As India’s mechanical engineering ecosystem accelerates toward precision, reliability, and global competitiveness, platforms that integrate core manufacturing technologies are becoming increasingly vital. IPTEX & GRINDEX 2026, organised by Virgo Communications and Exhibitions, has emerged as one of the country’s most focused industrial gatherings dedicated to power transmission, bearings, motion control, and grinding technologies.
From strengthening the domestic manufacturing ecosystem to positioning India as a global sourcing hub, IPTEX & GRINDEX is powering the next phase of industrial innovation. Hosted in Pune — a city synonymous with automotive and precision engineering excellence, the co-located exhibitions provide a unique convergence point for gear manufacturers, bearing makers, grinding specialists, and allied industries that form the backbone of India’s mechanical power transmission value chain.
In an exclusive interaction with Machine Maker, we spoke with Anitha Raghunath and Raghunath G, Directors of Virgo Communications and Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, to understand how IPTEX & GRINDEX has evolved into a strategic platform uniting mechanical power transmission and grinding technologies under one roof. As the Indian gear and allied industry navigates rapid transformation driven by localisation, automation, and global supply chain shifts, the organisers share their perspective on how the exhibition promotes collaboration, enables technology exchange, and shapes the future of motion engineering in India.
Bringing Two Worlds Together Under One Roof
When asked about the rationale for bringing IPTEX and GRINDEX together, Anitha Raghunath reflects on a clear vision: building an ecosystem. She explains that mechanical power transmission and grinding may appear to be separate domains, but in reality they are deeply connected on the shop floor. One defines how efficiently motion is transferred, while the other ensures dimensional accuracy and surface integrity.
Anitha notes that, in the past, these technologies were often showcased in isolation, limiting collaboration and cross-learning. By uniting them on a single platform, the goal was to bridge the gap among design, manufacturing, and finishing. “The idea is simple yet powerful: allow visitors to experience the entire value chain in one place. From raw transmission components to ultra-precise finished parts, IPTEX & GRINDEX enables manufacturers to see how integrated thinking can help the Indian industry move towards globally competitive, end-to-end solutions”, shared Anitha.
Building on the technology narrative, Raghunath G shifts the focus to geography: “Pune is one of India’s most balanced manufacturing ecosystems, where strong automotive, EV, defence, aerospace, and engineering clusters coexist with a vibrant MSME base.” Hosting the show in Pune, he explains, ensures proximity to real decision-makers, plant heads, design engineers, and procurement leaders who influence investments and adoption.
For exhibitors, this translates into more meaningful conversations and faster business conversions. Beyond the industry, Pune also offers academic and R&D advantages. With engineering institutes and innovation centres nearby, the show attracts young engineers and researchers, adding a future-ready dimension that strengthens the platform’s long-term value.
Making the Invisible Technologies Visible
Continuing the conversation, Raghu turns to a theme that resonates strongly with the gear and motion engineering community — the “invisible” nature of grinding and power transmission. He acknowledges that these technologies often operate quietly in the background, but their impact is significant. After all, the performance of a gearbox, motor, or actuator ultimately depends on grinding precision and transmission efficiency.
He explains that one of the key roles of IPTEX & GRINDEX is to bring this hidden importance into the spotlight. Through live demonstrations, technical seminars, expert talks, and product launches, the exhibition consciously positions these domains as strategic enablers rather than support functions. Whether it is EV drivetrains, defence platforms, robotics, or high-precision industrial machinery, Raghu emphasises that these sectors rely heavily on advancements in grinding and motion technologies.
By presenting real-world case studies and application-led discussions, the show helps visitors connect the dots. It reinforces a simple but powerful message: investments in grinding and power transmission directly influence competitiveness, energy efficiency, and product lifecycle performance. Adding another dimension to the conversation, Anitha reflects on how exhibitor expectations have evolved over the years. She notes that exhibitions were once seen largely as branding platforms. Today, however, participation is far more strategic and outcome-driven.
Exhibitors now seek curated audiences and meaningful engagement rather than just footfall. According to Anitha, companies are looking for qualified leads, structured B2B interactions, and opportunities for deeper technical networking. There is also a growing emphasis on knowledge exchange, through seminars, panel discussions, and collaborative forums that go beyond product showcases.
She also highlights the rising demand for hybrid engagement models. “Exhibitors increasingly want the impact of the exhibition to extend beyond the physical show days, combining on-ground presence with digital amplification. This shift, I believe, reflects a more mature industry mindset in which exhibitions are no longer standalone events but long-term business enablers that deliver sustained value”, added Anitha.
Balancing Business, Technology, and Collaboration
As the discussion moves towards exhibitor intent, Anitha Raghunath highlights a clear shift in industry priorities. She explains that companies today are not looking for just one outcome from exhibitions — they are seeking a balanced mix of immediate business, technology validation, and long-term partnerships. For many MSMEs and component suppliers, immediate business generation remains important. But Anitha notes that the narrative is evolving. With the increasing adoption of automation, smart machines, and technology-driven solutions, manufacturers are using platforms such as IPTEX & GRINDEX to validate technologies in real-world market conditions. Exhibitors often test market readiness, gather direct feedback from end users, and refine their offerings accordingly.
At the same time, partnerships are gaining new relevance. Whether it is joint development, localisation strategies, or distribution alliances, the exhibition is increasingly becoming a meeting ground for collaborative growth — reflecting a broader shift in the manufacturing ecosystem. Looking ahead, Raghunath G shares a forward-looking vision for IPTEX & GRINDEX. Over the next three to five years, he believes the platform will evolve far beyond a traditional exhibition format. The goal, he explains, is to transform it into a comprehensive ecosystem for industry engagement.
This evolution will include deeper innovation showcases, stronger startup participation, and more structured global technology exchanges. Raghu also sees international participation growing steadily, positioning Pune as a regional gateway for advanced manufacturing technologies. A key part of this expansion will be strengthening concurrent platforms, such as the Gear Technology India Summit and Awards, which aim to bring OEMs, MSMEs, technology providers, policymakers, and thought leaders onto a common stage. These knowledge-driven forums, he says, will not only encourage collaboration but also help benchmark excellence and celebrate innovation.
Beyond the exhibition days, the organisers are planning year-round engagement through digital platforms, technical webinars, and industry insights to ensure stakeholders derive continuous value from the ecosystem.
Building the Future of Motion Engineering
In closing, both Anitha and Raghu reflect on how IPTEX & GRINDEX are preparing for the next phase of manufacturing transformation. Future editions, they share, will place strong emphasis on Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, and sustainable production practices. Automation, robotics, AI-enabled inspection, and digital twins are expected to become core focus areas as the industry moves toward higher precision and intelligence. At the same time, sustainability will take centre stage, with dedicated zones and discussions around energy efficiency, green manufacturing, and circular economy principles.
Skill development remains another critical pillar. Through collaborations with industry bodies, academic institutions, and training partners, the platform aims to introduce workshops, certification programs, and live skill demonstrations. The intent is clear to bridge the talent gap and prepare India’s workforce for next-generation technologies. As the conversation concludes, one message stands out: IPTEX & GRINDEX is steadily evolving into a catalyst that connects technology, talent, and collaboration, quietly but decisively shaping the future of India’s gear and allied manufacturing ecosystem.
