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MUMBAI, JUNE 30, 2025
In a landmark move poised to redefine the future of India’s forging sector, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) has officially launched the GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum — a first-of-its-kind platform aimed at nurturing emerging leaders and innovators in the industry.
This visionary initiative is designed to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in a rapidly globalizing industrial landscape, where innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement are key drivers of growth. With India’s economy growing at an average of 7.2% over the past three fiscal years and industries rapidly adopting technologies like AI, IoT, robotics, and fintech, the forging sector is entering a pivotal era of transformation. The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is AIFI’s proactive response to this shift, recognizing the agility, ambition, and global mindset of young leaders, especially from family-run forging businesses.
Speaking on this transformative initiative, Yash Munot, President of AIFI, said, “The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is not just a platform — it’s a movement to shape the future of the Indian forging industry. Our aim is to position Indian forging on the global stage for innovation, quality, and sustainability. This forum will channel the creativity and drive of young entrepreneurs through strategic guidance, leadership development, academia-industry collaboration, and global exposure. It will also play a pivotal role in resolving succession challenges, modernizing legacy business models, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem for long-term industry growth.”
The Forum is set to become a dynamic hub for young forging professionals, encouraging peer-to-peer learning, strategic dialogue, and continuous development. Activities under the initiative include leadership programs, academic partnerships, policy discussions, and exposure visits to global innovation hubs.
The Forum’s debut milestone was marked by a high-impact launch event in Hyderabad, featuring a visit to the CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, India’s first LEED Platinum-certified green building, and a workshop titled “Reinventing Family-Owned Businesses and Shifting Orbits of Growth” led by innovation expert Dr. Rahul More.
Ankit Mehta, Director, KLM Forge Pvt. Ltd., Pune, noted, “In today’s evolving industrial environment, collaboration and innovation are more critical than ever. The AIFI GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum provides an incredible opportunity for young forgers to share ideas, embrace new technologies, and work together toward a progressive future for our industry.”
Future engagements will include interaction with young leaders from various sectors, leadership programs with top academic institutions, overseas study missions, and training on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, ESG frameworks, and advanced robotics.
Sivarjun Rachamallu, GM, Rachamallu Forgings Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, added, “I’m proud to be part of this transformative forum. GenNext brings together fresh ideas and experienced perspectives, aiming to advance technology, drive sustainable practices, and contribute to forward-looking policy development for the forging sector.”
The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum aligns seamlessly with AIFI’s broader vision to establish India as a global leader in forging innovation, manufacturing excellence, and sustainable industrial growth. Through this initiative, AIFI reaffirms its commitment to nurturing talent, enabling modernization, and positioning the Indian forging sector on the global map.
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