The 74th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) represents more than just an academic event. It is a celebration of transformation, technology, and togetherness. Through its focus on AI (artificial intelligence), sustainability, and collaborative leadership, IPC reaffirms its role as a unifying force driving the pharmaceutical profession toward global relevance and human-centred innovation. In this IPC, all the segments of the pharmaceutical domain are coming together to collaborate & work together for a better future. Together, we are not just witnessing the future of pharmacy but we are creating it, said Prof. Milind Janrao Umekar President, 74th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Bengaluru, President, Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (IPCA) and President, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI), in an interaction with Nandita Vijayasimha. Excerpts:
What are the core objectives of the 74th IPC and how does it serve the industry?
The 74th IPC seeks to bring together global leaders from academia, pharmaceutical industry, regulatory bodies, and emerging healthcare sectors which include medical devices and AI in pharma & life sciences to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation. Its primary objective includes redefining the evolving role of pharmacists in the era of AI & technology, strengthening academic and research capacities, promoting technology-driven education and faculty development, and deepening industry–academia partnerships.
The IPC is not merely a gathering, it is a movement to align science, education, and innovation with national healthcare goals.
By facilitating dialogue and strategic collaboration, the IPC serves as a catalyst for policy reform and professional excellence, helping India’s pharmaceutical sector achieve global leadership. It being one of the biggest gatherings of pharmaceutical sector a lot of knowledge sharing, innovation exchange & partnerships for achieving common goals at large are expected.
What are the standout features of the 74th IPC?
This year’s Congress distinguishes itself with a strong focus on digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmacy. The central theme, ‘AI Technology in Pharma: Educate, Innovate, Empower,” captures the spirit of the event.
For the first time, the IPC will feature a dedicated AI Pavilion, innovation zones, interactive exhibits, and a future-focused education expo. It brings together global leaders, top regulatory officials, renowned scientists, academic mentors, and industry pioneers as well as innovative start-ups in an interdisciplinary setting.
This year’s IPC is about embracing the future where technology and humanity converge to redefine pharmacy. The Bengaluru edition represents a bold step toward building a smarter, more connected, and innovation-driven pharmaceutical ecosystem.
How did you curate exhibitors and attendees, and what are you looking for?
Our curation process focuses on diversity, creativity, and leadership. We invite pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotech firms, medical device manufacturers, educators, researchers, innovators, startups, and students who demonstrate excellence and a forward-thinking mindset. Exhibitors and participants are selected based on their expertise, commitment to innovation, alignment to the theme of the congress and willingness to engage in knowledge exchange.
Every participant adds a unique dimension to the Congress and the goal is to spark meaningful connections and lifelong collaborations. Through this inclusive approach, IPC ensures that the event remains a vibrant platform for learning, networking, and professional growth.
What are this year’s highlights—conferences, exhibitions, innovations?
Delegates can expect a truly immersive experience featuring plenary sessions, technical symposia, scientific paper presentations, exhibitor expos, CEO Conclave and the much-anticipated AI Pavilion.
Innovations on display include AI-assisted drug discovery, digital manufacturing technologies, clinical diagnostics, and next-generation e-learning platforms. The education expo, HR Conclave, start-up zone, placement drives, and career mentorship sessions will create unmatched opportunities for engagement and advancement.
This Congress goes beyond discussion it is a celebration of discovery, creativity, and collaboration.
What are your views on the future of pharma exhibitions: virtual, hybrid, or in-person?
The future of pharmaceutical exhibitions will be hybrid, blending the richness of in-person interaction with the convenience of digital participation. AI-enabled networking and virtual platforms will expand access, making global collaboration more inclusive and
sustainable.
Hybrid formats represent the next evolution where learning and collaboration are limitless, unconstrained by geography or time.
IPC is committed to adopting these evolving models, ensuring that engagement remains dynamic, accessible, and forward-looking. However, in my personal opinion, the in-person mode is always preferable, as it adds a human touch to future prospects and creates better opportunities for building lifelong relationships.
What do you look for in exhibitors and participants?
We look for intellectual leadership, originality, innovation and collaboration. We invite exhibitors and participants to contribute in advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing & research, pharmacy practice, education, medical device manufacturing and patient care. Those presenting impactful research, innovative products, or transformative ideas, and those leveraging AI and technology in the healthcare system find an ideal platform at the IPC.
A key highlight of this Congress will be the presence of global leading scientists working in AI and related fields, offering attendees a valuable opportunity for direct interaction.
We value individuals and organizations who not only innovate but also inspire others to think differently. The emphasis is on open dialogue and shared learning, enabling professionals to collectively shape the future of healthcare.
What significant trends are shaping pharmacy education and the pharma industry?
The profession is undergoing rapid transformation in the terms of technology and skills. Key trends include AI-powered learning, competency-based curricula, digital manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, regulatory modernization, and an increased focus on sustainability and green practices.
Education and industry are converging like never before creating professionals who are globally competent, ethically grounded, and technologically empowered.
India’s pharmaceutical sector is aligning academic outcomes with industrial needs, preparing a generation of pharmacists ready to lead in a globalized healthcare environment.
There is a huge role of technology, AI, and machine learning in pharmacy education and R&D. In fact, AI and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing both research and education. In academia, AI facilitates virtual laboratories, immersive e-learning platforms, and personalized instruction. In R&D, it accelerates drug discovery, formulation design & optimization and clinical trial optimization, offering deeper insights and higher efficiency.
AI is no longer futuristic, it is foundational. It is redefining how we learn, teach, and innovate. By integrating these technologies, the pharmaceutical community is fostering precision, efficiency, and data-driven excellence across the value chain.
In an age of climate change, how do you view sustainability in pharmacy education and the industry?
Sustainability is now central to both academic and industrial practice. Institutions are implementing eco-conscious curricula, green labs, and digital solutions to reduce waste and improve efficiency. Meanwhile, the industry is investing in green chemistry, renewable energy, and ethical sourcing to minimize its environmental footprint.
Hosting the 74th IPC at a LEED-certified venue reinforces this commitment. Pharmacy must heal not just people, but the planet. Sustainability is our collective responsibility. The Congress encourages all stakeholders to embed environmental stewardship in every layer of education, research, and manufacturing.
What is your key message to this year’s attendees of the event?
Let us come together to embrace innovation & AI, uphold ethical standards, and empower the next generation of pharmacists. The 74th IPC is more than an event; it is a call to action for every professional who believes in the transformative power of science. By fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and excellence, we can shape a future defined by integrity, innovation, and public health impact.
The future of IPC leadership demands vision, adaptability, collaboration, sustainability and strong ethical grounding. Leaders must guide the profession through technological advancement with empathy, foresight, and a spirit of unity.
True leadership is about inspiring others to lead with courage, creativity, and conscience.
Future IPC leaders should embrace modern progressive technological proficiency while staying rooted in professional ethics, ensuring that the organization continues to serve as a beacon for progress, education, and societal contribution. |