UditVani, Jamshedpur: The second day of the International Conference on Next Generation Galvanized and Colour-Coated Steels (GalvaNext-2026) unfolded with high-level strategic dialogue, technical depth and robust industry–academia collaboration, reinforcing the conference’s focus on sustainability, innovation and future-ready steel technologies.
The day opened with an engaging panel discussion on “Sustainability, Smart Technologies, and Strategic Vision”, moderated by Dr. Raghuvir Singh, Chief Scientist, CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML).
The distinguished panel featured Dr. Rahul Sharma (International Zinc Association), Dr. Saurabh Kundu (Tata Steel Ltd.), Mr. Philippe Reynes (ANDRITZ Group), Dr. Kallol Mondal (IIT Kanpur) and Mr. Michele Chiappa (Danieli).
The panellists underlined how sustainability is increasingly being embedded into long-term industrial planning through smart technologies such as AI, IoT and data analytics.
They stressed that technology must be aligned with a clear strategic vision to deliver environmental, economic and social value.
Cross-sector collaboration, strong governance frameworks and workforce upskilling were highlighted as key enablers for resilient and sustainable growth.
The discussion provided a forward-looking roadmap for the galvanized and colour-coated steel sector in a fast-evolving global landscape.
Following the panel, a rich series of keynote lectures and contributory oral presentations by leading national and international experts showcased the latest developments in the field.
The technical sessions spanned next-generation galvanizing lines, advanced and alloyed coatings, colour-coating technologies, surface engineering, corrosion mechanisms, testing standards, performance evaluation and emerging market needs. Together, these sessions reflected both the scientific depth and industrial momentum driving the sector forward.
The first half of Day-2 concluded with a Valedictory Session, reaffirming the industry’s collective commitment to technological excellence, sustainability and collaborative growth.
The session was graced by Uttam Singh, Vice President, Tata Steel Kalinganagar, as Chief Guest, and Pravesh Narang, Chief CRM, Tata Steel Kalinganagar, as Guest of Honour, in the presence of Praveen V. Thampi, Chairperson, GalvaNext-2026.
Outstanding contributors across technical and thematic categories were felicitated for their achievements.
In the latter half of the day, delegates undertook industrial and laboratory visits, including Tata Steel’s Continuous Galvanizing Line (CGL) and advanced research facilities at CSIR-NML such as the Hot Dip Process Simulator (HDPS), Corrosion Characterization Laboratories, Creep Lab and Thermal Spray facilities.
These visits offered participants a close look at cutting-edge infrastructure and ongoing R&D initiatives.
Being held at Hotel Vivanta, Jamshedpur, GalvaNext-2026 has brought together over 300 delegates and speakers from more than 70 organizations from India and abroad.
The conference features participation from leading global and national institutions, including the International Zinc Association, ILZDA, American Precoat Group, John Cockerill, Berger Becker, École Centrale Paris (France), ArcelorMittal (USA), TangSteel HBIS (China), ANDRITZ Group, The Sherwin-Williams Company, Nihon Parker, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Malvern Panalytical, ZEISS India, Swansea University (UK), Harvard University (USA), Primetals, Danieli, JSW Steel, multiple IITs, CSIR-NML, Tata Steel Ltd., NIT Rourkela and many other eminent academic and industrial bodies.
With its strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability and global collaboration, GalvaNext-2026 continues to emerge as a pivotal platform shaping the future of galvanized and colour-coated steel technologies.
