Indian Chemical News (www.indianchemicalnews.com), India's No. 1 portal on Chemical, Petrochemical, and Energy, is organizing a two-day conference titled "Gujarat Chem & Petchem Conference 2026 (GCPC 2026)" on May 14-15, 2026 at Hotel Hyatt Place, Bharuch, Gujarat. 

The theme of the Summit is "Optimizing Plant Operations for Efficiency and Sustainability”. 

To participate as a delegate for the two day summit to be held in Hyatt Place, Bharuch, please click on the link

(https://www.indianchemicalnews.com/gcpc-2026/register.php) 

Speakers for Reskilling for Digital, Sustainable, and Advanced Manufacturing session are: Prof. (Dr.) Bhalchandra Bhanage, Vice Chancellor, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara; Ajay Kumar Gupta, Executive Director & Chief Manufacturing Officer, Aarti Industries; Dr. Sunil Bhatt, President, Dahej Industries Association; Ms. Renu Mathur, Assistant Vice President - HR, Aditya Birla Advanced Materials; Ms. Sonal Thakker, Partner, Hunt Partners – India; and Aashish Kasad, Senior Partner & National Leader (Chemicals & Agri sector – India), EY. 

To remain competitive in the changing scenario, manufacturers must prioritize workforce upskilling to keep pace with the convergence of digital technologies and green mandates. With Industry 4.0 accelerating, 44% of skills are projected to be obsolete or in need of updating by 2027, highlighting a critical talent shortage. The session focuses on building a future-ready workforce that blends technical proficiency with adaptability for sustainable, advanced manufacturing.

Key discussion points to be covered during panel discussion are: Developing a Hybrid "T-shaped" Skill Set; From Automation to Augmentation; Digitalization for Sustainability; Data-Driven Decision Making; Lifelong Learning and Micro-credentials; and Workforce Planning. 

The conference is supported by Principal Partner - Zodiac Tank Container Terminals (A Samsara Group Company); Platinum Partners - Alleima, Jindal Stainless, and Prozeal Green Energy; Gold Partners - BEIL, Contibelt, DCM Shriram Chemicals, Dynamic India, GEM Machinery, Graphite India, Jaaji Technologies, Degree LAUDA Precision, MAAG Group, Pragna Consultants, ResistoTech, SNF Flopam India, TKIL Industries, Tubacex Group, UPL University of Sustainable Technology; Associate Partners - Diyani Automation, E3 Tech Systems and Services, Changzhou Fanqun Drying Equipment, and Woodfield; Enterprise AI Partner - dDriven; and Industry Association Partners - Alkali Manufacturers Association of India (AMAI), Dahej Industries Association (DIA), Gujarat Chemical Association (GCA); and Jhagadia Industries Association (JIA).