SDM Post Graduate Centre for Management Studies and Research organized one-day National Conference titled “Synergising AI and Industry 5.0: Human-Machine Collaboration for a Smarter Future” on April 30, 2026. This premier event served as an important platform for academicians, industry leaders, and policymakers to deliberate on the evolving role of AI in shaping a technologically advanced yet human-centric society. The proceedings began with a formal inaugural ceremony, presided over by the Director, Dr. Seema S. Shenoy. The event was graced by Dr. Prasanna Deshpande, Vice President of Machine Services & Digital at ABB India Limited, as the Chief Guest and Inaugurator who spoke on role of AI in future, and Ms. Shilpa Shetty C, Global Customer Advocacy Lead at Coursera, Mumbai, representing the institute’s distinguished alumni as Alumni Chief Guest.

Following the inauguration, the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Harish Krishnaswamy, former COO of Tata Trusts, Mumbai, who provided a strategic roadmap for integrating advanced technologies with industrial growth. The keynote reached a whole new level when Shruthi, our AI assistant, joined the stage—bringing the powerful vision of human-machine collaboration vividly to life. Designed to elevate the educational experience, Shruthi’s interactive debut gave attendees a thrilling firsthand look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we learn, connect, and grow. The conference continued with a high-level panel discussion on “Empowering India: AI for Sustainability,” moderated by Mr. Vaishakh Pai K, Cluster Head of the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), and featured insightful contributions from panelists including Dr. Deepak Rai, Orthopaedic & Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon at Yenepoya Hospital; Ms. Bimba Manoj, Managing Partner of Shree Garodi Steels, Mangaluru; and Mr. Rajesh Prabhu, Founder of Seven Technologies, Bengaluru. The speakers fostered a vibrant dialogue on the role of AI in sustainable development and illustrated the remarkable potential of human-machine collaboration.

The afternoon session was dedicated to academic competitions, where faculty and students at both UG and PG levels presented research papers, with outstanding contributions recognized through attractive cash prizes. Additionally, a Sensex Contest was held to reward the participant who most accurately predicted the Sensex points, testing financial acumen and market intuition. The event concluded with a formal valedictory session with Mr. Sankarasubbu Arunachalam, Senior Principal Technology Architect at Infosys, Mangaluru, as the Chief Guest and Ms. Snehal, Associate Lead at Infosys Ltd, Mudipu, as Alumni Guest. The conference successfully brought together diverse perspectives and expertise to explore the synergies between AI and Industry 5.0, emphasizing human-machine collaboration for a smarter future. The conference was coordinated by Faculty coordinator Dr. Shaini Naveen, along with student coordinators Ms. Harshitha and Ms. Neha Rao.