Innovative Security Solutions take centre stage at the 8th edition of SAFE South India in Chennai

Chennai, 5th July 2024: The 8th edition of SAFE South India, India’s premier security and fire expo, organised by Informa Markets in India, commenced today at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. The two-day event, taking place on July 5 and July 6, 2024, offers a premier platform for showcasing leading Indian brands specialising in UAVs, drones, access control systems, security gates, digital video recorders, electronic locks, IoT devices, and more.

SAFE South India 2024 showcased the rise in digital surveillance systems. Driven by safety demands in high-risk areas, the shift to IP cameras and IoT integration is propelling India’s Video Surveillance Systems market, projected to grow from USD 2.6 billion in 2024 to USD 7.4 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 14%.

The inaugural ceremony of SAFE South India 2024 was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Abhash Kumar, IPS, Director-General of Police, Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, Mr. Bandi Gangadhar, IPS, DCP-Traffic, Greater Chennai Police, Mr. Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar, President of The Tamil Chamber of Commerce; Mr. John Paul Manickam, Chair of OSAC Chennai Chapter; Mr. S.G.S. Manian, Chair of GACS Chennai Chapter; Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director of Informa Markets in India; and Mr. Pankaj Jain, Senior Group Director & Digital Head of Informa Markets in India.

The expo welcomed over 4,000 visitors, including representatives from key sectors such as Manufacturing, Jewellery, BFSI, Outsourcing and Service Industry, Airport & Logistics, Construction, Automation, Automobiles, Real Estate, and System Integration, addressing the challenges and opportunities in the industrial safety and security sector. Over 120 brands, including industry leaders like Hikvision, Prama, ZKTeco, eSSL, Formigo, Realtime, Trassir, and TVT, are showcasing their latest products, services, and technologies.

Mr. Chozha Naachiar Rajasekar, President of The Tamil Chamber of Commerce, said “Today, advancements in Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and surveillance technologies are pivotal in enhancing safety and security measures against cyber and physical threats. These technologies play a crucial role in preventing damage to property and persons, and in enhancing police capabilities for crime prevention across domestic and industrial sectors. It is imperative for us to continually adopt new security technologies to safeguard trade and industry investments from unforeseen incidents.

The recent surge in artificial intelligence and IoT has led to a 38% increase in cyber-attacks reported by the US FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) from 2022 to 2023, resulting in significant financial losses ranging from $1 million to $2.5 million annually. These innovations highlights the critical need for heightened awareness and safety measures within the trade and industry sectors.”

Mr. John Paul Manickam, Chair of OSAC Chennai Chapter, said “SAFE South India showcases ‘Make in India’ initiative by uniting leaders from security, safety, and cybersecurity sectors, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. This platform supports Chennai’s journey to becoming one of India’s safest cities, with gratitude to the Chennai Greater Police and fire services for their support. The industry’s expansion spans physical, cyber, and business dimensions, attracting businesses to secure environments. Technology plays a crucial role in mitigating errors and enhancing safety across sectors. Globally valued at USD 2 to 2.5 billion, with India contributing 30-40%, this market promises exponential growth.

In the automotive sector, AI and automation promise transformative changes, necessitating concurrent advancements in road safety. Chennai’s robust traffic monitoring systems exemplify proactive safety measures driven by technology. India’s potential as a hub for security technology innovation and entrepreneurship is promising, buoyed by a growing interest among young entrepreneurs. Continuous innovation and cybersecurity vigilance are key to sustaining growth and credibility.”

Mr. P. Saravanan, District Fire Officer – South Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, said “Advancements in IoT and artificial intelligence are steadily enhancing security levels, crucial for safeguarding our industry’s investments against cyber threats. Tamil Nadu leads with the highest number of registered factories in India, surpassing even Maharashtra, driving a 20% annual growth in exhibitors. With increasing global investments and developments like Tesla’s potential entry into Chennai, the future promises significant advancements in our trade and industry. As we continue to counter new challenges, future investments in security are set to increase, underscoring Tamil Nadu’s robust economic development and recognition by central government departments.”

Mr. Bandi Gangadhar, IPS, DCP-Traffic, Greater Chennai Police, said “SAFE South India showcases Chennai’s vibrant ecosystem with nearly 65 companies, from established firms to dynamic Make in India startups, showcasing cutting-edge technologies in security and fire safety. As a police officer, the emphasis on the crucial role of technology in combating evolving crime trends is paramount. Platforms like this not only facilitate knowledge sharing but also foster collaborations that drive technological innovation for public safety.

