Companies, regional organisations (states, cities, municipalities) and public institutions had the opportunity to join the programme series “Germany and India 2011-21012: Infinite Opportunities” with their own events – be it conferences, lectures, roundtable discussions, seminars, exchange programmes or other events. Eligible projects were in accordance with the overall theme and focus of “Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities” and the projects were relevant to both Germany and India and fell under the thematic focus of “StadtRäume — CitySpaces”, which addressed relevant transformation processes in India and the various challenges regarding rapid urban development.
The project was being initiated by The German Federal Foreign Office, the Goethe-Institut, the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The project was managed by the Goethe-Institut/ Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi.
Each partner contributed a solution of its own expertise, all solutions complemented to a wider experience within the overall theme of City Spaces and partners' businesses did not overlap woth each other and the solutions offered by them were still unique.
For all the partners, the Indo-German Urban Mela was a platform to explore "Infinite Opportunities" in Indo-German partnership to jointly think, plan and create a more livable city of the future.
The PROJECT INITIATORS were:
Federal Republic of Germany - Federal Foreign Office
It was responsible for maintaining relations both with other states and with intergovernmental and supranational organizations. Apart from its role as formulator of foreign policy, the Foreign Service also sees itself as providing a service for German citizens, the German economy and German cultural life, as well as for parliamentarians and government officials at all levels. The range of services it offered beyond traditional diplomacy has become an important second field of the Ministry’s activities.
Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA)
It is a joint initiative of leading German business associations – the Federation of German Industries (BDI), the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV), the Federation of German Wholesale and Foreign Trade (BGA) and the Association of German Banks (Bankenverband). It voices Asia-related concerns of business to policy-makers in Germany and the Asia-Pacific region.
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) - "Science and Technology"
By virtue of the Grundgesetz (German Basic Law), BMBF has been responsible for the promotion of education and research in Germany, whilst school education and university teaching fall under the remit of the states. Among the Ministry's most important tasks are research funding (from basic scientific research right up to promoting research in cutting edge technologies), supporting the specially gifted (promoting gifted boys and girls, trainees and students), promoting up-and-coming scientists and funding international exchanges in the fields of initial and continuing training, higher education and research. In addition, the BMBF shares responsibility with the states in the fields of non-school vocational training and continuing education, as well as in promoting training.
BMBF also held an exhibition inside their pavilion at the Indo-German Urban Mela in all the 5 cities - Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi and Pune.
A glance at the exhibition inside the BMBF pavilion:
To promote the exchange between students and scientists, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched “A New Passage to India” which has proved highly successful over the last couple of years and demonstrated the dynamic cooperation between Germany and India. The BMBF pavilion showcased a number of educational institutions and large German scientific organisations alongside industrial partners. Innovative and successful products that are the result of the cooperation between science and industry were on display. There was also information for visitors about opportunities to study and do research internships in Germany.
Goethe-Institut
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach. It promotes knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. It also conveys a comprehensive picture of Germany by providing information on Germany's cultural, social and political life. Through their network of Goethe-Instituts, Goethe Centres and cultural societies, alongside the examination and language learning centres, they perform the principal tasks of cultural and educational policy abroad. They work in partnership with public and private cultural bodies, the German federal states and municipalities, and the corporate sector.
There were 5 OFFICIAL PARTNERS associated with the project and all of them held an exhibition inside their respective pavilion at the Indo-German Urban Mela in all of the 5 cities - Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi and Pune.
The OFFICIAL PARTNERS WERE:
BAJAJ ALLIANZ - "Worry free environment"
Founded in 2001, Bajaj Allianz Insurance Company Ltd. is India's premier private insurance company. A joint venture between Bajaj Finserv Ltd. (recently demerged from Bajaj Auto Ltd.) and Allianz SE, it is the only private insurer in India to cross the Rs.100 crore mark in profit before tax in the last four years. Like its parent companies, Bajaj Allianz enjoys a reputation of stability, growth and expertise, and offers a wide range of insurance services to fit every insurance need across the board.
