Next-Generation Coated Steels Key to Sustainable Infrastructure, says Dr Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury
Over 300 delegates from India and abroad gather in Jamshedpur for GalvaNext-2026 to discuss future technologies, sustainability and innovation in galvanized and colour-coated steels
Jamshedpur, January 8: The International Conference on “Next Generation Galvanized and Colour Coated Steels (GalvaNext-2026)” was inaugurated on Thursday at a hotel in Jamshedpur, bringing together more than 300 delegates, speakers and experts from over 70 organisations across India and abroad. The two-day conference aims to deliberate on emerging technologies, sustainability, performance enhancement and future trends in galvanized and colour-coated steel products.
The inaugural session was graced by Dr Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury, Director, CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), as the Chief Guest, while L. Pugazhenthy, Executive Director, ILZDA and Past President of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), attended as the Guest of Honour. The event witnessed the presence of leading academicians, researchers, policymakers and industry professionals representing premier institutions and global steel and coating companies.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury underlined the importance of next-generation galvanizing and colour-coating technologies in supporting infrastructure growth and achieving global sustainability and decarbonisation goals. He said innovation in coating chemistry, advanced processing routes and lifecycle performance would play a crucial role in improving product durability. Stressing closer collaboration between industry and academia, Dr Chowdhury also highlighted the need for supportive government policies, skill development, standardisation and the adoption of environmentally responsible practices in the steel and coatings sector.
The dais also included Dr Atanu Ranjan Pal, Chief Technology Officer, Tata Steel and Chairperson, IIM Jamshedpur Chapter; Praveen Venugopalan Thampi, Managing Director, Tata BlueScope and Chairperson, GalvaNext-2026; and Dr Gopi Kishor Mandal, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NML and Vice-Chairperson, GalvaNext-2026.
Addressing the gathering, Praveen V. Thampi outlined the aim and scope of GalvaNext-2026, describing it as a premier platform for knowledge exchange on advanced galvanizing processes, metallic and organic coatings, corrosion protection, digitalisation and green technologies. He said the conference had been designed to address both scientific advancements and practical challenges faced by the industry, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.
Dr Atanu Ranjan Pal introduced the Indian Institute of Metals, Jamshedpur Chapter, and spoke about its professional activities and initiatives. He said GalvaNext-2026 would act as a seed platform for collaboration between academia, R&D institutions, technology providers and technology users. Emphasising self-reliance, he noted that Indian steel industries must focus on developing in-house technologies through sustained collaborative efforts.
Guest of Honour L. Pugazhenthy highlighted the importance of such conferences in bridging the gap between fundamental research and industrial application. He described materials as the backbone of modern technological development and referred to global challenges related to rare earths and critical minerals. Pointing out that India is self-sufficient in zinc production, a key raw material for galvanizing, he appreciated the joint efforts of industry, research organisations and professional bodies like IIM in organising a conference of high industrial relevance.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Gopi Kishor Mandal, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, delegates, sponsors, media representatives, organising committee members and all stakeholders for their contribution towards the successful start of the conference.
The Day-1 technical programme began with two invited plenary lectures by Dr Frank E. Goodwin of the International Zinc Association and Dr Shubh Gautam of the American Precoat Group. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Anoop Kumar Trivedi of Tata Steel on the theme “Navigating Challenges, Innovations, and Operational Realities in Galvanized and Colour-Coated Steels”. The panel featured experts including Frederic Martin (John Cockerill), Dr Chetan Prakash (Berger Becker), Indranil Biswas (Tata BlueScope), Ana Paula (International Zinc Association) and K. Bhoopal Reddy (JSW Steel).
The second half of the day saw a series of keynote lectures and contributory oral presentations by national and international experts. Topics covered included next-generation galvanizing lines, alloyed coatings, colour-coating technologies, surface engineering, corrosion mechanisms, testing standards, performance evaluation and emerging market requirements.
Experts and delegates from renowned organisations and institutions such as 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, several IITs, CSIR-NML, Tata Steel and NIT Rourkela are participating in the conference.
GalvaNext-2026 is expected to foster meaningful dialogue, promote technological collaboration and help shape the future roadmap for galvanized and colour-coated steel products in India and globally.
