SME Conference & Awards 2026
Scaling India’s Manufacturing in Volatile Times
11 February 2026 | National Stock Exchange (NSE), BKC, Mumbai

Delegate Registration

Why You Must Attend

India’s manufacturing sector — a major engine of economic growth

  • Contributes significantly to employment and GDP growth.
  • SMEs form the backbone of manufacturing and engineering ecosystems.
  • Accelerating technology adoption, skill development, and export readiness are key priorities for future competitiveness.

SME Conference & Awards 2026 is strategically designed to help businesses navigate volatility, drive operational excellence, and unlock long‑term strategic transformation.

At this event, you will:

  • Gain actionable strategies to strengthen manufacturing resilience
  • Understand future pathways via technology‑led transformation
  • Connect with decision‑makers from industry and government
  • Benchmark against best‑in‑class SMEs honored across India
Background

Conference Agenda

Inaugural Session

  • Welcome & opening remarks
  • Leadership perspectives from industry stalwarts and Government representatives
  • Keynote addresses on growth, sustainability, and SME impact

Panel 1: Manufacturing Resilience in a Volatile World

Industry leaders discuss how SMEs and large enterprises are building robust operations that can withstand supply chain shocks & market uncertainties.

Panel 2: Digital Transformation in Factory Floor & Business Model Evolution

Senior executives explore digital strategies, automation, AI, and data‑driven excellence applicable across manufacturing sectors.

Panel 3: Role of SMEs in India’s Growth Story

Insights on scaling operations, global collaborations, export competitiveness and evolving product portfolios.

Each session will provide not only insights but actionable takeaways you can apply to your organization immediately.

SME Awards 2026 — Recognition That Matters

The SME Awards for Fastest Growing Engineering Companies in India spotlight excellence in today’s volatile global environment. This is more than recognition — it’s industry validation that enhances credibility, market positioning, and brand visibility.

Why nominate or attend?

  • Showcase your company alongside India’s most innovative engineering enterprises
  • Get recognized by peers, policymakers & industry leaders
  • Access exclusive networking & partnership opportunities
  • Strengthen investor and customer confidence in your brand

Winners will be featured in the 54th Annual Edition of SME Magazine — an authoritative industry publication that captures the most influential voices and success stories in Indian manufacturing.

Who Should Attend?

This conference is ideal for:

  • CEOs, MDs, Directors & CXOs of manufacturing firms
  • Heads of Technology & Digital Transformation
  • Supply Chain & Operations Leaders
  • Policy makers & government representatives
  • Investors & industry analysts
  • SME founders, leaders, and emerging innovators
Background

What You’ll Gain

Strategic Insight

Understand macro and micro trends reshaping manufacturing — from digital adoption to talent strategies.

Growth Acceleration

Learn from SMEs that are setting benchmarks for growth despite global headwinds.

Network With Leaders

Connect with business champions, drive collaborations, and explore new markets.

Visibility & Brand Boost

Awards and editorial features deliver unparalleled exposure across industry stakeholders.

Join the Movement

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a community shaping the future of Indian manufacturing
Takeaway: knowledge, connections, recognition — all under one roof.

Speakers

Mr. Sundararaman G

Chief Scientist and Head Wipro Research, Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN)

Mr. Ranjan Sharma

Senior Director CareEdge Ratings

Mr. Pankaj Chadha

Chairman, EEPC India

Dr. Nagahanumaiah,

Director Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI)

Mr. Vivek Bhatia

MD & CEO TKIL Industries

Mr. Abhishek Srivastava,

AVP Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt Ltd

Mr. Sunil Mehta,

Assistant Vice President Mitsubishi Electric India, and President, Automation Industry Association (AIA)

Mr. Rajeev Solanki

India Head Central Process Engineering, Legrand

Mr. Sudipta Ghosh

Partner PwC India

Mr. Manish Sinha

CEO CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises)

Mr. Kalpesh Patel

Director CareEdge Ratings

Mr. Kailashkumar Varodia

COO & CFO Receivables Exchange of India Limited (RXIL)

Dr. Umesh Mhatre

MD Surface Modification Technologies Pvt Ltd

Mr. Srinivasan R

Founder Director AIRA Consulting

Mr. Bhavesh Thakkar

Partner Tax and Regulatory Services, EY India

Mr. Ajith Kumar

COO Birla Opus Paints

Mr. Seshnath B

MD & CEO Walvoil Fluid Power (India) Pvt Ltd

Ms. Munira Loliwala

VP – Strategy & Growth TeamLease Digital

Mr. Anindya Bhattacharya

Industry Solutions Advisor for India Business Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Mr Karthik MC

Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer Karkhana.io

Mr. Manish Poudwal

CMD Subtronics (India) Pvt Ltd

Mr. Zurvan Marolia

Sr VP Godrej & Boyce (part of Godrej Enterprises Group)

Agenda

TIME SESSION DETAILS
10.00 am REGISTRATION
INAUGURAL SESSION
10.30 am LAMP LIGHTING
10.35 am WELCOME ADDRESS
  • Mr. Pratap Padode, Founder & Managing Director, ASAPP Info Global Group & Editor-in- Chief, Smart Manufacturing & Enterprises
10.55 am ADDRESS BY CHIEF GUEST
  • Shri S C L Das, Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Government of India**
11.15 am ADDRESS BY GUEST OF HONOUR
  • Mr. P Velrasu, IAS, CEO, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) **
11.35 am SPECIAL ADDRESS

Importance of Leadership and Innovation for Organizational Growth

  • Mr Sundararaman G, Chief Scientist and Head - Wipro Research, Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN)
Engineering Growth Through Make in India
11.50 am PANEL DISCUSSION 1

Manufacturing Resilience in Uncertain Times

Indian manufacturing is operating in an era defined by global volatility—marked by geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions, fluctuating demand, and uncertain export markets. While these challenges have tested resilience across sectors, they have also opened up new opportunities for reinvention, diversification, and strategic growth. In this panel, experts will discuss strategies to be adopted to ensure business stability and position organizations for sustainable growth in a tough and unpredictable market.

