India-Africa relationship heralded a new paradigm using tech-led innovations from India to create socio-economic impact development in Africa, said industry body FICCI on Tuesday.

Speaking about a pilot project- India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme, that was celebrated with awards to 11 enterprises that matched with 14 Rwandan enterprises, the industry body said this, adding that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to share Indian technology for shared prosperity (in Africa).

Addressing the ceremony, Ernest Rwamucyo, High Commissioner of Rwanda to India said, "Testimonies from Rwandan entrepreneurs and their respective Indian counterparts are giving us confidence that the IRIGP launched one year ago is working and that companies from both sides are going towards perfect matches"

The bilateral initiative is being led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)and the National Industrial Research Agency (NIRDA), Rwanda serving as the implementation partners.

IRIGP drew exceptional response in both countries, with over 230 applications from Indian startups, and over 300 Expression of Interests (EOIs) from Rwandan enterprises. Then, best Indian technologies were matched with appropriate Rwandan enterprises, selected by technical and business experts based on a multitude of criteria.

Harkesh Mittal, Adviser, Member Secretary, National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), DST, Govt. of India said, "Having successfully demonstrated impact in India, I am confident that these Indian technologies are ready to be scaled and replicated in Rwanda in partnership with Rwandan industry ".

Prior to the awards ceremony, the Rwandan enterprises visited their Indian counterparts across India over a 3-day period, undergoing hands-on training and exposure to the Indian partner?s on ground operations.