Overview
The International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Trade and Sustainability (ICATS 2026) was convened by BML Munjal University on October 6‑7, 2026 at the university’s Gurugram campus in a hybrid format, bringing together academia, industry, and policy makers to discuss the intersection of AI, digital trade and sustainable development.
Participants and Research Papers
Approximately 400 participants attended the two‑day event, joining both in‑person and online. More than 100 research papers were submitted and presented, covering topics such as generative AI, large language models, robotics, digital trade, smart supply chains, ESG, circular economy, human‑AI collaboration, future skills, smart governance, digital inclusion and data ethics.
Speakers, Panels and Sponsors
Key speakers included Jaskiran Arora, Dean – Education Quality and Professor, School of Management at BML Munjal University, who highlighted AI’s role in shaping economies, trade and sustainable growth. Nishu Ayedee, Founder and CEO of Confab 360 Degree and MentorEDGE, emphasized the importance of academia‑industry dialogue for responsible innovation. Buddha Chandrashekhar, CEO of Anuvadini AI and CCO of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), served as Guest of Honour. Executives from DBS Bank India and Landis+Gyr India also contributed to panel discussions.
The conference was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) Anuj Kumar of Rushford Business School, Switzerland, and Dr. Michael E. Auer, CEO of CTI Consulting, USA, with Dr. Atul Mishra and Dr. Jolly Masih of BMU as Co‑Chairs. Organizational responsibilities were handled by Dr. Anuj Kumar (Conference Chair), Dr. Jolly Masih and Dr. Atul Mishra (Co‑Chairs), Mr. Neelesh Kumar (Convenor), and Dr. Jaya Ahuja and Dr. Meenakshi Malik (Co‑Convenors). MentorEDGE and Pathlock acted as the major sponsors.
Themes and Tracks
The conference was structured around five thematic tracks: (1) AI and emerging technologies; (2) Trade, commerce and the digital economy; (3) Sustainable business and management; (4) Innovation, entrepreneurship and the future of work; and (5) AI, society, education and sustainable development. These tracks facilitated discussions on AI‑driven trade ecosystems, smart supply chains, digital commerce, responsible governance, ESG integration, circular economy models, and the future of work in an AI‑powered world.
Institutional Participation
International academic institutions such as the University of Sydney, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield, University of Groningen, High Point University, Rushford Business School, Universidade Portucalense, Sofia University, INTI International University and Tamaulipas Autonomous University participated. Indian institutions including IIM Indore, SRCC, Manipal University, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, IILM University and Dev Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya also contributed.
Objectives
The conference aimed to move the dialogue beyond AI as a standalone technology toward its broader implications for businesses, economies and society, encouraging collaborations that translate technological progress into inclusive and sustainable economic outcomes.