Foundations of Resilience
The upcoming Tech Summit 2026, hosted by The Hindu Group on February 12th and 13th, is set to convene a distinguished group of individuals including government
officials, academic scholars, and prominent industry figures. The primary objective of this gathering is to engage in meaningful discourse surrounding the intricate interplay between technology and governance, with a particular emphasis on bolstering industrial resilience and navigating the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence. The summit's overarching theme, 'Continuity Unbroken: Building the Architecture of Resilience in a Connected World,' sets the stage for in-depth explorations. The initial day of the summit will be dedicated to crucial aspects of enterprise resilience and effective governance. Discussions are slated to delve into critical areas such as ensuring data privacy within biometric platforms, the implementation of technology-driven strategies for disaster recovery, the ongoing evolution of governance and compliance frameworks tailored for the next generation, and the vital importance of cyber resilience in an era increasingly dominated by AI.
AI and Future Readiness
The second day of the summit promises to delve into forward-looking technological advancements and their implications for economic growth and workforce development. A significant portion of the discussions will be dedicated to the concept of AI-first digital transformation, exploring how organizations can strategically embed artificial intelligence at the core of their operations to drive innovation and efficiency. Integrated data security management will also be a focal point, addressing the growing need for comprehensive and unified approaches to protecting sensitive information in a complex digital ecosystem. Furthermore, the summit will feature perspectives from various states regarding the role of technology in fostering economic progress, examining successful initiatives and potential growth areas. A critical component of the agenda will be the development of industry-ready talent, focusing on equipping the future workforce with the necessary skills and expertise to thrive in an AI-driven landscape. This proactive approach aims to bridge any existing skill gaps and ensure that businesses have access to a capable talent pool.
Inaugural Insights and Vision
The distinguished event will commence with an inaugural address by G. Viswanathan, the esteemed Founder and Chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology, who will also deliver the keynote speech, setting a thoughtful tone for the proceedings. Following this, Raju Vegesna, Chairman and Managing Director of Sify Technologies, is scheduled to deliver a special address, likely offering valuable industry perspectives. The summit is designed to be a dynamic platform where industry leaders, policymakers, technology architects, and academicians will engage in a series of stimulating conversations, comprehensive panel discussions, and strategic dialogues. The core philosophy underpinning these interactions is to redefine resilience, moving beyond its traditional perception as merely a risk mitigation tactic. Instead, the focus will be on understanding and embedding resilience as a fundamental, structural capability that is intrinsically woven into the very DNA of an organization, ensuring its sustained strength and adaptability.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Dr. Viswanathan articulated a key observation regarding India's historical prowess in theoretical knowledge, while acknowledging a consistent challenge in translating that knowledge into practical application. He pointed to Germany as a commendable model for inspiration, citing its educational system where individuals aspiring to teach in universities of applied sciences are mandated to possess a minimum of five years of professional experience. Emphasizing this practical orientation, Dr. Viswanathan highlighted Vellore Institute of Technology's pioneering approach, being one of the first institutions to integrate industry experts into the delivery of a portion of every course. He further elaborated on VIT's commitment to ensuring active participation from industry professionals and senior leaders across various institutional bodies, including the Academic Council and curriculum design committees. This deliberate fusion of academic rigor with real-world industry insights aims to cultivate graduates who are not only theoretically sound but also practically adept and industry-ready.