A glance at the exhibition inside the Bajaj Allianz pavilion:
Bajaj Allianz pavilion was split into three main zones that focussed on how small changes can make a significant impact in the following subjects: health, motor vehicles and children. One could get a check-up in the health zone and discuss how to correct bad habits with a nutritionist. Showcasing their association with the Formula One, Bajaj Allianz had a car simulator to put your driving skills and road safety knowledge to the test. Demonstrating another perspective, children and young people were invited to take part in an interactive space specially designed to capture their view on what a ‘worry free’ city will look like. At the heart of the pavilion was an interactive digital depiction of day-to-day life in a city which demonstrated how small changes can enable a worry free life.
BASF - “Creating Chemistry”
It is the world's leading chemical company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility.
A glance at the exhibition inside the BASF pavilion:
With them one could discover how chemistry is working to solve challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, making a safer and sustainable future possible. Visitors also explored how chemical innovations in megatrends like mobility, food, nutrition and construction are making urban development more sustainable and how pervious concrete can replenish ground water, plastic that is soil friendly, and how farmers can increase the amount of crops they produce. The major highlight was the Kids’ Lab (registration required), offering hands-on lab experience to young people with an interest in science and chemistry. Kids took part in fun experiments that taught them about water purification and storage.
BOSCH - “Cities of the Future”
Bosch is a leading supplier of technology and services in the areas of automotive technology, industrial technology and consumer goods & building technology. Present in India for nearly 90 years, Bosch has the largest development centre outside Germany, for end to end engineering and technology solutions. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.
A glance at the exhibition inside the BOSCH pavilion:
At Bosch pavilion, one could learn about solutions for the future in the areas of mobility, energy and infrastructure and find out how we can develop cities of the future sustainably which will make everyday life easier, safer and more convenient. Visitors also explored Bosch’s safety systems which can reduce your risk of being involved in a road accident; discovered the Eco Plus Home which demonstrates the possibility of living in a house that generates virtually no CO2 emissions; and saw how Bosch is working towards making cities safer in the future with their trendsetting developments.
DEUTSCHE BANK - "Passion to perform"
Deutsche Bank is a leading global investment bank passionate about creating lasting value for our clients, shareholders, people and the communities in which we operate. In short, Deutsche is here to perform – in business and beyond. A leader in Germany and Europe, we’re continuously growing in North America, Asia and key emerging markets. In fact, India is one of our largest franchises among the 17 Asia-Pacific markets, with more than 8000 employees and 15 branches across the country.
A glance at the exhibition inside the Deutsche Bank pavilion:
Deutsche Bank showcased projects that offered imaginative and innovative solutions for the future. Highlights included the $300 house – housing for poor communities; Solar Impulse - a solar powered aircraft; and Window Farm – a hydroponic farming concept enabling people to grow food in cities. The pavilion featured a number of interactive elements such as the Dream: IN Tree where visitors were invited to tie their vision for the city on the branches of the tree and there was also the GreenKarbon photography competition which aimed to spread awareness for the important role nature plays in mitigating climate change.
SIEMENS - "Turning grey cities green"
Siemens AG (Germany) is a global powerhouse in electronics and electrical engineering. For over 160 years, Siemens has stood for technological excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality. The company is the world's largest provider of environmental technologies. Siemens foray into India began over 140 years ago. Today, Siemens in India has emerged as a leading inventor, innovator and implementer of leading-edge technology enabled solutions; operating in the core business segments of Industry, Infrastructure & Cities, Energy & Healthcare.
A glance at the exhibition inside the Siemens pavilion:
At the pavilion one could find out how cities of the future could be built around smart technological solutions with Siemens. Visitors also got involved with a range of interactive experiences to see how urban environments can become green. Issues such as energy, transport and water management were explored with a sustainable city tour. Most of the visitors also tried their hand at running a city with a digital planning game - a race against the clock to see how long you can keep your city going! There was also an expert centre that hosted panel discussions and workshops on city management.
