Marking a new era for India’s SME manufacturing sector, The Future Factory Forum 2025 was launched on 27 June’25, as a much-anticipated flagship event aimed at driving digital transformation, Industry 4.0 adoption, AI/ML and automation in small and medium manufacturing units. The event couldn’t have come at a more symbolic time — it coincided with International MSME Day, underscoring its commitment to empowering Indian MSMEs to leap into the future.
Held at Taj Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, the inaugural edition brought together SME manufacturers, innovators, policymakers, and technology enablers on a single platform to unlock the potential of smart manufacturing and future-ready solutions. The forum served as a clarion call for MSMEs to not just survive, but thrive — by embracing digital tools, automating operations, and preparing for global competitiveness.
Adding great significance to the occasion, Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) a leading voice for SMEs, extended its full support to this transformative mission. In a deeply inspiring welcome, Shri. Gireesh V Gumaste, Chairman – Sub Committee, Non-Designated Industrial Area, KARNATAKA SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION (KASSIA), representing KASSIA, shared his entrepreneurial journey and highlighted the real-world challenges MSMEs face — from navigating outdated processes to adopting new technologies. His words resonated strongly with attendees as he pledged KASSIA’s continued support to help entrepreneurs scale, digitise, and innovate.
His warm endorsement set the tone for a day of ideas, collaboration, and impact — reminding every SME in the room that transformation is not just necessary, it is possible — and it starts now.
Bengaluru Sets the Momentum
The first leg of this ambitious journey was flagged off in Bengaluru on June 27, 2025, at the prestigious Taj Yeshwantpur, where over 150+ SME manufacturing leaders, industry pioneers, technology innovators, and government dignitaries came together under one roof. The energy, intent, and enthusiasm on the ground reflected a shared vision – to build a smarter, more resilient, and future-ready manufacturing ecosystem for India.
From passionate keynotes to powerful panel discussions and startup showcases to one-on-one advisory meetings, the event was more than just a forum — it was a movement in motion.
Inspiring Leadership from the Stage
The event was graced by some of India’s finest thought leaders and dignitaries, each adding valuable insights into the digital transformation journey. The day began with an inspiring Welcome Address by Dojo Jose, Founder, CEO & Publisher of Small Enterprise India, followed by Chief Guest, Gireesh V Gumaste, Chairman – Sub Committee, Non-Designated Industrial Area, KASSIA, who shared his personal entrepreneurial journey and acknowledged the ground realities MSMEs face. He pledged KASSIA’s ongoing support to help entrepreneurs digitise, innovate, and grow.
The sessions that followed were knowledge-packed and focused on real-world implementation of digital transformation:
- Vasuki Kashyap , Business Leader & Strategic Partnerships, NASSCOM, set the tone with her talk: “Industry 4.0 Readiness for SMEs: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities Through Digital Adoption”, helping SMEs understand where and how to begin their transformation.
- Sunil G Acharya, Senior Advisor and Consultant at Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), spoke on “Sustainability & Green Manufacturing – Opportunities in ESDM & Semiconductors”, highlighting how the future of Indian manufacturing must be both sustainable and tech-driven.
- Hanuman Swami, Global Planning & Fulfilment Manager, ABB, discussed “Digital Transformation Tools & Trends for SMEs”, breaking down the most relevant tech trends into actionable takeaways for SMEs.
- Sumana Mandal, Founder & CEO, Enlightened Machines (previously IGNOMAGINE), presented “Robotic Automation: Scalable Solutions for Businesses of Every Size”, showcasing how even small setups can benefit from robotic precision.
- Shanmukha C.G, AGM – Product Excellence, Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd, addressed the critical topic: “Right Technology Adaptation for Business Growth”, guiding SMEs on choosing practical, cost-effective solutions.
Panel Discussion 1: Digitise or Disappear
One of the highlights of the day was the first panel discussion, “Digitise or Disappear: The Urgent Need for Digital Transformation in Indian SME Manufacturing”, moderated by Hanuman Swami. This powerful discussion featured: Pradeep Rao, Director & Chief Architect, Kyndryl, Amit G Choudhury, Practice Head Industry X.0, L&T Technology Services and Raghudeep Madineni, Head – Industry 4.0, Ather Energy.
The panel brought to light the pressing need for SMEs to digitise, explained in simple terms with practical insights, engaging many in the audience with its relatable content and interactive Q&A.
The post lunch sessions began with presentations by:
- Zubin Jagtiani, CEO, Think7, on “From Machines to Intelligence: Unlocking SME Growth with Industrial IoT” – a session focused on how smart sensors and IoT can drive productivity.
- Vijay Seelam, Founder & CEO, Svaya Robotics, discussed “Robotics & AI in Manufacturing”, showcasing real use-cases of robotic integration in SMEs.
Panel Discussion 2: “Future-Proofing Indian Manufacturing: What Skills, Tools & Strategies Will Define SME Growth?”
This forward-looking panel was moderated by Shweta Sharma, Senior Engineering Manager, Intuit, and featured a rich mix of academia and startup leaders including: Dr. Nagahanumaiah , Director, CMTI, Chetan N., Founder, Quoqo, Jitendra Purohit, Co-Founder, Daten & Wissen and Sumana Mandal, Enlightened Machines (previously IGNOMAGINE).
