International

All Things Resilience

CES returned in 2021, in the first-ever digital edition. A whopping 2000 companies including 700 startups from across 37 countries unveiled next-gen innovation aimed at bettering the future. Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the owner and producer of the technology event attracted participation from startups to tech giants. Averred Gary Shapiro, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CTA, “The all-digital CES 2021 engaged the global tech community to experience innovation, make connections and conduct business”. In a testimony to the global automotive components resilience and strength of innovation despite it being testing times, the 2021 edition highlighted advances made in 5G, vehicle technology and AI. Bosch, Caterpillar, Intel, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Panasonic, Sony, Bridgestone, Indy Autonomous Challenge, John Deere, Sono Motors and Volvo Penta among other automotive and tech companies to use the forum for announcements, product launches and in general to connect with customers.

General Motors, for instance, launched new product lines which included the Cadillac eVTOL, a concept air taxi besides announcing a new business unit devoted to electrifying the goods delivery market. Microsoft stressed the need to ensure cybersecurity and customer privacy protection emphasising on the tech industry’s responsibility to exercise conscience. With ‘Tech Innovation Accelerated by Covid-19’, ‘Consumer Privacy and Trust’, and ‘Global Tech Challenge’ as the underlying themes, attention was drawn to innovations like smart air filtration systems. The forum also called for the need to increase customer trust and handing over the consumer, greater control over their data. Through the ‘Global Tech Challenge’, launched last year in partnership with the World Bank and CTA, tech solutions were rewarded in the areas including resilience in India.

CTA also used the forum to commit to driving diversity in tech with a round of investment in VC fund Plum Alley, a part of the USD 10 million commitment set aside for venture firms and funds that invest in stakeholders like underrepresented entrepreneurs. Country Group Organisers were credited with bringing large delegations of exhibitors including from Canada, France, Israel, Italy, Japan and South Korea. Nigerian and Russian startups were featured for the first time. The hybrid CES 2022 will take place in person in Las Vegas, and digitally between January 05-08, 2022.