The much-anticipated E-Summit ’26, organised by the Symbiosis Institute of Digital and Telecom Management (SIDTM), embodied its theme, “Navigating the Digital Maze: From Disruption to Direction.” Held on Saturday, 17th January 2026, the summit served as a dynamic platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders to gain clarity and direction in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
The event focused on decoding digital disruption, spotlighting transformative entrepreneurial journeys, and exploring how innovation, adaptability, and strategic thinking can turn uncertainty into opportunity. Emphasising the importance of informed decision-making, networking, and personal branding in the digital age, the summit offered valuable insights for building sustainable ventures. A key highlight of the event was the launch of the latest edition of Entre-Bytes, an e-book celebrating the evolving intersection of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Key Highlights of E-Summit’26
Fireside Chat
- AI Case Studies and Revolution in Marketing
- Mr. Saransh Bhatnagar, Head of MarTech & Brand of CARS24, shared valuable insights into AI-driven marketing, drawing from his experience with data, automation, and emerging technologies. He highlighted how real-world AI applications are reshaping marketing strategies and enhancing customer engagement in the digital age.
Case Study Session
- The Consumer-Centric Privacy Revolution of DigiYatra
- Mr. Siddharth Sharma, CIIO of Digi Yatra Foundation, delivered an insightful session on DigiYatra’s privacy-centric approach to digital travel. Drawing from his experience in building large-scale digital solutions, he highlighted how self-sovereign identity and decentralised architecture empower users with data control while enabling seamless and secure travel experiences.
Story Board
- In changing times, what remains constant?
- Mr. Manish Bhatt, Founder Director of Scarecrow M&C Saatchi, led an insightful session reflecting on what truly remains constant in changing times. Drawing from decades of experience in advertising and creative leadership, he emphasized the enduring importance of strong ideas, cultural relevance, and human insight in building meaningful brands and impactful communication amid continuous change.
Keynote Session
- Reimagining Rail Travel for a Billion Journeys
- Mr. Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO of ixigo Trains & Confirmtkt, brought valuable insights into transforming rail travel at scale, drawing from his experience in railway operations and digital modernization. He highlighted how technology-driven, passenger-centric solutions can redefine mobility for millions and shape the future of rail travel in India.
Panel Discussion
- SheNavigates: Women Charting Paths Through the Digital Maze
- Moderated by Ms. Aradhika S Mehta, the panel featured prominent industry leaders:
- Ms. Aradhika Shrivastava Mehta, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer
of Brand Architects, shared insights on building consumer-centric brands and driving growth through digital-first marketing strategies. - Ms. Prachi Dharani, Co-Founder and CEO of PayGlocal, discussed fintech innovation and the evolving landscape of cross-border payments and digital commerce.
- Ms. Nikita Vora, Founder & Director of SHELeadsIndia, shared insights on empowering women entrepreneurs through digital skills, technology adoption, and growth-focused strategies to build scalable businesses.
Tech Demo
- From Human Control to Machine Intelligence: Teleoperation to Vision-Language-Action (VLA) in Humanoid Robots
- Dr. Mukesh Bangar, Founder, CEO & CTO of Muks Robotics, delivered an insightful session on the evolution of humanoid robotics, exploring the shift from human-controlled teleoperation to intelligent Vision-Language-Action (VLA) systems. He highlighted real-world applications, technological advancements, and the growing role of machine intelligence in enabling autonomous, adaptive, and human-like robotic behaviour.
Launch of Fourth Edition of Entre-Bytes
The Entrepreneurship Cell at SIDTM unveiled the 4th edition of Entre-Bytes, a unique e-book designed for and about entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to fuel entrepreneurial spirit by offering mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
E-Summit’26 was a resounding success, delivering valuable insights into entrepreneurial mindsets, global perspectives, and effective business strategies. It empowered participants to embrace digital transformation, leadership, and innovation, leaving them inspired to shape the future.