IIT Mandi Hosts HiBS 2026: Pioneering AI-Driven Business Transformation
Overview of HiBS 2026
Munish Sood
Mandi
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi's School of Management successfully held its third annual industry conclave, the Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2026, emphasizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key factor in India's forthcoming business evolution.
This two-day event gathered influential corporate leaders, policymakers, technologists, and management students to discuss the transformative impact of AI on business models, leadership styles, productivity enhancements, and sustainable growth strategies within the Indian industrial landscape.
Focusing on AI-centric leadership, productivity improvements, and ethical decision-making, HiBS 2026 served as a significant platform for exchanging knowledge on future-oriented business strategies.
A Collaborative National Platform
HiBS 2026 attracted participation from senior executives and tech leaders from some of India's leading companies, including:
• Raymond Limited
• Kirloskar Management Service
• VDart Digital
• Media House
• Religare Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited
• Onix
• InXiteOut
• Aamrass Digimarc LLP
• DBS Bank
• Target
• SAP
• Datawise
• Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
• Vallabha Industrial Chemical Engineers Pvt Ltd
• National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
Industry experts provided valuable insights into the changing role of AI in contemporary businesses, showcasing how intelligent automation, predictive analytics, and data-informed decision-making are reshaping leadership and operational efficiency.
The summit also acted as a vital networking and mentorship opportunity for management students, exposing them to innovative business strategies and practical AI applications across various sectors.
Core Themes of HiBS 2026
The summit revolved around three main themes:
1. **Reimagining Traditional Indian Sectors through AI**
Discussions highlighted AI's potential to enhance productivity, quality control, supply-chain intelligence, and predictive maintenance in India's manufacturing, infrastructure, mining, metals, logistics, and MSME sectors.
2. **Leadership Strategies for AI-Driven Growth**
Industry leaders stressed the necessity for leadership models that incorporate technology, ethics, agility, and innovation, allowing organizations to implement AI solutions responsibly and profitably.
3. **Responsible AI as a Competitive Advantage**
Experts pointed out that governance frameworks, data privacy, transparency, and ethical AI practices are essential for long-term corporate sustainability.
HiBS 2026 particularly focused on translating AI innovations into practical, scalable, and outcome-oriented business value, especially within India's policy-driven and industrial frameworks.
From Experimentation to Execution
During the event, Prof. Anjan Swain, Chair of the School of Management at IIT Mandi, emphasized the critical moment India faces in AI adoption.
“India is at a pivotal point in its AI journey, where the emphasis must transition from experimentation to effective execution for substantial results. HiBS 2026 has been crafted as a platform for leaders to confront the challenges associated with AI and its implications for sustainable growth,” he stated.
As AI increasingly shapes governance models, compliance frameworks, risk management, and strategic planning, the summit examined how businesses can align technological capabilities with effective execution.
Keynote Address and Knowledge Sessions
The summit featured a keynote address from Chief Guest Mr. Chitta Ranjan Mohapatra, Director In-Charge of Bhilai Steel Plant (SAIL), who discussed AI-driven modernization in heavy industries and the significance of digital transformation in enhancing India's manufacturing competitiveness.
Panel discussions and leadership sessions covered a variety of topics, including:
• AI in industrial automation
• Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0
• AI-powered finance and banking
• Digital transformation in media and communications
• Data-led marketing and consumer analytics
• Sustainability and ESG-driven technology strategies
A dynamic case competition was also held, allowing students to apply AI-driven business solutions to real-world industry challenges, honing their analytical, strategic, and decision-making abilities.
Cultivating Future Business Leaders
HiBS 2026 reinforced IIT Mandi's emerging reputation as a center for technology-focused management education and industry collaboration. Through such national initiatives, the institute continues to assert its role as a thought leader in shaping India's digital economy.
Notably, the School of Management at IIT Mandi offers a distinctive MBA specialization in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, introduced in 2022. Over the past two years, leading companies have consistently recruited graduates from this program, reflecting strong industry confidence in the institute's forward-thinking curriculum.
Promoting Responsible and Impactful AI
As India accelerates its journey to becoming a global AI leader, HiBS 2026 emerged as a timely platform fostering meaningful dialogue among academia, industry, and policymakers.
By advocating for responsible innovation, ethical implementation, and business-led execution, the Himalayan Business Summit 2026 marked a significant advancement toward establishing a resilient, technology-driven, and globally competitive Indian business ecosystem.