SKF India Strengthens Tribology Research Push with Platinum Sponsorship of INF 2026

manufacturing-news
Sanoj Somasundaran, Chief Technology Officer India & Director – Technology Development, ISEAM

SKF India (Industrial) Ltd, a leading supplier of high-end bearing solutions and rotating equipment services, has come on board as the Platinum Sponsor for the International Nanotribology Forum (INF) 2026. The forum is a globally recognised event that promotes research and knowledge exchange in the areas of friction, wear and lubrication at nano and bio scales.

INF 2026 will be held from 26 to 30 January 2026 at Hotel Chandela, Khajuraho. The forum carries forward a strong international legacy, having been hosted in various Asian countries over the years, and continues to attract participation from the global scientific community.

The 2026 edition will place special emphasis on Soft Tribology and Biotribology, along with key subjects including adhesion, friction fundamentals, wear processes, and new experimental and analytical methods in nanotribology. The event agenda includes invited and contributed talks, poster presentations, and detailed technical interactions—encouraging collaboration among researchers, academicians and professionals from industry.

SKF’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing focus on improving industrial performance through reduced friction, in line with its purpose of ‘Less Friction, More Progress’. Tribology remains a key area of SKF’s research and development work, supporting improved efficiency, enhanced equipment life, and more sustainable operations. Through its support of INF 2026, SKF aims to strengthen the link between scientific research and practical engineering application, enabling research outcomes to translate into usable industrial solutions.

Commenting on the association, Sanoj Somasundaran, Chief Technology Officer India & Director – Technology Development, ISEAM, said, “Tribology is central to how we reduce friction, improve reliability, and strengthen sustainability. The International Nanotribology Forum brings together some of the world’s most respected minds in this field, and as Platinum Sponsor, SKF is proud to support a platform that advances scientific understanding while strengthening its application in industry. We are moving in the right direction of less friction, more progress.”

INF 2026 will feature prominent speakers from reputed institutions across the United States, Europe, Asia and India, further reinforcing the forum’s importance as a major international gathering for the tribology community. The forum venue, Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, is a UNESCO World Heritage destination known for its historic temples and cultural significance. With good air and road connectivity, Khajuraho offers an ideal setting that combines serious scientific dialogue with a rich cultural experience.

Founded in 1907, SKF develops bearings, seals, lubrication systems, condition monitoring solutions, and related services that help reduce friction. Lower friction contributes to energy savings and supports more efficient and competitive industrial operations. SKF operates in around 130 countries with nearly 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. In 2024, SKF reported annual sales of SEK 98,722 million, with a global workforce of 38,743 employees.