The panel will broadly discuss:

  • Impact of global geopolitical and economic volatility on Indian manufacturing and exports
  • Building resilient and agile supply chains amid disruptions
  • Leadership strategies for managing uncertainty and sustaining growth
  • Diversification of markets and product portfolios to reduce risk and expand exports
  • Strengthening risk management frameworks and operational efficiencies
  • Importance of R&D and Industry-Academia collaboration for long-term growth
Moderator:
  • Mr Ranjan Sharma, Senior Director, CareEdge Ratings
Speakers
  • Mr Zurvan Marolia, former Sr. Vice President, Godrej Enterprises Group
  • Mr Pankaj Chadha, Chairman, EEPC India
  • Dr Nagahanumaiah, Director, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI)
  • Mr Seshnath B, MD & CEO, Walvoil Fluid Power (India) Pvt Ltd
  • Mr Ajith Kumar, COO, Birla Opus Paints**
12.40 pm SESSION KEYNOTE – Topic: “Practical Tips for Adopting Industry 4.0 for Small to Big Firms”
  • Mr. Abhishek Srivastava, AVP, Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt Ltd
01.00 pm LUNCH
Technology as Manufacturing Shock Absorber
02.00 pm SESSION KEYNOTE Topic: “Engineering from India for the World”
  • Mr. Vivek Bhatia, MD & CEO, TKIL Industries
02.15 pm PANEL DISCUSSION 2

Future-Ready Manufacturing Through Technology

Indian manufacturing is operating in an increasingly uncertain global environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, evolving regulations, and volatile markets. Amid this uncertainty, technology has emerged as a critical enabler in the growth journey for manufacturers—offering agility, resilience, and efficiency at a time when traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. This panel will explore how technology can empower Indian manufacturers to navigate uncertainty and build future-ready operations.

The Panel will broadly discuss:

  • Changing manufacturing landscape with use of automation solutions
  • Role of digital technologies in building operational agility and supply-chain resilience
  • Strategic technology investments that deliver maximum ROI in uncertain markets
  • Aligning leadership mindset, workforce skills, and technology for long-term success
Moderator:
  • Mr Yogesh Shah, Senior Director, CareEdge Ratings
Speakers
  • Mr. Sunil Mehta, Assistant Vice President, Mitsubishi Electric India and President, Automation Industry Association (AIA)
  • Mr Anindya Bhattacharya, Industry Solutions Advisor (Manufacturing and Supply Chain), Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Mr Sudipta Ghosh, Partner, PwC India
  • Ms Munira Loliwala, VP-Growth & Strategy, TeamLease Digital
SMEs and India’s Manufacturing Future
03.05 pm SESSION KEYNOTE Topic: Funding Indian MSMEs Growth
  • Mr Manish Sinha, CEO, CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises)
03.20 pm PANEL DISCUSSION 3

SMEs Driving India’s Manufacturing Ambition

As India steadily advances towards becoming a global manufacturing hub, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are emerging as a critical driving force behind this transformation. Across sectors such as textiles, engineering goods, and pharmaceuticals, Indian manufacturers are demonstrating strong capabilities and growing global relevance. However, while the global marketplace presents vast opportunities, a significant number of Indian SMEs continue to struggle in scaling up and establishing a sustained international presence.

This panel discussion will explore the pivotal role of SMEs in strengthening India’s global manufacturing ambitions and the pathways to overcoming these hidden barriers.

The Panel will broadly discuss:

  • The strategic role of SMEs in positioning India as a global manufacturing hub
  • Multiple hurdles holding back SMEs
  • Access to markets, finance, and global supply chains for Indian SMEs
  • Policy, ecosystem support, and industry collaboration to accelerate SME growth
  • Tips to transition from domestic market to the global stage
Moderator:
  • Mr Kalpesh Patel, Director, CareEdge Ratings
Speakers
  • Mr Kailashkumar Varodia, COO & CFO, Receivables Exchange of India Limited (RXIL)
  • Dr Umesh Mhatre, MD, Surface Modification Technologies Pvt Ltd
  • Mr Srinivasan R, Founder Director, AIRA Consulting
  • Mr Karthik MC, Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer, Karkhana.io
  • Mr Manish Poudwal, CMD, Subtronics India Pvt Ltd**
04.10 pm SESSION KEYNOTE Topic: “Incentivising SME Growth: The Policy Imperative”
  • Mr Bhavesh Thakkar, Partner, Tax and Regulatory Services, EY India
SME Awards for Fastest Growing Engineering Companies

Presentation of Smart Manufacturing & Enterprises (SME) Awards for Fastest Growing Engineering Companies.

04.30 pm WELCOME ADDRESS
  • Mr. Pratap Padode, Founder & Managing Director, ASAPP Info Global Group & Editor-in- Chief, Smart Manufacturing & Enterprises
04.40 pm Address by Chief Guest
  • Mr. Sanjay Bhatia, Upa-Lokayukta of Maharashtra**
04.50 pm Unveiling of “SME Annual 2026”
05.00 pm Presentation of SME Awards
05.40 pm Event Closes

3i Expo