This workshop was organized by the Indian think tank iSPIRT Foundation, French Embassy in India, Consulate General of France in Bangalore, and La French Tech in India, based on the following principles: Results:
8th Open House Session- Ballon Volunteers
Thank you so much for your patience… Many of you asked when the volunteer programme would be available to apply, and here we are again. We do have some changes, though, so please pay attention. This application process will be available only for the next couple of months and close by December 20th, 2024. It’s …
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What’s India’s cultural factor that can propel us towards becoming a Product Nation?
A gathering of iSPIRT volunteers in Bangalore turned into an interesting discussion: How does India become a Product Nation by espousing values that are inherent and ingrained in us as Indians? Here are some answers from that meeting. We hope this gets you thinking on how to draw inspiration from familiar cultural concepts while building …
Budget 2024 – Empowering Startups and MSMEs, and Doubling Down on DPIs and R&D
This 2024 Budget coming post-election has aroused the most curiosity since the budget of 2014. It is for two reasons that this 2024 Budget is significant as we work towards a Product Nation: Reason 1 is for this budget’s Innovation and related public spending on private innovation and Reason 2 is for the next-generation reforms …
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Driving Financial Inclusion: Leveraging Cash Flow Lending for MSMEs | Expert Insights with Deepak Sharma
In this insightful dialogue, Sagar Parikh engages with Deepak Sharma to explore the transformative potential of cash flow lending for Indian MSMEs. Deepak underscores the significance of democratizing credit access through short-tenor and small-ticket loans, especially for micro-enterprises that comprise 99% of the MSME sector in India. Drawing from his rich experience in banking and …
Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN)
OCEN is an initiative to unbundle lending and enable the creation of specialized entities, each specialized at one part of the job. Therefore, we envision the future of lending to be a partnership between multiple firms individually focused on sourcing/distribution, identity verification, underwriting, capital arrangement, recollections, etc. The entities like marketplaces who have high business-connect …
Unlocking Growth: The Power of Cash Flow Lending for MSMEs | Expert Insights with Dr. Ravi Modani
In this recent OpenHouse, Sagar Parikh discusses with Dr Ravi Modani how democratizing credit through short-tenor and small-ticket loans can help finance Indian MSMEs, 99% of which are micro-enterprises. Dr Modani shares his insights and invaluable guidance to navigate the complex world of B2B financing for MSMEs. He also delves deep into the challenges faced …
Interim Budget 2024 – DPI’s the new factor of productivity
This being an interim budget, much was not expected as far as new announcements and taxation changes. However, for iSPIRT and the Product ecosystem of the country, it is heartening to know that some of our initiatives and thoughts as a ‘think-tank’ have become central to thinking of Government at the leadership level. The following …
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Unlocking MSME Growth: Interoperable Networks & FinTech Insights with Bhavik Vasa
In our most recent OpenHouse, we embark on an insightful exploration of the transformative landscape in MSME lending, featuring Bhavik Vasa, the Founder of GetVantage, and Sagar Parikh. The conversation delves into the potential of creating groundbreaking impact through interoperable networks, particularly focusing on OCEN. The discussion navigates the dynamic intersection of finance and technology, …
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Role of Intermediaries & FinTech in MSME lending ecosystem: A conversation with Lizzie Chapman
Intermediaries and Fintechs have played an important role in the lending ecosystem, but the impact is mostly seen in consumer lending and not so much in MSME lending, especially for unsecured, small ticket and short duration loans. What are the missing pieces in the lending process for which advanced tech and a mindset shift can …
Open House on DPI for AI #4: Why India is best suited to be the breeding ground for AI innovation!
This is the 4th blog in a series of blogs describing and signifying the importance of DPI for AI, a privacy-preserving techno-legal framework for AI data collaboration. Readers are encouraged to first go over the earlier blogs for better understanding and continuity. We are at the cusp of history with regard to how AI advancements …
Open House on DEPA Training #3: The Regulatory and Legal Aspects
This is the third in a series of blogs describing the structure and importance of Digital Public Infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence (DPI for AI), a privacy-preserving techno-legal framework for data and AI model building collaborations. Readers are encouraged to go over the first and second blogs for better understanding and continuity. Open House on DEPA Training …
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Unveiling the Future of Lending: A Conversation with Shachindra Nath from UGro Capital
In an era of evolving financial landscapes, the realm of lending is witnessing a significant shift—from the traditional collateral-based approach to the more contemporary cash flow lending model facilitated by OCEN (Open Credit Enablement Network). Recently, we hosted UGro Capital in an insightful conversation with Shachindra Nath, shedding light on this transformative paradigm in lending …
Beyond the clutter: How OCEN is unlocking MSME credit market in India
Introduction OCEN plays a pivotal role in revolutionising MSME lending in India. This innovative open network is specifically designed to serve those new to credit, employing an omni-channel approach that democratises and simplifies access to lending. Currently, the market lacks a scalable and profitable model for short-term, low-value MSME loans – a significant gap that …
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Open House on DEPA Training #2: DPI to Unfreeze Data Markets. Let’s Make India an AI Nation!
This is the 2nd blog in a series of blogs describing and signifying the importance of DPI for AI, a privacy-preserving techno-legal framework for AI data collaboration. Readers are encouraged to first go over the 1st blog for better understanding and continuity. What is unique about the techno-legal framework in DPI for AI is that …

