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GalvaNext-2026: Shaping the Future of Galvanized and Colour-Coated Steels Organized by IIM–Jamshedpur Chapter

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Date: January 8-9, 2026

Venue: Hotel Vivanta, Jamshedpur

The International Conference on “Next Generation Galvanized and Colour Coated Steels (GalvaNext-2026)”, held on 8–9 January 2026 at Hotel Vivanta, Jamshedpur, emerged as a landmark event for the steel and coatings community. With participation from over 300 delegates and speakers representing more than 70 organizations, the conference successfully brought together industry leaders, academicians, researchers, policymakers, and technology providers from India and across the globe. Organized with the vision of fostering innovation, sustainability, and industry–academia collaboration, GalvaNext-2026 provided a premier platform to deliberate on emerging technologies, advanced galvanizing and colour-coating processes, corrosion protection, digitalisation, green technologies, and future-ready steel products.

Key Highlights:

Grand Inauguration and Visionary Addresses

  • The conference was inaugurated in the presence of eminent dignitaries. Dr. Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, CSIR–NML, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Shri L. Pugazhenthy, Executive Director, ILZDA and Past President, IIM, attended as the Guest of Honour.
  • Inaugural dais included Dr. Atanu Ranjan Pal, Chief Technology Officer, Tata Steel and Chairperson, IIM Jamshedpur Chapter; Shri Praveen Venugopalan Thampi, Managing Director, Tata BlueScope and Chairperson, GalvaNext-2026; and Dr. Gopi Kishor Mandal, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NML and Vice-Chairperson, GalvaNext-2026
  • Shri Praveen V. Thampi outlined the scope and objectives of GalvaNext-2026, emphasizing knowledge exchange on advanced coatings, sustainability-driven technologies, and practical industrial challenges.
  • Atanu Ranjan Pal highlighted the role of IIM Jamshedpur Chapter and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts for indigenization of critical technologies in the Indian steel sector.
  • Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury underlined the critical role of next-generation galvanizing and colour-coating technologies in infrastructure development, durability enhancement, and achieving global sustainability and decarbonisation goals. He emphasized innovation in coating chemistry, advanced processing routes, lifecycle performance, and the need for strong industry–academia partnerships.
  • Shri L. Pugazhenthy highlighted the importance of such conferences in bridging the gap between research and industrial application. He spoke on global challenges related to critical minerals, India’s self-reliance in zinc production, and the pivotal role of materials in technological progress.

Day 1: Technical Excellence and Industry Perspectives

  • Invited plenary lectures by Dr. Frank E. Goodwin (International Zinc Association) and Dr. Shubh Gautam (American Precoat Group), setting the tone for in-depth technical discussions
  • High-impact panel discussion on “Navigating Challenges, Innovations, and Operational Realities in Galvanized and Colour-Coated Steels”, moderated by Mr. Anoop Kumar Trivedi (Tata Steel). The panel featured experts from John Cockerill, Berger Becker, Tata BlueScope, International Zinc Association, and JSW Steel, offering valuable insights into technological challenges, market demands, and operational realities.
  • Keynote lectures and contributory oral presentations by renowned national and international experts covering topics spanned next-generation galvanizing lines, alloyed coatings, colour-coating technologies, surface engineering, corrosion mechanisms, testing standards, performance evaluation, and emerging market requirements.

Day 2: Sustainability, Strategy, and Collaboration

  • A strategic panel discussion on “Sustainability, Smart Technologies, and Strategic Vision”, moderated by Dr. Raghuvir Singh (CSIR-NML). Panelists from the International Zinc Association, Tata Steel, ANDRITZ Group, IIT Kanpur, and Danieli discussed the integration of sustainability with smart technologies such as AI, IoT, and data analytics. Emphasis was placed on strategic vision, governance, workforce upskilling, and cross-sector collaboration to achieve resilient and sustainable growth.
  • Technical sessions with keynote and oral presentations, reflected the depth of ongoing research and industrial innovation in galvanized and colour-coated steel technologies.

Valedictory Session

  • The session was graced by Mr. Uttam Singh, Vice President, Tata Steel Kalinganagar, as the Chief Guest, and Mr. Pravesh Narang, Chief CRM, Tata Steel Kalinganagar, as the Guest of Honour, in the presence of the conference leadership.
  • Outstanding contributions were recognized through awards across various technical and thematic categories.

A Platform Shaping the Future

  • Conference was strongly supported by its esteemed sponsors, representing reputed institutions and organizations including the International Zinc Association; ILZDA; American Precoat Group; John Cockerill; Berger Becker; TBD; École Centrale Paris, France; ArcelorMittal, Chicago; TangSteel HBIS, China; ANDRITZ Group; The Sherwin-Williams Company; Elkay Chemicals; Nihon Parker; Duma-Band Zink; Thermo Fisher Scientific; Malvern Panalytical; ZEISS India; Industron Technical Services Pvt. Ltd.; Swansea University, UK; Jalap Nepal Pvt. Ltd.; Greenovoc Specialty Coatings Pvt. Ltd.; Harvard University, USA; Primetals; EMG Automation India Pvt. Ltd.; JSW Steel; Lamiflex; Yogiji Digi; RitMaN, China; Danieli; JEOL; Bruker; AMETEK; Pioneer Furnaces; EMG; ATS; HORIBA; Fitch Engineering; Quaker; IIT Kanpur; IIT Roorkee; IIT Jodhpur; IIT Jammu; CSIR–NML, Jamshedpur; Tata Steel Ltd.; and NIT Rourkela. Their generous support significantly contributed to the success of GalvaNext-2026 and reinforced the shared commitment towards adopting advanced technologies and sustainable practices for the growth of the Indian galvanized steel industry.
  • With its strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration, GalvaNext-2026 successfully reinforced its role as a vital platform for shaping the future of galvanized and colour-coated steel technologies, paving the way for durable, sustainable, and high-performance steel solutions for the years ahead.

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