Srinagar, Aug 13: The 6th edition of the International Conference on Contemporary Business Trends (ICCBT 2026), focusing on “AI & Digital Transformation: Driving Innovation, Sustainability and Organizational Excellence in Contemporary Business,” began at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.
Organised by the Department of Humanities, Social Sciences & Management (HSS&M), NIT Srinagar, the two-day international conference has brought together academicians, researchers, scholars and industry professionals to deliberate on the rapidly changing business landscape shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technologies, innovation and sustainability.
The inaugural session was presided over by Incharge Director, NIT Srinagar and Dean, Research and Consultancy, Prof. Roohie Naaz, while as Director, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology Dr Sameer Patil was the keynote speaker for the session.
The event was graced by the presence of Dean Dean Faculty Welfare Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahangar, Dean Alumni and International Affairs Prof. Mohd Ashraf Shah, Dean Students Welfare Prof. Mohammad Abid Bazaz, Head, Department of Humanities, Social Sciences & Management Prof. Adnan Qayoum.
The conference conveners are Dr. Nufazil Altaf, Dr. Sumaira Jan, Dr. Aijaz Ul Islam and Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad, while Dr. Basit Abas is the Coordinator. Dr. Tahir Ahmad Wani and Dr. Mohd. Rafiq Teli are serving as Organising Secretaries.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Roohie Naaz said that data privacy has emerged as one of the major challenges in the digital era, particularly as organisations increasingly depend on artificial intelligence and data-driven systems.
She stressed the need for responsible and secure use of data while ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement are not confined to large institutions or urban centres.Technology must reach the grassroots and address real-world challenges faced by ordinary people, making digital transformation more inclusive, accessible and socially relevant, Prof. Roohie added.
In his keynote address, Dr. Sameer Patil highlighted the growing importance of technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation in shaping contemporary organisations and national security.
He said that as businesses, institutions and governments increasingly rely on AI, digital platforms and data-driven decision-making, cybersecurity and responsible technology adoption must become integral to organisational strategy.
Citing examples of localised start-ups and technology-driven enterprises working in agriculture and horticulture in Kashmir and Maharashtra, Dr. Patil said such innovations were yielding encouraging results by using technology to address local challenges, improve productivity and connect farmers with markets and services.
Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahangar, Dean Faculty Welfare, said the rapid pace of technological change makes continuous learning and faculty development essential. He stressed that universities must create an environment where teachers and students can experiment with AI and emerging digital tools while ensuring academic integrity and responsible use of technology.
Earlier Dean Alumni and International Affairs, Prof. Mohd Ashraf Shah, highlighted the importance of connecting NIT Srinagar’s academic ecosystem with global institutions, industry and its alumni network. He said such collaborations can help turn research and technological ideas into scalable innovations with wider social and economic impact.
Head, Department of HSS&M Prof. Adnan Qayoum said the theme of the conference is relevant and need of the hour. AI and digital transformation cannot be viewed only from a technological perspective and require inputs from management, social sciences and other disciplines. ICCBT 2026 provides an important platform for examining the economic, social, ethical and organisational dimensions of AI-led transformation, Prof. Adnan added.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Tahir Ahmad Wani while welcoming participants recalled his journey at NIT Srinagar since joining in 2018 as the lone Management faculty member.
He said with the support of institute leadership and his colleagues, led to the launch of the MBA programme in 2020, followed by the creation of ICCBT to provide Kashmir’s students and scholars greater exposure to leading minds in business and management.
Recalling the conference’s first edition, he said, “If our students could not always travel to the world, why not bring the world to our students?” He noted that ICCBT has now reached its sixth consecutive edition through the collective efforts of faculty, students, scholars and staff.
On this year’s theme, Dr. Wani said AI and digital transformation are reshaping business and the future of work, but the focus must remain on responsible, sustainable and human-centred innovation.
He urged participants to collaborate, innovate, transform and lead, ensuring that research emerging from the conference creates real-world impact.