Organisations that partnered with the project as CITY PARTNERS were:
AIRBUS - "The future by Airbus"
Airbus is the leading aircraft manufacturer with the most modern and comprehensive family of airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats. Airbus is a global company, employing some 55,000 people of over 80 different nationalities. Amongst Airbus activities in India are the Airbus Engineering Centre, the Airbus Training Centre (both Bangalore) as well as various partnerships for manufacturing, engineering and R&T. Airbus is an EADS company.
AIRBUS held exhibition inside pavilion in Bangalore and New Delhi:
The Airbus pavilion at the Indo German Urban Mela offered a glimpse into the future of aviation. An animated short film in the pavilion's cinema depicted the challenges the aviation industry is facing and showed possible solutions. Visitors could see a 1:50 scale of the Airbus Concept Plane. It is an engineer’s dream that embodies what air transport could look like in 2050. Furthermore, Airbus invited the visitors to discover what the future of flight might look like form the passengers’ perspective via the Airbus Concept Cabin iPad application.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, BUILDING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (BMVBS)
BMVBS promotes alternative sources of energy and the refurbishment of buildings for a climate-friendly development. It demonstrate approaches and solutions that are used in Germany in the fields of architecture, mobility, energy and combating climate change.
BMVBS held exhibition inside pavilion in Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai:
Demonstrating approaches and solutions that are used in Germany in the fields of architecture, mobility, energy and combatting climate change. Explore architecture of the future and see how buildings will be energy efficient and made using smart materials that can utilise light and energy.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF ECONOMICS AND TECHNOLOGY (BMWi) - "German Mittelstand"
Business, growth, prosperity – this motto sums up the aims of Germany’s Economics Ministry. After all, prosperity can only be attained through economic growth. The ministry’s policies are focused on a strategy for growth, safeguarding Germany’s economic future via new technologies, innovative start-ups and a supply of qualified professionals, as well as cutting red tape and implementing Germany’s radical energy reforms.
BMWi held exhibition inside pavilion in Delhi:
The Economics Ministry’s pavilion displayed innovations from the “German Mittelstand” and highlighted solutions for the urban challenges of the future. The visitors could enjoy a close-up and surprising experience of the innovations. Companies of the “German Mittelstand” affect many people’s lives and work, in many different sectors. They are at the heart of the German economy and a driving force for growth and employment. They range from the self-employed skilled craftsman to industrial operations, trade and tourism, services and the professions.
DHL - "Innovative Technologies"
The Deutsche Post and DHL corporate brands offer a one-of-a-kind portfolio of logistics and communications services. The Group provides its customers with both easy to use standardized products as well as innovative and tailored solutions ranging from dialog marketing to industrial supply chains. About 470,000 employees in more than 200 countries and territories form a global network focused on service, quality and sustainability. With programs in the areas of climate protection, disaster relief and education, the Group is committed to social responsibility.
DHL held exhibition inside pavilion in Delhi:
DHL offered visitors to the exhibition an impressive overview of its one-of-a-kind portfolio of logistics and services. With programs in the areas of environmental protection, disaster management and education, Deutsche Post DHL aims to achieve a balance between economic, environmental and social interests. The DHL brand in India encompasses DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Express, Blue Dart and DHL Supply Chain – four major players in the domestic and international logistics space. Together they offer expertise in international and domestic express, air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, overland transport and contract logistics solutions.
HERRENKNECHT
Herrenknecht is a technology and market leader in the area of mechanized tunnelling systems. As the only company worldwide, Herrenknecht delivers cutting-edge tunnel boring machines for all ground conditions and in all diameters – ranging from 0.10 to 19 meters. The Herrenknecht product range includes tailor-made machines for transport tunnels (Traffic Tunnelling) and supply and disposal tunnels (Utility Tunnelling).
HERRENKNECHT held exhibition inside pavilion in Chennai:
Herrenknecht delivered an insight of the company and its projects all around the world. One could explore the world of mechanized tunneling and see sustainable solutions for the construction of powerful urban infrastructures in Traffic and Utility Tunnelling for the megacities of India and worldwide. The model in the pavilion gave an idea of an underground infrastructure solution in inner-cities. Animations of tunnel boring machines explained their working principles and showed reference of tunnels built in Italy and in Shanghai.
