-Vivek Singh and Neha Basudkar Ghate
A landmark gathering of innovation and engineering excellence, the 2026 edition brought together global pioneers, breakthrough technologies, and transformative ideas under one roof. With its powerful mix of exhibitions, knowledge sessions, and industry recognition, the event set a bold direction for the future of gear and power transmission.
The 2026 edition of IPTEX concluded successfully from 26–28 February 2026 at the Auto Cluster Exhibition Center, reinforcing Pune’s position as a key hub for India’s power transmission and gear manufacturing ecosystem. This year marked the 9th edition of IPTEX and the 7th edition of GRINDEX, emphasizing the event’s growing stature as a specialised platform for gears and grinding technologies. With over 95 exhibitors and a targeted visitor group that included gear makers, grinding specialists, cutting tool providers, OEMs, and MSMEs, IPTEX 2026 provided a compact yet technically rich venue for industry stakeholders. The event brought together participants from the gear, grinding, and larger power transmission value chains, creating an environment focused on precision engineering, manufacturing advancement, and future preparation.
The inauguration ceremony began with the auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony which was witnessed with the presence of distinguished dignitaries and industry leaders, including Chandrakant Nemade and Ashish Nemade of NEMADE, representatives from DVS Technologies, Rohit Pereira of Kapp Niles, Vishwajit Kothari of Cyber Gears, Soundararajan KP, former MD of Gleason Works India, Prakash Kadam of Pragati Transmission, Sachin Mahajan of Quaker Houghton, Mr. Raghu G , Director of Virgo Communications & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd among others.
A Focused Expo of Gear & Grinding Technologies
Unlike broad-spectrum industrial displays, IPTEX emphasised power transmission, gear engineering, and related manufacturing technologies. The show floor was dominated by innovations in heat treatment, gear cutting technology, grinding solutions, inspection systems, and materials. Grinding technology is one of the most often discussed topics nowadays. Exhibitors demonstrated cutting-edge grinding solutions aimed at tighter tolerances, better surface finishes, and faster cycle times in response to the increased demand for more precise gears in aerospace, defence, electric cars, and precision automotive applications. Clearly, the goal was to maximise productivity while maintaining accuracy. The inclusion of global players, particularly those from Italian and Chinese gear producers, added to the event’s international flavour. Italian exhibitors showed high-end gear finishing and grinding solutions, showcasing their significant engineering experience. Participants from China proved their increasing importance in the global gear manufacturing business by displaying competitive automation technology and scalable manufacturing systems. This ethnic mix sparked fruitful debates about knowledge transfer, localisation, and India’s plans to develop its domestic manufacturing skills.
Strong Industry Conversations through Knowledge Panels
Beyond the exhibition booths, IPTEX 2026 distinguished itself with an extensive knowledge-sharing program. Multiple panel discussions addressed critical themes shaping the future of gear manufacturing and power transmission in India. One of the central discussions revolved around ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat: Driving Self-Reliance in Aerospace & Defence through Indigenous Gear & Transmission Manufacturing’. The Moderator for the panel discussion was Mr. Waseem Ahmed Khan, Senior Consultant, Aerospace & Defence, Fortune Business Insights. The Panellists included Mr. Rahul Pardeshi, Head, Business Development, Gear Drive Solution, Walchandnagar Industries Limited; Mr. Mohit Khannaa, AVP, Advisory Fortune Business Insights and Sqn. Ldr. Shailesh Pol, Independent Consultant, Aerospace & Defence, Ex-Indian Air Force. The panel discussion emphasized on reducing import dependence, developing advanced materials capabilities, and strengthening domestic heat treatment and finishing infrastructure to meet defence-grade requirements.
Another technically intensive session for the day focused on Case hardening of gears utilizing low-pressure carburizing and nitriding/ FNC of Seco/Warwick. The discussion was held by Mr. JĘDRZEJ MALINOWSKI, SWSA (Business Development Manager Vacuum Furnaces Team) , SECO/WARWICK; Mr. MARCIN PRZYGOŃSKI, SWSA (Business Development Manager Vacuum Furnaces Team) , SECO/WARWICK and Mr. MAYUR RAO SWI (Segment Manager – Vacuum) , SECO/WARWICK. This session highlighted the shift toward cleaner, more controlled heat treatment environments to improve gear performance and durability.
