Overview

The second day of the third edition of the Indian Foundation for Quality Management (IFQM) Symposium 2026, held in New Delhi, focused on converting quality and innovation agendas into concrete actions for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The day’s theme emphasized building a culture of quality from design through delivery, strengthening industry‑academia‑MSME collaboration, and turning strategic plans into measurable outcomes.

Leadership Programme and MSME Targets

IFQM announced a new leadership programme aimed initially at MSMEs and later extended to large industries. The programme will share best practices, reduce waste, improve quality, and drive innovation through continuous learning. IFQM’s stated ambition is to involve 5,000 MSMEs in quality and innovation initiatives. Currently the foundation has engaged 200‑plus MSMEs, plans to reach 500‑plus, and sets a near‑term target of 1,000‑plus MSMEs. The intent is to use both member and non‑member organisations as force multipliers, creating a “burning platform” for collective participation.

Aviation Sector Emphasis

Minister Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, delivered the keynote address titled “Wings of Viksit Bharat: Transforming India into a Global Aviation Hub.” He highlighted the government’s commitment to policy support for the aviation sector, especially Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), and reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s target of 350 airports by 2047. The minister called for strengthening India’s aviation manufacturing ecosystem, urging global OEMs such as Boeing and Airbus to engage their supply‑chain partners and Indian MSMEs through industry forums, and to provide clear product and quality specifications.

Industry Voices on Quality Culture

  • Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman of IFQM, stressed that quality must become a personal commitment from leaders, with daily discipline and continuous innovation being essential.
  • Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya, CEO and Director of IFQM, outlined the scaling plan: from the current 200‑plus MSMEs to 500‑plus and eventually 1,000‑plus, leveraging both members and non‑members as force multipliers.
  • Mr. T.V. Narendran, CEO & MD of Tata Steel, called for creating momentum and a critical mass around quality, emphasizing the need for an industry‑academia “tango.”
  • Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO of TVS Motor Company, cited the transformation of 132 TVS Motors‑linked MSMEs within the next 90 days, urging intensified CEO‑connect sessions.

AI Adoption Discussion

A panel moderated by Mr. Girish Krishnamurthy, MD & CEO of Tata Technologies, explored the shift from AI experimentation to operational adoption. Panelists Dr. Gopichand Katragadda (Myelin Foundry), Dr. Lucas Bretz (KIT/GAMI), and Dr. Masahiko Mori (DMG MORI) distinguished between “Core AI” (the intelligence layer) and “Operational AI” (embedded in workflows). They highlighted the need for an IFQM‑led platform to curate, validate, and simplify AI solutions for MSMEs, turning AI into a practical force multiplier rather than a distant technology.

Global Partnerships

Mr. Masato Onodera, Managing Director of JUSE, delivered a special address on strengthening Indo‑Japan partnerships, emphasizing a two‑way exchange of quality knowledge and experience.

Participation and Governance

The two‑day symposium attracted around 50 CEOs, 200 CXOs, and a total participation of more than 400 individuals, including academicians, students, and representatives from government, industry, and global quality institutions. The IFQM Governing Council comprises prominent leaders such as Mr. N. Chandrasekaran (Chairman, Tata Sons), Mr. Dilip Sanghvi (MD, Sun Pharmaceuticals), Ms. Kiran Mazumdar‑Shaw (Executive Chairperson, Biocon Biologics), Mr. TV Narendran (CEO & MD, Tata Steel), Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan (Director & CEO, TVS Motor Co), Dr. Randhir Thakur (CEO & MD, Tata Electronics), Mr. Salil Gupte (President, Boeing India & South Asia), Mr. SN Subrahmanyan (Chairman & MD, Larsen & Toubro), and Mr. Venu Srinivasan (Chairman Emeritus, TVS Motor Co & Chairman, IFQM).

Conclusion

The symposium reinforced the message that India must transition from scale to excellence, moving quality from intent to widespread adoption. By equipping MSMEs with the right capabilities, partnerships, talent, and technology, the IFQM aims to embed quality as a cultural and leadership commitment across the nation’s enterprises and supply chains, supporting the broader vision of a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.