CII Cost Congress 2026 to be held in Pune
The 25th edition of Cost Congress will gather industry leaders in Pune to discuss global competitiveness and AI-driven manufacturing.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) TCM Division has announced the 25th edition of its prestigious international conference, Cost Congress 2026. This landmark event is scheduled to take place on 26th and 27th October 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Pune, Maharashtra.
Under the central theme, “India’s Decade: Building Global Competitiveness in an Era of Disruption,” the conference aims to serve as a vital platform for chief executives, policymakers, and industry experts. The gathering will focus on navigating the rapid technological and economic shifts currently reshaping the global landscape.
Two Days of Strategic Industry Deliberations
The two-day summit is structured around ten thematic sessions designed to address the most critical challenges and opportunities facing Indian industry today. The schedule is divided into two distinct areas of focus:
Day One: Innovation and Resilience
The inaugural day will dive deep into the mechanics of competitive advantage. Key topics include:
- Innovation: Utilizing innovation as a strategic tool for competition.
- Localization: The importance of indigenization and localizing value chains.
- Business Resilience: Maintaining stability amidst constant environmental changes.
- Decarbonisation: Moving beyond mere compliance to leverage green transitions as a competitive edge.
- Global Footprint: Strategies to enhance export competitiveness and strengthen India's presence in international markets.
Day Two: Technology and Future Transitions
The second day will pivot toward the digital and energy transitions that are redefining business models. Discussions will cover:
- AI and Productivity: The role of Artificial Intelligence and advanced technology in boosting manufacturing output.
- Human Capital: Developing excellence in the workforce to thrive in an AI-driven era.
- Strategic Inflection Points: Navigating the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles and the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
Unveiling TCM 3.0 and Distinguished Speakers
A major highlight of the 2026 edition will be the unveiling of TCM 3.0. This rebranded and repositioned framework is set to introduce a new business strategy architecture, featuring a technology interface and an innovation index tailored for the modern global context.
The event boasts an impressive roster of industry heavyweights. Mr. Girish Wagh, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Motors Ltd, will moderate the opening session on innovation. The conference will also feature insights from several prominent leaders, including:
- Mr. Manoj Kolhatkar (Chairman - Cost Congress 2026 & MD & CEO, TATA AutoComp Systems Ltd)
- Mr. Rajendran Arunachalam (Group CFO, Thermax Ltd)
- Mr. B Thiagarajan (MD, Blue Star Ltd)
- Mr. Guruprasad Mudlapur (President Bosch Group in India & MD)
- Mr. K.S. Grihapthy (President International Business, Bajaj Auto Ltd)
- Mr. Sachin Kulkarni (Executive Director, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India)
- Mr. Anand Kumar Sinha (Chief Digital and Information Officer, Tata Technologies Ltd)
As it enters its 25th year, Cost Congress continues to reinforce its position as a premier national platform for shaping the future of Indian industrial strategy on the world stage.