IIT Mandi Organized Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2026 3.0 on AI-Led Business Transformation – APN News | Authentic Press Network News
Mumbai: The School of Management at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi recently organized the third edition of its annual two-day industry conclave, the Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2026. This summit focused on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping business models, leadership paradigms, and sustainable growth strategies in India.
Overview of the Summit
The HiBS 2026 provided students and industry professionals with valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and insights into emerging business trends and strategies. The event was designed to sharpen participants’ skills and prepare them for future leadership roles in an increasingly AI-driven business landscape.
Over the course of two days, the summit brought together top officials and technology leaders from leading companies, including:
- 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
Thematic Focus
The summit centered around three core themes:
- Reimagining traditional Indian sectors through AI
- Leadership strategies for AI-driven growth
- Responsible AI as a source of long-term competitive advantage
HiBS 2026 emphasized the importance of translating AI innovation into practical, scalable, and outcome-driven business value, particularly across India’s manufacturing, services, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and policy-driven business ecosystems.
Key Insights from Industry Leaders
During the summit, industry leaders shared their insights on the impact of AI on business models and leadership paradigms. They also discussed the responsible and ethical use of AI in the Indian corporate sector. Prof. Anjan Swain, Chair of the School of Management at IIT Mandi, highlighted the significance of the summit, stating:
“India stands at a crucial juncture in its AI adoption journey, where the focus must shift from experimentation to effective execution for meaningful outcomes. HiBS 2026 has been designed as a platform for leaders to engage with the challenges surrounding AI and its impact on sustainable growth.”
As AI continues to influence operational efficiency, governance, and strategic decision-making, HiBS 2026 aimed to bridge the gap between technology capability and business execution.
Keynote Address and Competitions
The summit featured a keynote address by the Chief Guest, Mr. Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra, Director in charge of Bhilai Steel Plant (SAIL). His address set the tone for the discussions on the future of AI in business.
Additionally, a case competition was conducted for students to learn the practical implementation of AI solutions in real-world business scenarios. This hands-on approach allowed participants to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies.
Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration
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, aimed at advancing the adoption of responsible, scalable, and impact-oriented AI-driven business practices in India.
Educational Opportunities at IIT Mandi
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 gained significant traction, with leading companies regularly recruiting talented MBA professionals from this specialization over the last two years.
Conclusion
The Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2026 served as a pivotal platform for discussing the future of AI in business, emphasizing the importance of responsible and ethical practices. As India continues to navigate its AI adoption journey, events like HiBS play a crucial role in bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical business applications.
Note: The insights and discussions from the summit are expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue around AI and its implications for various sectors in India.
