Madhya Pradesh showcased its ambition to emerge as a future-ready investment destination on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 in Davos, holding high-level discussions across AI-led agri-food innovation, renewable energy storage, and technology hub expansion.
AI-Driven Protein Innovation: Talks with Shiru
The Madhya Pradesh government held detailed discussions with Shiru, a global leader in AI-based protein innovation, to explore collaboration in the agri-food and life sciences sectors.
Raghvendra Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, interacted with Dr Jasmine Hume, Founder and CEO of Shiru. The talks focused on AI-enabled protein discovery, agricultural inputs, and applied research.
Shiru presented its AI-powered protein discovery and design platform, which develops industry-ready, high-quality protein ingredients. The company highlighted that nearly 77% of its portfolio is derived from natural proteins, supported by strong capabilities in technology licensing and capital-efficient, scalable production models.
Discussions also covered the application of AI-based proteins in the food, cosmetics, and healthcare sectors, along with Shiru’s global partnership-driven business network spanning the European Union, Canada, Latin America, Asia (including Thailand), and India.
Dr Hume expressed strong interest in Madhya Pradesh’s robust agricultural ecosystem. Both sides agreed to explore collaboration with state universities and agricultural research institutions, identify crop-based protein inputs, and work towards joint ventures, pilot projects, applied research, and future manufacturing facilities in the state. Follow-up meetings were agreed upon to advance commercial and research partnerships.
Renewable Energy Storage: Engagement with Amara Raja Group
In another key engagement, the Madhya Pradesh delegation held discussions with the Amara Raja Group on renewable energy integration and advanced energy storage solutions.
The meeting was attended by Renewable Energy Minister Rakesh Shukla and Additional Chief Secretary Manu Shrivastava, who interacted with Jay Galla, Co-founder, Chairman and Managing Director of the Amara Raja Group.
The discussions focused on battery-based storage technologies, renewable energy integration, and long-term clean energy strategies. The delegation shared updates on the Morena battery storage project in northern Madhya Pradesh, which ensures two hours of power supply during evening peak demand and two hours during early morning hours.
Officials outlined the state’s long-term vision of 24×7 renewable energy availability, supported by integrated battery storage systems. It was reiterated that all future renewable energy projects in the state will be planned with mandatory storage components, aligned with Madhya Pradesh’s progressive renewable energy policy.
The state also shared plans for a pump storage policy, ongoing discussions with private developers, and evaluations of hybrid energy models, including hydro–solar and thermal–solar combinations. Both sides agreed to exchange detailed project data and continue dialogue to explore collaboration in energy storage and advanced battery solutions.
HCLTech Talks: Positioning MP as a Tier-2 Technology Hub
On the first day of the Davos visit, the Madhya Pradesh delegation also met HCLTech, one of the world’s leading IT services companies, to discuss expansion opportunities in Tier-2 technology hubs.
Principal Secretary Raghvendra Kumar Singh held discussions with Abhay Chaturvedi, Corporate Vice President, HCLTech, highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s strengths as an emerging technology destination beyond traditional IT hubs.
HCLTech shared its assessment of expanding operations in Tier-2 cities, citing key requirements such as skilled talent, reliable power infrastructure, and global connectivity. The state government underlined its strong position on all these parameters, supported by a stable policy framework and rapidly improving infrastructure.
The delegation presented Madhya Pradesh’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy, competitive cost advantages, availability of ready-to-move-in office spaces, lease rental incentives, skill development support, and employment-linked benefits. The state’s single-window clearance system and strong ease of doing business framework were also highlighted.
The presence of premier institutions such as IITs, NITs, and IISER, along with improving quality of life, was positioned as a key advantage for technology investments. HCLTech expressed interest in exploring future technology centres and offshore development centres in the state. Both sides agreed to work on a strategic roadmap for potential expansion and continue discussions through collaborative outreach initiatives.
The engagements at WEF Davos 2026 underscore Madhya Pradesh’s commitment to innovation-led growth, clean energy transition, and technology-driven employment, reinforcing its pitch as a preferred destination for global investors.
