The Future Factory Forum Kochi 2026
Powering Kerala’s SME Manufacturing to Industry 4.0 – into the Digital Future
27 February 2026 I Holiday Inn, Kochi
Kerala’s manufacturing landscape is at a defining crossroads. Long admired for its high literacy, skilled workforce, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and social development indicators, the state is now rapidly reimagining how business is done, especially in the SME manufacturing sector. From traditional industries such as food processing, rubber, chemicals, engineering, and consumer goods to emerging sectors like electronics, medical devices, and clean-tech, Kerala’s SMEs are steadily embracing change.
As India’s most literate state and a pioneer in human development, Kerala has always been first in many things. Today, that progressive mindset is translating into a growing appetite for digitisation, automation, and Industry 4.0 adoption. Kerala entrepreneurs are no longer content with conventional manufacturing models—they are actively seeking smarter, leaner, and more globally competitive ways of operating.
It is against this backdrop that The Future Factory Forum – Kochi 2026 emerges as a timely and transformative platform for Kerala’s SME manufacturing community.
A New Era for Kerala’s Manufacturing SMEs
Across Kerala, SME manufacturers are recognising a clear reality: the future belongs to digital factories. Rising input costs, skill shortages, quality demands, sustainability pressures, and global competition are pushing SMEs to rethink their operations. Digitisation is no longer a luxury, it is a survival strategy.
Encouragingly, several Kerala-based SMEs have grown by taking bold steps towards Industry 4.0, setting inspiring examples for others to follow:
- V-Guard Industries has leveraged automation, data-driven production planning, and digital quality systems to enhance operational efficiency and scale across multiple product lines.
- Synthite Industries, a global leader in spice extracts, has integrated advanced process automation, IoT-enabled quality monitoring, and ERP-driven manufacturing controls to strengthen traceability and global compliance.
- O/E/N India (OEN Group) has embraced smart manufacturing and connected factory systems to improve productivity, consistency, and responsiveness in electronics manufacturing.
- KELTRON, Kerala’s iconic electronics PSU, has modernised several manufacturing lines through automation, robotics, and digital monitoring systems, demonstrating how legacy organisations can successfully transform.
These examples prove one thing clearly: Industry 4.0 works for Kerala SMEs, and it works well.
The Future Factory Forum Kochi 2026: A Game Changer for SMEs
Building on successful editions across India, The Future Factory Forum Kochi 2026 will be held on 27 February 2026 at Holiday Inn, Kochi. Designed as a practical, action-oriented platform, the forum will guide SMEs on how to move from intent to implementation in their digital transformation journey.
Supported by NASSCOM CoE–IoT & AI, District Industries Center (DIC), and leading SME associations, the Kochi edition is set to become a landmark event for Kerala’s manufacturing ecosystem.
This is not just another conference—it is a working forum focused on real-world challenges, real solutions, and real outcomes.
What Makes This Forum Different?
1. Practical, Step-by-Step Digital Transformation
The Future Factory Forum is built specifically for SMEs. Sessions are curated to simplify complex topics like:
- Industry 4.0 readiness for SMEs
- Automation on a budget
- Industrial IoT for real-time visibility
- Smart factory roadmaps
- AI-driven quality, maintenance, and production planning
- Sustainability and green manufacturing
No jargon. No theory overload. Just actionable insights that SMEs can implement immediately.
2. Learn from Experts Who Understand SMEs
Participants will engage with industry experts, technology leaders, and practitioners who have worked closely with SME manufacturers. These experts won’t just speak to you—they will speak with you, answering questions and addressing real factory-floor challenges.
3. AGENDA: Insightful Presentations & Power-Packed Panel Discussions
The agenda includes keynote presentations and panel discussions featuring:
- SME leaders who have successfully digitised
- Industry 4.0 solution providers
- Automation and AI specialists
- Policy and ecosystem enablers
These sessions will explore how Kerala SMEs can future-proof their businesses through the right mix of skills, tools, and strategies.
Agenda
| The Future Factory Forum 2025 Holiday Inn, Kochi I 27 february 2026 AGENDA | |
|---|---|
| Time | Session |
| 09:00 – 10:00 AM | Registration & Networking Welcome Coffee / Tea |
| 10:00 – 10:10 AM | Welcome Address |
| 10:10 – 10:25 AM | Keynote Address |
| 10.25 AM – 10.40 AM | Future of Digital Innovation |
| 10.40 AM – 11.00 AM | AI in Manufacturing Industry: Capabilities, Trends and Tools |
| 11.00 AM – 11.20 AM | Industry 4.0 / Digital Transformation – A practitioner’s Guide |
| 11.20 AM – 11.40 AM | Production Scheduling Simplified |
| 11.40 AM – 12.00 PM | From Chaos to Clarity — How Systems Thinking Can Scale Any SME in the Next 10 Years. |
| 12.00 PM – 12.20 PM | Right Technology Adaptation for Business Growth |
| 12.20 PM – 1.20 PM | PANEL DISCUSSION 1: Digitise or Disappear: The Urgent Need for Digital Transformation in Indian SME Manufacturing |
| 01:20 PM – 02:15 PM | Networking Lunch |
| 02:15 PM – 02:35 PM | From Factory Floor to Cloud: How IIoT and AI Are Powering Cost-Effective Smart Factories for the Indian Manufacturing Sector |
| 02:40 PM – 03.40 PM | PANEL DISCUSSION 2: Future-Proofing Indian Manufacturing: What Skills, Tools & Strategies Will Define SME Growth? |
| 03.40 PM – 4.00 PM | Legal & Cybersecurity Compliance: Safeguarding MSMEs in Digital Manufacturing |
| 4:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Vote of Thanks |
| 4.00 PM – 5.00 PM | Evening Networing @ Expo – Coffee / Tea |
| 10 AM – 5.00 PM | Tech Expo & One-One Meetings |
Meet Innovative Startups & Enterprise Solution Providers
One of the most valuable aspects of The Future Factory Forum Kochi is the opportunity to connect directly with innovative startups and technology providers.
SMEs will get access to:
- Affordable Industry 4.0 solutions
- AI, IoT, automation, robotics, and MES platforms
- Scalable tools designed specifically for SME constraints
- Enterprise-grade solutions adapted for SME use cases
This is a rare opportunity to explore, compare, and evaluate technologies—all under one roof—without sales pressure.
One Day That Can Change the Way You Do Business
For Kerala SMEs, this forum is more than an event, it is a turning point. A day to pause, reflect, learn, and reimagine how manufacturing can be done smarter, faster, and more profitably.
It is a space to:
- Ask questions specific to your factory
- Get clarity on where to start
- Learn from peers who’ve already transformed
- Build connections that can accelerate growth
Event Details
- Date: 27 February 2026
- Venue: Holiday Inn, Kochi
- Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Audience:
Manufacturing SME Owners & Patners, Plant Heads, Operations Managers, IT Heads, CTOs, Digital Transformation Leaders, and Decision Makers
Registration:
FREE for Manufacturing SMEs, Plant Heads, IT Heads & Decision Makers
Join the Movement. Shape the Future.
Kerala has always led from the front, whether in education, innovation, or entrepreneurship. Now, it is time for Kerala’s manufacturing SMEs to lead India’s next wave of smart factories.
The Future Factory Forum Kochi 2026 is your opportunity to be part of that transformation.
Learn. Connect. Digitise. Grow.
Register now and take your manufacturing to the next level.
REGISTER NOW!