And the third session for the day titled Local to Global – Emerging Opportunities for MSMEs in Gear Manufacturing reflected the growing confidence among Indian MSMEs. The Moderator for this panel discussion was Ms. Shriyal Sethumadhavan, Conference Producer, GTI Summit 2026 and Founder & Director, Panoptic Solutions. The Panellists included Mr. Nitish Mahajan – Director, Ratna Gears; Mr. PRAKASH KADAM, Managing Director, Pragati Transmission Pvt Ltd – India; Mr. Rajiv B Kulkarni, CTO, Bharat Gears Ltd and Mr. Arunachalam A, Sr. Manager Sales & Projects, IGW Technologies India Pvt Ltd. The panel discussed export readiness, certification requirements, and the need to adopt digital quality systems to compete globally.
The evening then transitioned into a vibrant networking session where attendees exchanged ideas and forged meaningful connections, setting an energetic tone for the following day. On the second day, the expo drew an impressive crowd, reaffirming the importance of such platforms in the industrial landscape. The strong turnout underscored the fact that gears and power transmission form the very foundation of manufacturing, making events like IPTEX-GRINDEX vital for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and industry growth. Along with the exhibition, where leading companies such as Nidec’s Machine Tool, EMAG Group, ENSO Oils and Lubricants Private Limited, ESGI Tools Pvt Ltd, Krebs & Riedel Abrasives India Pvt Ltd, Liebherr-International AG, Mitutoyo South Asia Pvt. Ltd., Proteck Machinery Pvt Ltd, and TYROLIT were among several others showcasing their latest technologies and machinery, the atmosphere was charged with collaboration and discussion. Every corner of the exhibition buzzed with exchanges of ideas, demonstrations of innovation, and conversations that highlighted the industry’s drive toward advancement and modernization.
The Panel discussion for the second day was based on technology-forward themes. The first session for the second day was on NexGen Gear Engineering: Integrating R&D with AI, Advanced Materials, and Smart Manufacturing for Superior Performance. It was held by Mr. Mahendran Muthu
Proprietor, NexGen Gears. This session underlined how artificial intelligence, simulation tools, predictive maintenance, and advanced alloys are redefining gear performance standards.
Workforce development also received significant attention, as the panel discussion for the day was on the theme Building Future-Ready Gear Workforce: Skill Development and Upskilling Resources. The Moderator was Mr. N C Gosavi, CEO, Coplaced Consultants Pvt Ltd. The panellists included Mr. Vishwajit Kothari, Director, Cyber Gears; Mr. Santosh Kulkarni, Senior Vice President, Sanjeev Auto-Parts Manufacturers Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Milind Kulkarni, Director Engineering, AAM – American Axle & Manufacturing and Mr, Durga Das, Vertical Head, RSB Transmissions (I) Ltd. With increasing automation and precision requirements, panelists stressed structured training programs, collaboration between industry and academia, and the modernization of technical education.
After lunch break, another panel discussion was held which was based India’s Manufacturing Future: Scaling Up for the Next Decade to Meet International Demands. The moderator for this panel discussion was Mr. Amol Natu, Director, Manufacturing Quality & Systems Leader (EBU), Cummins India. The panellists were Mr. Mushtaq Jamal, Managing Director, Bevel Gears (India) Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Ashish Nemade, Managing Director, NEMADE Engineers Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Parag Apte, Deputy General Manager, Business Excellence & Business Development, SKF ISEA and Mr. RAKESH VASANT VAIDYA, Head, NPD & Manufacturing Engineering (Gear), KALYANI TECHNOFORGE LIMITED. This insightful session was based on reinforcing India’s ambition to move from cost-competitive manufacturing to technology-led global leadership.
As electric mobility accelerates, the gear industry stands at a transformative crossroads. This insightful session at the GTI Summit 2026 explored how gear manufacturers can adapt, innovate, and lead in India’s rapidly evolving EV landscape.
After two continuous panel discussions, the focus shifted to a highly anticipated session led by Mr. Karthik Sheshagiri, Director of Hitork Gears and MD of Gears & Gear Drives. He highlighted that as electric mobility accelerates, the gear industry stands at a transformative crossroads. His presentation, titled The EV Shift: Opportunities for Gear Manufacturers in India’s New Mobility Ecosystem, explored how gear manufacturers can adapt, innovate, and lead in the rapidly evolving EV landscape. The session offered valuable insights into the new design paradigms, technological innovations, and strategic opportunities emerging for the industry as India embraces electric mobility.
