INTRODUCTION

Manufacturing in 2026 stands at a historic inflection point. Smart Manufacturing is no longer a distant aspiration — it has become the engine of the new industrial era, merging advanced technologies, intelligent machines, and empowered people to create factories that think, adapt, and evolve.

Manufacturing 5.0 has arrived — ushering in an era where technology and humanity converge to create factories that are not only smart, but also sustainable, resilient, and human-centric.

The last decade of Industry 4.0 laid the foundation with automation, robotics, IoT, and AI-driven analytics. But in 2026 and beyond, the focus has shifted. Manufacturing is no longer just about efficiency at scale — it is about collaboration between humans and machines, personalization of products, circular economy practices, and innovation that balances profitability with responsibility.

Themes To Be Discussed

Cobots, Robotics & Human-Machine Collaboration

Redefining workforce roles through safe and productive collaboration.

Immersive Technologies (AR/VR/MR)

Enhancing training, remote monitoring, and process optimization in next-gen factories.

Advanced Analytics, Big Data & Cloud Integration

Unlocking actionable insights to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and drive profitability.

Digital Workforce & Skills of the Future

Upskilling talent and preparing employees to thrive in the era of smart, sustainable manufacturing.

Innovation, Commercialization & Scaling Digital Roadmaps

From pilot to enterprise-wide adoption — building executable transformation strategies.

Manufacturing 5.0 – The Human-Centric Future

Balancing advanced automation with human creativity, personalization, and sustainability.

AI, Generative AI & Digital Twins

Transforming predictive maintenance, design optimization, and real-time decision-making.

Resilient & Agile Supply Chains

Leveraging digital supply chain platforms, IIoT, and connected ecosystems for end-to-end visibility.

Sustainability & Circular Manufacturing

Embedding ESG goals, energy efficiency and carbon-neutral practices into smart factories.

Cybersecurity & Data Trust in Smart Factories

Protecting hyperconnected operations from growing digital risks.

Why Sponsor

Brand Visibility & Positioning

Showcase your brand as a thought leader in front of top manufacturing, technology, and policy decision-makers..

Direct Access to Decision-Makers

Network with CXOs, senior executives, and industry leaders driving smart manufacturing adoption.

Lead Generation & Business Growth

Gain qualified leads and build strategi partnerships with potential clients and collaborators.

Thought Leadership Opportunities

Share your expertise through keynotes, panels, or workshops, reinforcing your market authority.

Showcase Innovation

Demonstrate products, solutions, and success stories to a highly relevant and engaged audience.

Competitive Advantage

Position your organization ahead of competitors by being part of an exclusive, high-impact industry platform.

Who Should Attend

Manufacturing

Information Technology (IT)

Supply Chain Leaders

Procurement

ERP / EDP

Production

IoT

Supply Chain Management

Manufacturing Engineering

Operations

Research

Sustainability & ESG

Purchase Procurement

Process Excellence

Digital Products & Innovation

Solutions Architecture

Analytics

Robotics & Automation

Plant Head

AI & ML

INDUSTRY FOCUS

Automotive Manufacturing

Aerospace Manufacturing

Electronics Manufacturing

Metal Fabrication

Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Medical Devices Manufacturing

Plastic & Rubber Products Manufacturing

Printing & Related Support Activities

Household Appliances Manufacturing

Petrochemical Manufacturing

Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Manufacturing

Chemical Manufacturing

Textile Manufacturing

Paper & Pulp Manufacturing

Machinery Manufacturing

Renewable Energy Equipment Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Furniture Manufacturing

Clothing & Apparel Manufacturing

Shipbuilding & Marine Equipment Manufacturing

Glass & Ceramics Manufacturing

Construction Materials Manufacturing

Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing

Defense & Military Equipment Manufacturing

OUR SPEAKERS

Mahendra Kandukuri

Chief Information Officer

Neterwala Group

Shobhana Lele

CIO

The Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Company Limited

Udit Pahwa

CIO

Bluestar Limited

Jayant Magar

Chief Information Officer

Hindustan Platinum

Mohit Agarwal

Head Digital Transformation & IT Procuremen Governance Head

Wockhardt Ltd

Rishabh Jain

Head of Information Technology

Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd

Rahul Surve

General Manager, IT & Digital Solutions

JSW Steel

Gaurav Kadam

Deputy General ManagerManufacturing excellence

Godrej Industries Limited (Chemicals)

Hanumat Sastry V Malladi

Vice President - Procurement & Supply Chain

VIP Industries Limited

Ranjit Kanbarkar

Head - Advanced Manufacturing

CEAT Limited

Nilesh Suryawanshi

Head QA QC NDE & Plant Operations

Jindal Saw Limited

Manoj Singh Dadhwal

Dadhwal

Birla Opus

Mohit Agarwal

Head Digital Transformation & IT Procuremen Governance Head

Wockhardt Ltd

Rishabh Jain

Head of Information Technology

Siyaram Silk Mills Ltd

Sundaram Srinivasan

Industry Expert

Nominations Open

Award Categories

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Individual Awards

Manufacturing Leader of the Year

Visionary CEO in Smart Manufacturing

Transformational COO Award

CIO of the Year – Driving Digital Manufacturing

Women Leader in Smart Manufacturing

Innovation Champion in Manufacturing 5.0

Pioneer in AI & Data-led Manufacturing

IoT Thought Leader of the Year

AR/VR Innovator for Manufacturing Excellence

Cybersecurity Champion in Smart Factories

Change Maker in Manufacturing Operations

Excellence in Supply Chain Digitalization

Sustainability Champion in Manufacturing

Quality & Process Improvement Leader

Global Influencer in Manufacturing Transformation

Smart Factory Evangelist

Young Achiever in Manufacturing

Lifetime Achievement in Manufacturing Excellence

Manufacturing Leader of the Decade

Chief Transformation Officer of the Year

Trailblazer in Digital Manufacturing Leadership

CXO of the Year – Manufacturing Excellence

Global Manufacturing Influencer

Young Achiever in Smart Manufacturing

Future Skills Advocate (Upskilling Workforce 5.0)

Manufacturing Mentor of the Year

Diversity & Inclusion Champion in Manufacturing

Lifetime Contribution to Manufacturing Excellence

Corporates Awards

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