The Frugal Innovation Forum
A tale of two countries. In France, the ecological consequences of overconsumption and resource depletion have led to the creation of a vibrant “low-tech” ecosystem. These movements promote frugal production methods, often drawing on older solutions to address modern challenges. Some even advocate “degrowth” to curb the resource-intensive lifestyles of 21st-century France.
In India, frugality is not as much of an option as a necessity. Confronted with deep inequalities and limited access to resources, Indians must continually maximize what is available : whether launching startups, running rural schools, or executing space missions on extremely tight budgets. This Indian frugality also thrives in high-technology sectors, exemplified by the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 probe at the Moon’s south pole—achieved with a remarkably modest €68.7 million budget.
As both nations face mounting social, environmental, and economic pressures — alongside the rapid rise of AI — how can human-centered frugal innovation help address these crises? And how might France and India collaborate here more effectively?
These questions lie at the heart of the The Frugal Innovation Forum, co-curated with Mr. Navi Radjou. This event shall be held on 25 April 2026 at Science Gallery Bengaluru, preceded by a workshop on frugal AI on 24 April.
Science Gallery
Venue partner
Science Gallery Bengaluru is a public institution that connects scientific research with art, design, and society through interdisciplinary exhibitions and programmes. Established in 2020 as part of the Global Science Gallery Network, it is supported by the Government of Karnataka and leading academic partners including the Indian Institute of Science and the National Centre for Biological Sciences. The gallery engages young adults through interactive exhibitions, workshops, talks, and public labs. With a focus on critical inquiry, it serves as a platform for dialogue on science, technology, and contemporary social challenges in India and beyond.
Navi Radjou
Navi Radjou is an innovation strategist, keynote speaker, and co-author of the bestselling book Jugaad Innovation. He advises global corporations and public institutions on frugal innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable business models. Recognized as one of the world’s leading management thinkers, Radjou champions resource-efficient, human-centered approaches to innovation that drive resilience and long-term impact across emerging and developed economies.
Programme
Workshop on Frugal Artificial Intelligence
2:30 pm – 5:00 pm:
The workshop will be led by Mr. Serish Venkata Gandikota at the Science Gallery, Bengaluru. By invitation only.
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Opening of The Festival of Ideas
7:00 pm: Discussion | Frugality and the Pursuit of Happiness
With Cédric Carles and Navi Radjou, moderated by Vipasha Devi Tilak at the auditorium of Alliance Française de Bangalore
Art Exhibition | World Without End
8:30 pm:
Opening of the exhibition “Un Monde Sans Fin” (World Without End) at the Alliance Française of Bangalore
Science Gallery
9:30 am – 10:00 am:
Welcome Coffee
10:00 am – 10:07 am:
Welcome speech by the Director of the Science Gallery, Ms. Jahnavi Phalkey
10:07 am – 10:15 am:
Introductory remarks by the Consul General of France in Bangalore
10:15 am – 10:30 am:
Keynote by Mr. Navi Radjou | From Leapfrogging to Trailblazing: India’s Next Frontier in Frugal Innovation
10:30 am – 11:00 am:
Talk by Jagadish Babu | DPI Powered by AI – A Catalyst for Societal transformation leveraging the power of DPI and AI
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11:00 am – 11:30 am:
Break
11:30 am – 12:00 pm:
Speech by Prof. Anil Gupta | Minds on the margins are not marginal minds: frugal & inclusive innovations from & for grassroots
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm:
Panel discussion with Serish Gandikota (Cambridge Frugal AI Hub), Neha Bhatnagar (Aspire Impact), Ushnisha Ghosh (British International Investment), and Starlene Sharma (Green Artha). Moderated by Dr. Madanmohan Rao (MXR.World) | Frugal AI for the Global South
12:30 pm – 13:00 pm:
A panel discussion between Dr. Vishal Rao (HCG Cancer Centre) and Dr Suramya Asthana (IISc). Moderated by Mr. Abhishek Kumar (Wadhwani AI) | Frugal innovation in healthcare
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13:00 pm – 14:00 pm:
Lunch Break
14:00 pm – 14:40 pm:
A roundtable discussion between representatives of French innovation centres in India, a conversation between Anita Loganathan (Renault Nissan), Siddharth Balachandran (Airbus Innovation Centre), Jyoti Pahadsingh (Société Générale), Ms. Rachna Verma (Schneider Electric) moderated by Mr. Navi Radjou | Made in India, for the World
14:40 pm – 15:20 pm:
Discussion between Mr P. Robert and Ms K. Kalpana | Frugal science at ISRO: how it manages resource-efficient space missions, and the role of women in Indian science
15:20 pm – 16:00 pm:
Talk by Mr. Cédric Carles | Retro Tech – Low Tech: A French research in frugal innovation
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16:00 pm – 16:30 pm:
Break
16:30 pm – 17:10 pm:
A panel discussion between Chitra Vishwanath (Biome Environmental Solutions), Sriram Kuchimanchi (Smarter Dharma), Sridevi Changali (Mason’s Ink), moderated by Prof. Champaka Rajagopal (Urban School, SciencesPo, Paris) | Frugal innovation in architecture, and urban planning
17:10 pm – 17:30 pm:
Talk by Souresh Cornet | Hands-on learning of frugal innovation through academic projects
17:30 pm – 18:00 pm:
Presentation led by Vaibhav Chhabra | Prototyping and practical application of frugal innovation principles
18:00 pm – 18:15 pm:
Closing remarks by co-curator Mr. Navi Radjou
18:30 – 19:00 pm:
Reception