DRIVING INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURING WITH 4TH EDITION MANUFACTURING 5.0 METAMORPHOSIS OF BUSINESS 2025
Exclusive Conversation with the organizer WASIM SOLANkI (Founder and Managing Director of empiric Business Media Private Limited)
What is the primary objective of the 4th Edition Manufacturing 5.0 event?
W.S: “Our mission is to bridge the gap between ambition and execution in Industry 5.0. While many events talk about trends, we focus on actionable strategies that harmonize human ingenuity with intelligent technologies. This edition is about equipping leaders to turn concepts like sustainability, AI-driven automation, and resilient supply chains into measurable ROI.”
What are the key themes and topics that will be covered in this edition?
W.S: “We’re tackling the hard truths of modern manufacturing: How do you scale AI without losing your workforce’s trust? Can circular economy practices actually boost profitability? Key themes include:
- Human-Centric Automation: Balancing AI with workforce
- Sustainable Profitability: Cutting costs while
- Digital Twins & Predictive Analytics: From reactive to proactive
- Supply Chain Warfare: Leveraging generative AI and digital twins to outmaneuver
- Startup Disruption: How nimble innovators are rewriting the ”
How does the event address challenges specific to sectors like automotive, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals?
W.S: “Generic solutions don’t work in manufacturing. For example:
- Automotive: Sessions on EV battery supply chain agility and combating semiconductor shortages.
- Pharma: Workshops on AI-driven compliance and cold-chain
- Aerospace: Deep dives into lightweight materials and additive
We’ve curated sector-specific roundtables led by veterans from companies like Harman (a Samsung Company), Cummins India, Force Motors Ltd., AquaPharm Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. Dassault Systemes and many more to address pain points head-on.”
How do you facilitate cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing?
W.S: “Innovation thrives at intersections. We’re hosting:
- ‘Collision Zones’: Speed-networking sessions pairing automotive leaders with renewable energy disruptors.
- War Gaming Workshops: Teams from diverse sectors solve real-world supply chain crises together.
- Open Innovation Challenges: Startups pitch solutions to problems flagged by legacy manufacturers.
This isn’t just networking—it’s co-creation under pressure.”
What future trends in Industry 5.0 will be explored?
W.S: “We’re spotlighting trends that are redefining competitiveness:
- Self-Healing Factories: Machines that diagnose and fix bottlenecks
- Ethical AI: Ensuring automation doesn’t erode workforce
- Bio-Integrated Manufacturing: Using synthetic biology for sustainable
- Resilience-as-a-Service: Subscription models for on-demand supply chain
These aren’t sci-fi—they’re happening now, and leaders who ignore them risk obsolescence.”
How can startups and innovators benefit from attending?
W.S: “Startups are the lifeblood of Industry 5.0. For them, this event is a launchpad:
- Pitch Battles: Demo your tech to VCs and corporate innovation
- Reverse Mentoring: Teach legacy giants how to think like
- Fast-Track Partnerships: Secure pilot projects with firms like io and Commscope.
If you’re a startup, this is where you scale or die.”
Are there B2B matchmaking sessions or partnership opportunities planned?
W.S: “Absolutely. Our AI-Powered Matchmaking Platform connects attendees with potential partners based on strategic goals. For example:
- Procurement Heads meet automation startups during curated 1:1s.
- Sustainability Officers partner with circular economy enablers like
- Deal Rooms: Closed-door sessions to negotiate joint ventures on the
This isn’t just talk—it’s where deals get inked.”
Lastly, what message would you like to convey to our readers?
W.S: “Industry 5.0 isn’t a buzzword—it’s a survival mandate. The manufacturers thriving today aren’t just adopting tech; they’re rewriting their DNA. Come to Pune to ‘learn,’ and to* act. Bring your toughest challenges, your boldest ideas, and your fiercest competitors. Let’s build the future—before it builds itself without you.”