LANXESS - "Chemistry at work"
LANXESS, a global specialty chemicals company, headquartered in Germany has significantly invested in India at its manufacturing sites in Nagda in Madhya Pradesh and Jhagadia in Gujarat as well as at its head office in Thane. It offers premium high tech solutions to customers backed by German expertise and state-of-the-art technology. LANXESS is here to benefit from India’s fast growing economy and is optimistic about the potential that the country offers. In this context, LANXESS is a right partner in the project ‘German year in India: Infinite Opportunities: 2011 – 2012’.
LANXESS held exhibition inside pavilion in Mumbai and New Delhi:
The pavilion at the Indo-German Urban Mela was highly interactive and laid out to capture elements of the global megatrends like mobility, urbanization and water. Urbanization leads to improvement in the quality and nature of lifestyles. Increased urbanization in recent times implies that there is a huge need for improved infrastructure, ample housing options, greater availability of public transport and higher demand for usable water among other things. This was reflected as solutions for the challenges associated with urban living. Urbanization is a strong growth driver for LANXESS worldwide and therefore, the company showcased solutions for sustainable urbanization at its pavilion.
INDO-GERMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (IGCC)
The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) is part of the international German Chambers Network (AHK) with 120 offices in 80 countries. It was founded in 1956 and with around 100 professionals and 7000 members, it is the largest institution of this network, as well as one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in India. Besides its headquarters in Mumbai, the IGCC has offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune and Düsseldorf and 17 honorary representatives in second tier cities all over India. In Germany, the Chamber has a network of 18 India Desks in local Chambers of the major German cities. In Asia, Australia, Africa and the Gulf, it has 9 India Desks in the German bilateral Chambers. Finally, it also has 1 representative in Brussels.
IGCC held exhibition inside pavilion in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Pune:
The IGCC pavilion was a platform for medium sized businesses. It included different exhibitor booths with a discussion table and central information counter. Visitors could interact with the city stall, the dedicated day stall and the brand building counter.
LAPP INDIA
The Lapp group has more than 40,000 products, 15 production sites, 100 outlets and 41 sales organisations around the world. Started operations at Bangalore, India in 1996, with a manufacturing unit and today it is the third largest manufacturing facility of the Lapp Group. Focus is now set on verticals like the construction industry (building connectivity solutions - helping in creating safer homes and safe cities) and renewable industry, Lapp is setting up its biggest plant in Bhopal.
LAPP INDIA held exhibition inside pavilion in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Pune:
Today more than ever we all rely increasingly on wires and cables to keep us connected with each other and to power our homes and offices. Unknown to most, a large proportion of fire accidents result from poor quality wiring and the toxic smoke they can emit. Lapp India demonstrated how these accidents can be prevented through their safe cabling solutions.The visitors also watched an engaging presentation about fire safety and took part in a fire safety challenge teaching participants essential survival skills. Visitors also learnt to make their home a safer place. Students could also find out more about Lapp India’s sponsored Centres of Excellence in India that act as an ideal link between the industry and the next generation of technocrats.
METRO Cash & Carry - “Global Experience, Local Impact”
METRO Cash & Carry is represented in 30 countries with over 700 self-service wholesale stores. With more than 100,000 employees worldwide, the wholesale company achieved sales of about € 31 billion in 2011. Headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany, METRO Cash & Carry is a sales division of METRO GROUP. METRO GROUP is one of the largest and most international retailing companies. In 2011 the Group reached sales of around € 67 billion. METRO Cash & Carry commenced operations in India in 2003 with the opening of its first wholesale centre in India at Yeshwantpur, Bangalore. In India, currently METRO Cash & Carry has eleven operational wholesale centres – two in Bangalore, two in Hyderabad, two in Mumbai and one each in Kolkata, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, New Delhi and Jaipur.
