, showcasing the latest research work done at the centre,” adds Katragadda.
However, it was not all work and no play, as GE ITC also took the opportunity to showcase some of their own initiatives at the centre, including community service projects that GE Volunteers are engaged in, wellness initiatives rolled out by GE ’s corporate wellness programme HealthAhead and the affinity group GE Women’s Network for advancing the careers of women employees. The centre’s cultural club also entertained the audience with a flash mob and a finale concert by the company’s very own rock band.