BML Munjal University Hosts ICATS 2026 on AI and Sustainability

BML Munjal University (BMU) hosted the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Trade and Sustainability (ICATS 2026) on October 6 and 7, bringing together researchers, academics, industry representatives and policy experts to examine how artificial intelligence is transforming global trade, business practices and sustainable development.

Organised in a hybrid format at the university’s Gurugram campus, the conference attracted approximately 400 participants and received more than 100 research papers. The discussions explored the growing role of AI in business decision-making, digital trade, supply chain management and sustainable economic development.

The event aimed to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue on the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption, including responsible innovation, digital inclusion, governance and the future of work.

ICATS 2026 Focuses on Responsible AI and Sustainable Growth

The conference sought to broaden discussions about artificial intelligence beyond technological advancement, examining its implications for businesses, economies and society.

Prof. Jaskiran Arora, Dean – Education Quality and Professor at BMU’s School of Management, said that AI is influencing how organisations make decisions, how economies conduct trade and how businesses approach sustainability.

She emphasised that the opportunities created by AI must be considered alongside questions of accountability, inclusion and long-term economic resilience.

According to Prof. Arora, ICATS 2026 was designed to bring academia, industry and policymakers together to encourage collaboration and develop ideas that can translate technological progress into meaningful economic outcomes.

Dr. Nishu Ayedee, Founder and CEO of Confab 360 Degree and MentorEDGE, highlighted the importance of connecting academic research with industry requirements. He said the conference offered a platform for dialogue on AI, trade and sustainability, with opportunities for collaboration and responsible innovation that can deliver long-term societal benefits.

Dr. Buddha Chandrashekhar, CEO of Anuvadini AI and Chief Coordinating Officer at the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), attended the conference as Guest of Honour.

International Universities and Industry Experts Participate

ICATS 2026 brought together representatives from international academic institutions, including 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.

Indian institutions participating in the conference included IIM Indore, Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Manipal University, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, IILM University and Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya.

The industry participation included professionals and experts associated with DBS Bank India, Landis+Gyr India, MAHR Metrology India, Twimbit and Physics Wallah, among others.

The conference was chaired by Prof. Anuj Kumar of Rushford Business School, Switzerland, and Dr. Michael E. Auer, CEO of CTI Consulting, USA. Dr. Atul Mishra and Dr. Jolly Masih of BMU served as Conference Co-Chairs.

The event was organised by BML Munjal University in collaboration with Confab 360 Degree and Orchid University, Sikkim. The organising team included Mr. Neelesh Kumar as Convenor and Dr. Jaya Ahuja and Dr. Meenakshi Malik as Co-Convenors. MentorEDGE and Pathlock were the major sponsors.

Five Research Tracks Cover AI, Trade and Sustainability

The conference programme was organised around five thematic areas addressing the impact of artificial intelligence on business, commerce and society.

1. Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies: Discussions covered Generative AI, large language models, robotics and other emerging technologies.

2. Trade, commerce and the digital economy: This track examined digital trade, electronic commerce, smart supply chains and the changing dynamics of global business.

3. Sustainable business and management: Topics included environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, circular economy models and sustainable business practices.

4. Innovation, entrepreneurship and the future of work: Sessions explored innovation-led enterprises, changing workplace requirements, human-AI collaboration and future skills.

5. AI, society, education and sustainable development: This track addressed smart governance, digital inclusion, data ethics and the wider social implications of AI adoption.

The conference also featured keynote addresses, international and industry panel discussions, technical research presentations and sessions on emerging economic and social systems.

Discussions examined the role of resilient academic networks in international collaboration, alongside the application of AI, Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainable business models.

More Than 100 Research Papers Presented at ICATS 2026

With more than 100 research papers received and approximately 400 participants attending online and in person, ICATS 2026 provided a forum for researchers and practitioners from multiple disciplines to exchange ideas.

The conference aimed to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and industry, encourage research on emerging technologies and explore practical approaches to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

By bringing together perspectives from management, technology, economics, social sciences and public policy, the event highlighted the need to consider the wider economic and societal effects of AI-led transformation.

About BML Munjal University

BML Munjal University is a not-for-profit institution established by the promoters of the Hero Group and named after the group's late Founder Chairman. The university focuses on education, research, experiential learning and industry collaboration, with an emphasis on preparing students for changing professional and technological environments.

According to the university’s published information, its School of Management was ranked 77th nationally in the Management category of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, released by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

BMU also states that it has received an A grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).