ICGTPF 4.0 Hyderabad's summit aims to bridge India's green energy skills gap

Hyderabad: Ahead of its fourth edition, the International Conference on Green Technology, Policy and Finance (ICGTPF 4.0) aims to connect international green energy markets with India's emerging workforce. The founder has identified a significant skills gap and an immediate need for 25 lakh jobs in the sector. The event aims to address this by bringing together industry, startups, and students.

In an exclusive conversation with HyderabadMail, Dr. Sandip Chattopadhyay, Founder of Chandradeep Solar Research Institute (CDSRI) and Secretary of ICGTPF 4.0, discussed the upcoming International Conference on Green Technology, Policy and Finance (ICGTPF 4.0). Since arriving in Hyderabad in 2022, CDSRI has advanced education and support for solar energy, electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and the integration of artificial intelligence into clean energy systems. Before the main summit, a Pre-Conference Session will be held on October 17, 2025, at 9:30 AM in the Conference Room of Telangana Academy of Skill & Knowledge (TASK), Hyderabad.

Interviewer: Could you briefly explain the vision of organizing these ICGTPF conferences?

Chattopadhyay: Our vision grows richer with every conference. In 2022, we set out to inspire MSMEs, revealing the vast potential of green energy. The following year, we turned our attention to local students, guiding them towards exciting careers and entrepreneurial ventures in this field. In our third year, we delved into the transformative power of AI and machine learning for green innovation.

Interviewer: What is the main theme of this ICGTPF 4.0 conference?

Chattopadhyay: This year, we are expanding our global reach by inviting MSMEs and startups from the UK, India, and other countries to launch green energy ventures and form international partnerships. The conference will feature the International Green Energy Trade Summit, focused on advancing climate resilience through sustainable technologies, innovative financing, and global cooperation. Participants will include leaders from the UK, Germany, Korea, the Netherlands, Africa, as well as policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors. ICGTPF 4.0 aims to showcase global interest in green technologies and foster collaborations for a climate-secure future.

Interviewer: How will the conference address the theme of green energy?

Chattopadhyay: Our agenda includes sessions on advanced green energy technologies, progressive policies, and innovative financing such as carbon credits and climate finance. These discussions aim to highlight global enthusiasm for green technologies.

Interviewer: Is the conference focused on our state, or will it address national and global issues?

Chattopadhyay: The conference has a global focus. This year, the UK is our event partner. Last year, we collaborated with the British Deputy High Commission.

Interviewer: What are your key goals you wish to achieve after the conference?

Chattopadhyay: Our primary goal is to build a strong ecosystem for green energy businesses. We want to help MSMEs and startups access global markets and support young adults in pursuing careers in this sector.

Interviewer: Have you identified any gaps between the industry and students?

Chattopadhyay: There is a significant disconnect. Green energy technology is rarely part of the core curriculum in engineering colleges or schools in this region, whereas advanced countries have already integrated it into their curricula. Most students are unaware that India alone needs 25 lakh professionals in green energy, including those working on electric vehicles. The industry also struggles to find and nurture talent, as it is not closely linked with universities. Our mission is to bridge this gap, which is why we have partnered with TASK, the Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge.

Interviewer: What motivated you to start these conferences?

Chattopadhyay: The conference began after my wife, Dr. Madhuchandrika Chattopadhyay, whose expertise is in solar energy, inspired our move to Hyderabad in late 2021. With support from the National Institute for MSME, we launched the first event in March 2022.

Interviewer: What has been your individual journey with green energy? Why do you feel the need to underscore that?

Chattopadhyay: We began our work in green energy in 2008 by establishing a manufacturing unit in Calcutta. Since then, we have trained over a thousand young people and supported the creation of more than 20 startups in West Bengal. Relocating to Hyderabad enabled us to broaden our impact and pursue new opportunities.

Interviewer: Is there anything else you would like me to add to the article?

Chattopadhyay: Yes, and to elaborate, Ajay Mishra, IAS (Retd.), is the chairman of the International Conference on Green Energy Technology, Policy, and Finance (ICGTP). Dr. Madhuchandrika Chattopadhyay, Co-Founder of CDSRI, serves as the Organizing Secretary of ICGTPF 4.0.

Focus Areas of ICGTPF 4.0

The 2025 summit will expand on our previous work by focusing on climate-resilient growth and development. Key areas include green hydrogen and ammonia for industrial decarbonisation, solar PV applications such as agrivoltaics and floating solar, carbon markets and climate investment, grid modernisation and energy storage, waste-to-energy and the circular economy, as well as e-mobility and green logistics. These priorities demonstrate our commitment to sustainable innovation and global collaboration.