CICU Tech Show 2026 Begins with Strong Focus on AI, Industry 4.0, Low Cost Automation and MSME Transformation

Ludhiana, September 25, 2026: The much-awaited CICU Tech Show 2026, organised by the Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU) on the theme “Industry 4.0 & AI Transformation for Manufacturers and MSMEs”, commenced today at the CICU Complex, Focal Point, Ludhiana, bringing together industrialists, technology providers, government officials, financial institutions and industry experts. The inaugural session was graced by Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Cabinet Minister, Government of Punjab, as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Simmi Chopra Pashan, Senior Vice Chairperson, Large Scale Industries Development Board, Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that Punjab’s MSME sector has immense potential to become a major driver of industrial growth and employment. He emphasised the need for industries to adopt modern technology, automation and digital solutions to improve productivity, quality and global competitiveness. He appreciated CICU for creating a platform where industry can directly connect with technology providers and government institutions. CICU President Upkar Singh Ahuja said, “Technology is no longer an option for industry; it is the need of the hour. Through Tech Show 2026, CICU wants every MSME to understand that AI, automation and Industry 4.0 are not meant only for large companies. These technologies can help even small and medium enterprises reduce costs, improve quality and compete in international markets.”
He further said that Punjab’s industrial future will depend on how quickly MSMEs embrace technology, innovation and skill development, adding that CICU would continue to act as a bridge between industry, technology providers, financial institutions and government agencies. The event witnessed participation from senior officials and experts including Amitabh Mishra, Deputy General Manager (BD), NRDC; Ashwani Kumar, Deputy Manager (BD), NRDC; Pankaj Kumar Jha, Joint Director, MSME-DFO Ludhiana; Ishita Thaman, Deputy Director - IES, MSME-DFO Ludhiana; CA Santosh Sharma, Associate Partner, IBBF Mumbai and Chartered Accountant, Adhunik Finserve Advisory LLP; CA Kamal Kaushik, Associate Partner, Adhunik Finserve Advisory LLP, Delhi;  Harjit Singh Khurl (Punjab Vidhan Sabha Traders Commission Ludhiana) and Rajan Gupta, DGM, SIDBI Bank.
Aishni Sethi, Chairperson, FICCI FLO, participated as Associate Sponsor, while SIDBI supported the event as Banking Partner. CICU office-bearers including General Secretary Honey Sethi, Senior Vice President J.S. Bhogal, Joint Secretary Dr. S.B. Singh, Vice President Didarjit Singh Lotey, Gautam Malhotra, Sanjay Dhiman and Finance Secretary Ajay Bharti, along with a large number of industrial members, attended the inaugural day. The exhibition features 50+ technology and solution providers, showcasing solutions related to AI, automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, smart machinery, Industry 4.0, energy efficiency and other emerging technologies. CICU General Secretary Honey Sethi said that the Tech Show has been designed as a practical platform where manufacturers can see technology solutions first-hand, interact with experts and explore solutions according to their specific industrial requirements.
The first day also featured interactions with government agencies, financial institutions and technology experts, providing MSMEs an opportunity to understand technology adoption, innovation, intellectual property, financing and government support mechanisms. The CICU Tech Show 2026 will continue on September 26, with further technical sessions, business interactions and technology demonstrations for the industrial community.