Vadodara: With Gujarat sharpening its pitch as a technology and manufacturing powerhouse, Vadodara will host a major policy-industry convergence next week, as the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference spotlights sectors such as AI, semiconductors and defence to shape the state’s next growth phase.Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace and defence, quantum technology and green energy will take centre stage during the two-day Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) – Central Gujarat 2026 at GSFC University on Monday and Tuesday.Chief minister Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate the conference, themed “Regional Aspirations, Global Ambitions”. The event will bring together policymakers, industrialists, diplomats and subject experts to deliberate on Gujarat’s emerging growth sectors.More than 30 sessions are scheduled over two days, spanning semiconductor logistics, artificial intelligence in agriculture, bioeconomy, green hydrogen, natural farming and Industry 4.0.Union defence minister Rajnath Singh will attend a special session on “Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Aerospace and Defence” on June 30. Union labour and employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya will participate in programmes on the opening day.The first day will begin with the inauguration of a trade exhibition, followed by the main inaugural session. Nineteen seminars are planned, covering topics such as semiconductor logistics, AI in agriculture, developing Chhota Udepur as a sports goods manufacturing hub, tourism, fisheries, bioeconomy, natural farming and green hydrogen.The second day will feature 11 seminars focusing on emerging sectors, including quantum technology, self-reliance in aerospace and defence, a regional MSME conclave, GIFT City and Industry 4.0.Diplomats from Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, Rwanda, Japan and Singapore are expected to participate, along with the state’s chief secretary, additional chief secretaries and industry leaders. Discussions will centre on Gujarat’s development roadmap under the Viksit Gujarat @2047 vision.“We gratefully thank Gujarat govt for choosing GSFC University as the host,” said P K Taneja, IAS (retd), president of GSFC University.
