The nasscom Centre of Excellence (CoE), a Digital India initiative supporting the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Government of Gujarat, recently hosted the Smart Manufacturing Research Conclave at the Indian Institute of Technology in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India on Friday and Saturday, 29 April. More than 150 representatives from the manufacturing industry, startups, tech SMEs, researchers, government officials, experts and innovators gathered to discuss research, innovation, and technological developments associated with Industry 4.0.
The conclave primarily focused on commercializing innovative research ideas and showcased the best of modern research from multiple IITs. A number of workshops were conducted by IIT professors to educate teachers, industry leaders, and course-providers about the use of emerging technologies in various use cases. AI in production planning, predictive maintenance in manufacturing, and the role of computer vision in smart manufacturing were some of the topics discussed during the workshops.
In the conclave, the importance of the Zero Defect Zero Effect practices certification was highlighted alongside the Ministry of MSME’s efforts in promoting smart manufacturing. Panel discussions on collaborative industry partnerships for innovation and the future of MSMEs in smart manufacturing were also conducted.
Amit Saluja, Centre Head and Senior Director at nasscom CoE, summed up the platform’s purpose as “creating awareness on the application of emerging technologies in various use cases and also connecting manufacturers with solution providers and researchers.” On the other hand, Prof. Rajat Moona, director of IIT Gandhinagar, said, “By bringing together researchers, experts, and industry leaders, this conclave is fostering the exchange of ideas and knowledge and shaping the future of manufacturing for our country.”
Shirshendu Chattopadhyay, Head of Research and Development at ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, also joined in the event, expressing her appreciation for “smart manufacturing” which brings “unparalleled efficiency” to the industry.
Nasscom is a leading trade body of technology companies in India, previously known as The National Association of Software and Services Companies. It was established to promote and make progress in the digital transformation of the industry, by fostering innovation and creating job opportunities. Nasscom CoE works collaboratively with industry partners, research organizations, and universities to bridge the gap between academia and industry, helping to shape the future of the manufacturing landscape.