Tamil Nadu, known for its safety standards, owes this to the diligent efforts of the Greater Chennai Police and the vigilant public. Our state’s proactive stance, under the guidance of the Industries Department and the Honorable Chief Minister, continues to attract investments and create a conducive environment for businesses of all scales, from startups to multinational corporations.”

Speaking on the 8th edition of SAFE South India, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, Smart surveillance is advancing rapidly with AI and IoT technologies in India. AI adoption is projected to grow at a 40% CAGR from 2020 to 2025, driving the market to an expected $8 billion by 2025. AI enhances biometric security, threat detection, behaviour analysis, and anomaly detection, crucial for crime prevention by identifying and addressing suspicious activities. The increasing need for enhanced security due to rising terrorist activities, growing crime rates, data thefts, and the demand for remote monitoring are major factors boosting the security systems market. Government initiatives like the Smart City Mission and the installation of video surveillance systems for traffic management are critical to this growth. Additionally, rapid infrastructural development and sector-specific reforms in education, BFSI, and SMEs along with a growing awareness of the benefits of digital surveillance, are driving the widespread adoption of these technologies.

SAFE South India 2024 demonstrates our dedication to progress and security. This event highlights indigenous manufacturing and advanced security solutions that utilize AI in urban transportation, visual and predictive analytics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for patrolling, integrated building management systems, and blockchain technology, marking significant strides towards a safer and smarter future.”

This event is supported by prominent associations, including ASIS (American Society for Industrial Security) Ahmedabad, New Delhi and Mumbai Chapters, ESAI (Electronic Security Association of India) and OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Chennai Chapter, GACS (Global Association for Corporate Services) and Knowledge partner, Mitkat Advisory, enhances its credibility, showcasing a united effort to advance security and safety within the industry.

SAFE South India 2024 provides a comprehensive experience beyond captivating live demonstrations and networking opportunities; it hosts a dynamic two-day conference centered around the theme “Intelligent Security Tech for a Safer Future”. SAFE South India 2024 featured a dynamic two-day conference with a lineup of insightful sessions.

Day 1 included discussions led by Mr. Gowdhaman Jothilingam, Global CISO & Head-IT, LatentView Analytics, on “New-Age Tech in Enterprise Security Risk Management”; Mr. Vinay Mishra, Senior Vice President-Projects, Prama India, discussed “New Opportunities for Indigenous Manufacturing”; Mr. Sunil David, Ex-Regional Director (IoT) at AT&T and Chair of Intelligent Comm. Group of IET Future Tech Panel, on “Building a Secure IoT Ecosystem for Tomorrow”; Mr. Dinesh Elangovan, Criminologist & Ex-Vice Co-Chairperson at OSAC Chennai chapter, addressed “Crime Prevention through Environmental Design”; Miss. Padmavati Uttarwar, Advisory Board Member (Group of Organizations) and Brand Ambassador GWFM-BCM, on “Innovative Horizons: Harnessing Cutting-Edge Technologies for Next-Gen Risk Management”; Mr. Sidharth S.B., National Manager, Prama Hikvision India, discussing “Make-in-India 2.0: The Next Level”; Also a panel discussion moderated by Col. Sushil Pradhan, ED and COO, MitKat Advisory, on “Managing Security Across Locations Globally – Risks & Challenges”.

Chennai is setting a benchmark with its favorable environment for trade and industry, making it an ideal region for the adoption of advanced security solutions. Its vibrant industrial landscape and abundant investment opportunities highlight the state’s robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly policies. As technology advances, AI surveillance cameras are proving to be essential in enhancing road safety and enforcing traffic laws.

The growing demand for safe city projects across India reflects a nationwide commitment to public safety. Successful implementations of surveillance and smart city projects in various Indian cities pave the way for broader adoption of video surveillance systems. These systems, supported by central control rooms with high-end large video wall solutions, are crucial for detailed monitoring and swift response. Furthermore, emerging technologies in video analytics, biometrics, face recognition, and CCTV are playing an increasingly vital role in urban surveillance, ensuring a secure and intelligent infrastructure for the future.

SAFE South encompasses a wide range of trends and solutions in the realm of commercial security and surveillance, emphasizing preventive technologies and innovations specifically designed for the Southern India market.