METRO held exhibition inside pavilion in Bangalore and New Delhi: 
The company showcased their work in the area of F&V Collection Centres, quality training, supply chain management and their presence and development in India through information architecture in the “infotainment”-part. Through state-of-the-art projection techniques, personalized standees explained the stories of two farmers and two chefs, describing how METRO Cash & Carry India contributed to their life and businesses. In the heart of the pavilion, digitalized information kiosks informed about METRO Cash & Carry India being a partner in the sustainable urban-rural transition, and closed the circle to the theme “StadtRäume – CitySpaces”. The visitors playfully explored the contribution towards India’s future urban scenario. In addition, bar code scanners told the stories of METRO products and invited visitors to experience the stories and supply chain behind the products, which were used on a daily basis by millions of people. In the "entertainment" part of the pavilion, a digitalized SPIN AND WIN wheel offered visitors the chance to win prizes, and entertain the crowd.
SAP - “Walkable Smart Grid City”
Opened in 1996, SAP India now has nearly 5,000 employees and is the second-largest research and development location of SAP AG, the world's leading provider of business software solutions. SAP was drawn to India because of the value offered by its vast pool of technical and managerial talent. SAP India has its headquarters in Bangalore and offices throughout the country, including Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata. Today SAP India is the leading provider of enterprise software to the Indian market.
SAP held exhibition inside pavilion in Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi:
A walkable Smart Grid city was the setting of the SAP Pavilion. As visitors walked through the transformation of the energy sector, they experienced the “right in the middle feeling”. Getting to know the weaknesses and challenges of today's energy supply, visitors walked towards the future to learn how and why a Smart Grid is the solution to ever rising energy demand and the benefits of it. Once familiar with this, visitors experienced the highlight of the Pavilion – a hands-on model of a Smart Grid. Security of supply, climate protection and sustainable energy supply and demand were experienced through an interactive miniature model. Visitors got an insight of how systems would operate in the future and the role IT plays in it.
VOITH - "Sustainable Innovation for India"
Innovation capacity, engineering expertise, reliability and quality have governed our activities since the birth of Voith in 1867, and these are still the guarantees of our ongoing success. Today, the Voith Group employs 40 000 people in around 50 countries. With its broad portfolio of plants, products and services Voith serves five essential markets in all regions of the world: energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automative.
VOITH held exhibition inside pavilion in Delhi:
Visitors got to know Voith from different perspectives as an integral part of their daily lives – mostly invisible and unwitting. They provided key components for public transport, technologies for reliable electric power supplies based on the renewable source of water, paper machines which produce all facets of paper – from newspaper and tissue paper to banknote paper as well as industrial services for key industries like the automotive sector. With exhibits made by Voith in India, display graphics and a video-presentation, the visitors were informed about the contributions which Voith delivers for India’s further development.
VOLKSWAGEN - "Future Mobility"
With its Indian headquarters in Pune, Maharashtra, the Volkswagen Group is represented by three brands in India: Volkswagen, Audi and ŠKODA. The Volkswagen Group currently operates two passenger car plants in the Western region of India (Pune and Aurangabad). The ŠKODA Auto production plant in Aurangabad caters to the premium models of the Group sold in India. The Volkswagen production facility in Pune with an investment of around 580 million Euros caters to the production of the volume market models in India. Today, Volkswagen Group has more than 20 models and around 230 dealerships in India spanning across Tier 1 and 2 cities.
VOLKSWAGEN held exhibition inside pavilion in Delhi and Pune:
At the Volkswagen Group India Pavilion, two important concepts, ‘MicroCity’ and ‘NILS’ were showcased. Volkswagen also talked about the future targets based on Innovation, Responsibility and Sustainability. Under Innovation, the displayed content was on the future of hybrid mobility, electric mobility and alternative fuels. Sustainability theme covered topics ranging from ‘ThinkBlue. Factory.’ to eco-compatible technologies, recycling concepts, forms of energy and renewable sources of energy. Under the theme of Responsibility, there was information on various activities undertaken by Volkswagen Group in that respect.
