MEDC MSME Capacity Building Summit 2025–26 Held in Pune, Draws Packed House and Global Expertise to Power Maharashtra’s MSMEs: The MEDC MSME Capacity Building Summit 2025–26, organised by the Maharashtra Economic Development Council (MEDC), was successfully held on December 17, 2025, in Pune, and concluded as a sold-out, high-impact industry event. The summit brought together senior government officials, global technology leaders, healthcare experts, GCC specialists, and MSME stakeholders to chart a future-ready roadmap focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Global Capability Centers (GCCs), Fintech, Healthcare, and global market integration for Maharashtra’s MSME ecosystem.
Traditional Lamp Lighting and Welcome Note Set the Tone
The event formally commenced with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony, symbolising knowledge, progress, and economic empowerment. This was followed by a welcome note delivered by Mr. Sachin Itkar, Vice-President, MEDC, who outlined the council’s long-standing commitment to MSME growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
High-Powered Inaugural Session
The Inaugural Session, held from 9:45 am to 10:45 am, featured an eminent lineup of speakers representing government, industry, technology, and healthcare.
The session included Mr. P. Velarusu (IAS), CEO, MIDC, Mr. Sushil Gaikwad, Commissioner (Investments), Government of Maharashtra, Mr. D. P. Nambiar, Chair – Western Region, NASSCOM, Mr. Atul Shirodkar, President, MEDC, Mr. Pradeep Kopardekar, Regional Director, MEDC, Dr. Sangramsinh Pawar, Founder & CEO, Mindwrks Global Technologies and UTTUNG GCC, Dr. Sagar Babar, President & Chief AI Officer, Comsense, and Mr. Rajesh Mutha, Chairman, Krsnaa Diagnostics.
Each address highlighted the urgent need for MSMEs to adopt advanced technologies, integrate with global value chains, and leverage Maharashtra’s strong industrial and policy ecosystem. A structured Q&A session followed, allowing entrepreneurs and industry participants to engage directly with the speakers.
Keynote on Global Banking and GCC Strategy
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Prasad Pradhaan, a Global Banking and GCC veteran and former Honorary Advisory Director to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). He spoke on the evolving role of MSMEs in India’s global economic strategy and financial architecture. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, which saw strong participation from MSME leaders and professionals.
AI for MSMEs: Global Outreach Blueprint
A dedicated session on “AI for MSMEs: Global Outreach Blueprint” followed, led by Dr. Sagar Babar. The international panel featured Mr. Shrikant Patil, CEO & Managing Director, DigiAlly (Singapore), Mr. Anand Shiralkar, CEO, DG FutureTech India Private Limited (Japan), Mr. Ravindra Gadgil, Enterprise Systems Architect and Applied AI Researcher (UK), and Mr. Ajit Ranade, Founder, Maharashtra Europe Business Forum (Germany).
The discussion focused on AI-led scalability, cross-border expansion, and digital competitiveness for MSMEs, and concluded with an engaging Q&A session.
GCCs in AI, Fintech and Healthcare
The session on “GCCs in AI, Fintech & Healthcare: Building GCCs – Challenges & Opportunities for MSMEs” was anchored by Dr. Sangramsinh Pawar. Panelists included Mr. Santosh Panicker, COO, SRKay, Mr. Shrikant Sarda, Former Managing Director, Accenture, and Mr. G. V. Prasad, Co-Founder, Shinkan.
Speakers examined operational models, talent challenges, and policy enablers for GCCs, followed by an extensive Q&A interaction with the audience.
Networking, Breakfast and Industry Engagement
This was followed by welcome interactions, networking, and breakfast, providing a platform for MSMEs, policymakers, investors, and technology providers to connect and explore collaborations.
AI and Technology for Healthcare
Post-lunch, the summit resumed with the session “AI & Technology for Healthcare”, featuring Dr. Sachin Devi, CEO, AIM Vision Technologies LLC (USA), Dr. Prashanth Balkesavan, Chairman & Managing Director, Pride Ventures (UAE), Mr. Nitin Deshpande, Former Managing Director, BMC, and Ms. Pallavi Jain, Executive Director, Krsnaa Diagnostics Ltd.
The panel discussed AI-driven diagnostics, healthcare delivery models, and global best practices, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
Capacity Building for AI, IT and Healthcare GCCs
Another key session on “Capacity Building for AI, IT & Healthcare GCC” featured Mr. Vishal Pawar, Former CEO, AllyGrow, Mr. Sunil Kulkarni, President, Fidel Technologies (Japan), Dr. Vinod Bidwaik, CHRO and Director – People and Culture, and Mr. Deepak Bhatia, CEO, Parinamam Management Consultants.
The speakers highlighted leadership development, workforce readiness, and organisational culture, with audience questions addressed in a dedicated Q&A segment.
Closing Sessions, Valedictory and Networking
The concluding segment included insights from Mr. Rajesh Mutha, Chairman, Krsnaa Diagnostics, and Dr. Girish Desai, Executive Director, Pimpri Chinchwad University, followed by the Valedictory Session, High Tea, and networking, bringing the sold-out summit to a close on a highly collaborative note.
MEDC’s Legacy and Vision
Established in 1957 under the leadership of Dr. Dhananjayrao Gadgil, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India, MEDC has remained a cornerstone of Maharashtra’s economic planning and industrial development. As a unique autonomous research and development body, MEDC has published over 475 influential studies and reports, contributing significantly to state and national socioeconomic policy.
A Sold-Out Summit with Lasting Impact
The MEDC MSME Capacity Building Summit 2025–26 successfully reinforced Maharashtra’s position as a hub for AI-led innovation, GCC development, healthcare technology, and global MSME growth. With every session followed by active Q&A interactions and a fully sold-out audience, the summit clearly demonstrated the growing appetite among MSMEs for global knowledge, technology adoption, and future-ready strategies.
