Jaipur, Technology adoption, export growth and access to international markets emerged as key priorities for Jaipur’s MSMEs and businesses at Global RISE 2026 – Jaipur Edition, where more than 105 industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and government representatives came together to discuss the next phase of growth for the region’s business ecosystem.
Organised by SMBConnect, the Jaipur edition marked the seventh stop of Global RISE 2026 – The Next Phase of India’s Growth, a 15-city business series focusing on Free Trade Agreements, technology, finance, trade, exports and global market access. The discussions in Jaipur focused on how established sectors such as gems and jewellery, handicrafts, furniture, garments, engineering and manufacturing can leverage technology and innovation to scale and access new markets.
Sandipan Ray, Founder & Director, SMBConnect, said Jaipur’s business ecosystem extends well beyond the sectors it is traditionally known for. He noted that the city has a strong base across engineering, manufacturing and other industries, and that the next opportunity lies in taking these capabilities to newer domestic and international markets.
The programme opened with Dr. K.L. Jain, President, RCCI, who spoke on “Jaipur’s Enterprise Advantage: Empowering MSMEs for Global Growth”. Himanshu Joshi, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Industries and Commerce, highlighted government policies and institutional support available to MSMEs, while Sumit Kumar, SMB Head, Radius Systems Pvt. Ltd., discussed the role of technology in helping businesses improve efficiency and scale.
The city’s craft economy was also a key focus. Anupriya Rajawat, Creative Head (Arts & Culture), Jaipur Rugs, shared the Jaipur Rugs journey of taking Indian craftsmanship to global markets. The discussion highlighted the need for traditional businesses to scale while retaining the distinct identity and craftsmanship that form their core strengths.
A panel discussion on technology, innovation and global competitiveness brought together Dr. Arun Agarwal, Senior Vice President & Spokesperson, RCCI; Rajiv Arora, Founder, Amrapali Jewels; Harshit Garg, Director, Derewala Industries Limited; and Thomas Jose, R&D Lead, Vaibhav Global Ltd. The panel was moderated by Praveen Sharma, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Sigma Synergy LLP. The discussion examined how technology and innovation can strengthen Jaipur’s established gems, jewellery and handicrafts sectors and help businesses expand their global presence.
Kunal Koli, Manager, Interakt by Jio Haptik, demonstrated practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in building business teams and workflows, bringing a technology-focused perspective to the discussions.
The export potential of Rajasthan’s furniture and handicrafts sector was highlighted by Girish Agarwal, Founder, Sankalp International and Member, COA & Regional Convenor, Northwest Region. He shared his experience of building an international business around craftsmanship, innovation and exports.
The garment sector was represented by Rakshit Poddar, Director, Cheer Sagar Exports and President, GEAR, who discussed Rajasthan’s potential to strengthen its position as a global garment hub and the need to improve scale, competitiveness and international market access.
A key leadership session focused on building businesses capable of sustainable growth. Dinesh Gupta, Founder & President, Sekawati Impex; Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Founder, Oscar Exports and Swishin Ventures; and Ripul Goel, Director, Arihant Group, joined moderator Anshu Harsh, Writer, Publisher & Speaker, Simply Jaipur Publications. The discussion examined what Rajasthan’s MSMEs need to build over the next decade, including stronger market positioning, operational capabilities, innovation and access to markets beyond their existing geographies.
Bhupinder Singh, Assistant Director, FIEO Rajasthan, outlined opportunities for Jaipur businesses looking to expand into international markets. Pradeep Ojha, Director, MSME Development & Facilitation Office, Jaipur, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, spoke about the wider ecosystem and institutional support required to make the region’s MSMEs more globally competitive.
The programme concluded with the Global RISE Awards 2026, recognising entrepreneurial achievements, followed by high tea and networking.
Jaipur was the seventh stop of Global RISE 2026, following editions in Ahmedabad, Pune, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Coimbatore and Hyderabad. The series will next travel to Indore on October 27 as part of its 15-city journey under the theme “The Next Phase of India’s Growth”.
Global RISE 2026 is organised by SMBConnect to connect Indian businesses with opportunities and stakeholders across global trade, Free Trade Agreements, technology, finance, exports and international market access. SMBConnect is a 13-year-old business community and ecosystem that supports small and medium businesses through communities, conferences, industry engagement, knowledge and business networks.