This session dissected the future skillsets and digital toolkits SMEs need to remain relevant and grow in a globally competitive market.
- Sukumaran Mathoor, Head – Industry 4.0 Training, IC Pro Solutions, presented “Smart Automation & Industry 4.0: Low-Cost Integration for SMEs”, detailing how small factories can become “smart” with minimal investment.
- The final talk of the day was by Narendra Reddy T, Scientist at CMTI, who delivered a powerful presentation on “Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 Support for SMEs from CMTI”. He emphasized CMTI’s R&D capabilities and government-backed programs designed to aid SME digitisation — a game-changer for small units seeking low-cost transformation.
The day concluded with a warm Thank You Note from Tapasya Ravishankar, Co-Founder & Director, Aspire Aeonian LLP, appreciating the incredible energy, support, and knowledge exchange that marked the start of a promising journey toward digitised, empowered SME manufacturing in India.
The Startup Showcase – SME-StartX: Igniting Innovation for SME Manufacturing
Running parallel to the flagship event The Future Factory Forum 2025, the SME-StartX startup showcase emerged as a vibrant hub of innovation, collaboration, and opportunity. This specially curated segment brought together some of the most promising startups delivering cutting-edge solutions in AI, IoT, Robotics, MES, and Factory Management Tools—all tailored for the unique needs of Indian SME manufacturers.
Designed as a live discovery platform, SME-StartX allowed startups to directly present their transformative offerings to SME decision-makers, fostering an environment of practical learning and potential partnerships. The showcase wasn’t just about technology—it was about real, on-ground solutions that SMEs could implement immediately.
What made SME-StartX truly impactful was the one-on-one business matchmaking sessions, seamlessly coordinated by the Small Enterprise India team. These personalised meetings ensured that every conversation was focused, relevant, and outcome-driven. Startups like Quoqo Technologies, Daten & Wissen, EnlightenedMachines, Rezler Systems, and Kaash reported significant interest and lead traction, with several SMEs initiating follow-ups for pilot deployments and collaborations.
The energy on the floor was electric—entrepreneurs connected, questions flowed, and ideas turned into plans. From predictive maintenance powered by AI to robotic automation scaled for small factories, the showcase was a living blueprint of the smart factory revolution SMEs have been waiting for.
SME-StartX wasn’t just a showcase—it was the start of many transformation journeys.
What Made It Special? The SMEs.
The true soul of The Future Factory Forum 2025 wasn’t just the cutting-edge technology or renowned speakers—it was the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who brought the event to life. Their passion, curiosity, and readiness to evolve made this more than a forum—it became a launchpad for transformation. From the very start, over 150+ SME manufacturers gathered not just to listen, but to actively engage, question, and seek real solutions for their digital growth journey. It was their willingness to embrace change, explore innovation, and collaborate with emerging tech startups that made the day extraordinary.
What made this event stand out was the spirit of partnership—between SMEs and startups, between industry leaders and tech pioneers, and between public and private ecosystems. These alliances sparked meaningful conversations and opened doors to practical strategies for Industry 4.0, AI, IoT, and smart automation.
The SMEs didn’t just attend—they took ownership of their future. They left the forum with renewed purpose, a digital roadmap, and powerful connections to guide their next steps. The Future Factory Forum 2025 wasn’t just an event—it was a bold statement that India’s SMEs are ready. Ready to digitise, innovate, and lead the next chapter of industrial growth.
This is just the beginning of a movement powered by SMEs who dare to dream big and act smart.
What’s Next: Coming to a City Near You
With Bengaluru setting a powerful tone, The Future Factory Forum now sets its eyes on Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Rajkot Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai and many more The mission is simple but critical: reach the heart of India’s SME manufacturing hubs and unlock the potential that lies in digital transformation.
Each city will see an upgraded version of the Forum—tailored to regional manufacturing challenges and packed with new speakers, partners, and innovations.
A Grateful Salute
At Small Enterprise India, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude as we reflect on the success of The Future Factory Forum 2025. To every partner, speaker, panelists, and moderator—thank you for lending your voice, vision, and time to shape a powerful narrative for SME manufacturing in India. To all the SMEs who attended with purpose, eager to learn, adapt, and grow—you were the heartbeat of this event. Your energy, curiosity, and commitment to transformation made this forum truly impactful. To our volunteers and team members, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes—your dedication and passion brought this vision to life.
A big Thank you to our Main Support Partner– nasscom SME Connect , K-Tech CoE Data Science & AI – NASSCOM and our Strategic Partner Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), Network partner F6S , SME Associations Partners – Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association Kassia FKCCI – Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association.
Gratitude to Our Digital Transformation Partners: Tally Solutions Pvt Ltd | Quoqo | Daten & Wissen | Rezler Systems | Kaash | Enlightened Machines (previously IGNOMAGINE) and Financial Advisory Partner: Anand Rathi Wealth Limited
Together, we have not just launched a multi-city roadshow—we’ve ignited a movement. A movement to digitise factories, to empower entrepreneurs, and to build a smarter, more resilient India.
This is just the beginning. Let’s continue this journey—Let’s digitise. Let’s innovate. Let’s future-proof India’s factories.