In a significant move poised to reshape the trajectory of India's forging sector, the Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI) has announced the launch of the GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum—a pioneering platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of forging business leaders.
With India’s economy clocking an average growth rate of 7.2% over the past three years and industries embracing transformative technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics, the forging industry finds itself at a turning point. The GenNext Forum is AIFI’s strategic response to this shift, empowering successors of family-run forging businesses with leadership skills, peer networks, academic-industry exposure, and insights into evolving global trends.
Yash Munot, President of AIFI, stated, “The GenNext Entrepreneurs Forum is not just a platform—it’s a movement to future-proof India’s forging industry. We envision creating a global benchmark for innovation, quality, and sustainability in forging. This forum will address succession challenges, inject modern business thinking, and build a collaborative, future-ready ecosystem.”
The forum was inaugurated in Hyderabad with a leadership workshop titled “Re-inventing Family-Owned Businesses and Shifting Orbits of Growth”, led by innovation strategist Dr Rahul More. Participants also visited the CII-Godrej Green Business Centre, India’s first LEED Platinum-certified green building, reinforcing the initiative’s sustainability focus.
Ankit Mehta, Director at KLM Forge, Pune, said, “In an evolving industrial landscape, collaboration and innovation are critical. The GenNext Forum is a space for young forgers to share ideas, learn from peers, and engage with cutting-edge forging practices.”
Sivarjun Rachamallu, GM at Rachamallu Forgings, Hyderabad, added, “This is where fresh perspectives meet seasoned expertise. GenNext is key to driving tech advancement, policy reform, and sustainability in forging.”
Future activities under the Forum will include strategic leadership sessions, international study tours, policy dialogues, and advanced training programmes covering AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, ESG, and more. The aim is to foster continuous learning and equip emerging leaders with competencies to steer their organisations and the broader industry toward global competitiveness.
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