Following the insightful session on the EV shift, the next discussion turned to Efficient Gear Manufacturing, led by Mr. Vishwajit Kothari, Director, Cyber Gears. This session placed efficiency at the forefront, emphasising the importance of optimising processes, improving productivity, and enhancing quality in gear manufacturing. Mr. Kothari delivered a practical and insight-driven presentation that highlighted how operational excellence is not just a competitive advantage but a necessity for sustaining growth in today’s demanding manufacturing landscape. His focus on streamlined operations and quality-driven practices reinforced the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement and global competitiveness. The last panel discussion was for the expo was on Building Future-Ready Gear Workforce: Skill Development and Upskilling Resource. The moderator for this panel was Mr. N C Gosavi, CEO, Coplaced Consultants Pvt Ltd Consultants. The Panellists were Mr. Vishwajit Kothari, Director, Cyber Gears; Mr. Santosh Kulkarni, Senior Vice President, Sanjeev Auto-Parts Manufacturers Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Milind Kulkarni, Director Engineering, AAM – American Axle & Manufacturing andMr. Durga Das, Vertical Head, RSB Transmissions (I) Ltd. The discussion was based on a powerful exchange of ideas on how investing in people is key to sustaining innovation and global competitiveness in the gear industry.
Celebrating Excellence: Gear Technology India Awards 2026
Alongside the technical sessions, IPTEX-GRINDEX 2026 hosted the second edition of the Gear Technology India Business Excellence & Achievement Awards on 27 February 2026. Recognised as India’s first awards platform dedicated to the gear industry, the ceremony celebrated innovation, engineering excellence, and leadership. Honourees included Mohini Kelkar of Grind Master Machines, who received the She Leads the Gear recognition; Bonfiglioli Technology Space, awarded for Excellence in Design & Development; Shelar Automation, recognised as Innovator of the Year; RACL Geartech Limited, honoured for Outstanding Social Responsibility; Premium Transmission Limited, awarded for Excellence in Heat Treatment; Bharat Gears Ltd, recognised for Excellence in Gear Manufacturing; and ESGI Tools Pvt Ltd, which won the Cutting Tools Innovation Award. The awards added prestige to the event, highlighting the achievements of companies and individuals driving India’s gear and power transmission industry forward.
Industry Sentiment: Positive and Growth-Oriented
IPTEX 2026 had an incredibly energetic atmosphere throughout. Discussions among booths revealed a cautious optimism that was developing into a calculated expansion. Many exhibitors reported consistent order quantities, especially from the export, automotive, EV, and industrial machinery segments. One significant finding was MSMEs’ increasing commitment to modernisation. Automation cells, profile grinding, CNC gear cutting machines, and inspection systems all seemed to be receiving more funding. Additionally, there was a clear realisation that competing on a global scale requires not only economic competitiveness but also consistency in quality and technological proficiency. One recurring theme is import substitution. The bulk of the discussions were on growing India’s domestic manufacturing industry, notwithstanding the presence of foreign exhibitors. The story of “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” struck a chord with many people, especially in the fields of aerospace and military.
Pune’s Strategic Role
The show also benefited from Pune’s position as an auto hub. The event’s site in Pimpri-Chinchwad, one of India’s most well-known automotive and technical hubs, was strategically sound. Pune remains a key base for the automotive, gear, and precision engineering industries. The area industrial backdrop ensured high-quality foot traffic and technically engaged participants, rather than casual participation. The event also witnessed the official launch of Gear Technology India – IPTEX GRINDEX Special Edition (Vol 4 | Issue 1 | 2026), which captured the pulse of India’s gear and power transmission sector with technology trends, expert insights, and global perspectives.
Key Takeaways from IPTEX 2026
Grinding technology is becoming increasingly critical in achieving export-grade gear precision. AI-driven gear design and smart manufacturing are transitioning from concept to implementation. Heat treatment advancements such as low-pressure carburizing are gaining traction. Indian MSMEs are actively preparing for global market participation. EV-driven gear redesign is creating new engineering challenges and opportunities. Skill development and workforce readiness are recognized as strategic imperatives.
Conclusion
IPTEX 2026 successfully reinforced its identity as a specialized and technically focused platform for the power transmission industry. By combining exhibition strength with knowledge-driven panel discussions and celebrating excellence through the Gear Technology India Awards, the event provided both business opportunities and strategic direction for the sector. As India positions itself as a global manufacturing alternative, platforms like IPTEX play a vital role in aligning industry stakeholders, fostering technology exchange, and accelerating modernization. The positive sentiment witnessed throughout the exhibition signals that the Indian gear and power transmission industry is not merely growing — it is evolving with intent and ambition. With its dual role as a technology showcase and a platform for recognising industry excellence, IPTEX-GRINDEX 2026 reaffirmed its position as a cornerstone event for India’s gear and power transmission ecosystem. If the discussions and engagement at IPTEX 2026 are any indication, the coming decade could well mark a defining phase for India’s gear engineering and power transmission ecosystem.
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