Himalayan Business Summit 2026 Brings Industry Leaders To IIT Mandi
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi recently hosted the third edition of its annual industry conclave, the Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2026. This two-day national summit took place on January 20-21, 2026, and brought together prominent officials and technology leaders from various leading companies. The event highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping business models, leadership paradigms, and sustainable growth strategies in India.
Key Highlights of HiBS 2026
The summit served as a platform for students and industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about the impact of AI on business operations. Several key themes were explored during the event:
- Reimagining Traditional Indian Sectors through AI: Discussions focused on how AI can revitalize established industries in India.
- Leadership Strategies for AI-Driven Growth: Industry leaders shared insights on adapting leadership styles to leverage AI technologies.
- Responsible AI as a Source of Long-Term Competitive Advantage: The importance of ethical AI practices was emphasized to ensure sustainable business growth.
Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
HiBS 2026 provided students with invaluable networking opportunities, mentorship, and insights into emerging business trends. Participants had the chance to interact with industry leaders from notable companies such as:
- Raymond Limited
- Kirloskar Management Service
- VDart Digital
- NDTV Profit
- Religare Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited
- Onix
- InXiteOut
- Aamrass Digimarc LLP
- DBS Bank
- Target
- SAP
- Datawise
- Steel Authority of India Limited
- Vallabha Industrial Chemical Engineers Pvt Limited
- National Aluminium Company Limited
Insights from Industry Leaders
During the summit, industry leaders shared their insights on the impact of AI on business models and leadership paradigms. They discussed the responsible and ethical use of AI in the Indian corporate sector, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to technological advancements while maintaining ethical standards.
Focus on Practical Implementation of AI
HiBS 2026 placed special emphasis on translating AI innovation into practical, scalable, and outcome-driven business value. This focus was particularly relevant for India’s manufacturing, services, MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and policy-driven business ecosystems. The summit aimed to bridge the gap between technology capability and business execution, ensuring that AI solutions are effectively integrated into operational frameworks.
Keynote Address and Case Competition
The summit featured a keynote address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra, Director in charge of Bhilai Steel Plant (SAIL). His insights provided a valuable perspective on the role of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making in large organizations.
Additionally, a case competition was conducted for students, allowing them to learn about the practical implementation of AI solutions in real business scenarios. This hands-on experience was designed to prepare students for future leadership roles in the evolving business landscape.
IIT Mandi’s Commitment to AI and Management Education
Through initiatives like HiBS 2026, IIT Mandi continues to strengthen its role as a thought leader in technology-driven management education and research. The summit reflects the institute’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue between academia and industry, aiming to advance the adoption of responsible, scalable, and impact-oriented AI-driven business practices in India.
Notably, the School of Management at IIT Mandi offers a unique Data Science and AI specialization in its MBA program, which was introduced in 2022. This program has seen significant interest from leading companies, which have been actively recruiting talented MBA professionals from this specialization over the past two years.
Conclusion
The Himalayan Business Summit 2026 served as a significant milestone in promoting the integration of AI in business practices across India. By bringing together industry leaders and students, the summit facilitated essential discussions on the future of business in the age of AI. The insights gained and connections made during this event are expected to contribute to the development of innovative and responsible business strategies in the years to come.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the event details and discussions that took place during the Himalayan Business Summit 2026 at IIT Mandi.
