The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) successfully concluded the second edition of its flagship Annual Trade Expo, GATE 2026, at the Helipad Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, on a resounding note. The three-day event stood as a testament to Gujarat’s industrial dynamism, entrepreneurial excellence, and its unwavering commitment to the national aspiration of Vision 2047. With participation from over 36,000 B2B visitors and more than 500 exhibitors representing diverse sectors, the Expo emerged as a vibrant platform for innovation, collaboration, and high-value business engagement, further reinforcing Gujarat’s leadership in India’s economic landscape.
The valedictory session featured an address by Shri Sandeep Engineer, President, GCCI, who presented a comprehensive overview of the Expo proceedings. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of sponsors, partners, speakers, and participants, and reiterated GCCI’s steadfast commitment to Vision 2047. Emphasizing the theme, “Gujarat’s Vision – Global Ambitions,” he reaffirmed GCCI’s continued efforts to foster innovation, enterprise, and global competitiveness.
The concluding day of the Expo featured a series of high-impact engagements. The Demo Day provided a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to present their innovations to a discerning audience. The Pitch Marathon, moderated by Ms. Devaki Marks, Chief Creative Officer, Adintors, brought together leading investors including Mr. Winston Tixeira, Investment Manager, Enrission India Capital Inc; Mr. Rahul Vaidya, Partner, Ecosystem Ventures; Mr. Anil Joshi, Founder & Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures; Mr. Vinod Shankar, Founding Partner, Java Capital; and Mr. Suresh Narasimha, Co-Creator, CoCreate Ventures. The session facilitated meaningful dialogue between startups and the investment ecosystem, culminating in engaging and insightful discussions.
The Expo also hosted compelling panel discussions on contemporary themes. The session on “Building Conscious Beauty Brands in Modern India,” was moderated by Ms. Asha Vaghasia, Chairperson, GCCI BWC Committee, and featured Ms. Shubhika Jain, Founder & CEO, RAS Luxury Skincare; Ms. Aashka Goradia, Co-Founder, Renee Cosmetics; and Ms. Tanisha Lakhani, Founder, PROTOUCH. The panel highlighted the rapid growth trajectory of India’s beauty industry, evolving consumer preferences, and the immense potential for global expansion through digital and e-commerce platforms.
Another significant session, “Women in Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling,” was moderated by Ms. Karishma Phatarphekar, Partner, Deloitte India, and featured Ms. Smita Patil, National President, NAREDCO Mahi; Ms. Ketki Gor Mehta, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; and Ms. Monaz Noble, Chief Financial Officer, Sandoz Pvt. Ltd. The discussion underscored the transformative shift in women’s leadership in India, while also acknowledging the challenges that remain and the growing cohort of leaders driving meaningful change across sectors.
A key highlight of the concluding day was the fireside chat featuring Mr. Rakesh Bedi, celebrated actor, writer, director, and motivational speaker, in conversation with Mr. Vinod Malaviyaa, Executive Committee Member, GCCI. Drawing from over four decades of experience, he shared inspiring reflections on creativity, resilience, and professional excellence, offering valuable insights to the audience. He also graced the valedictory ceremony.
Exhibitors expressed high levels of satisfaction with the organization, scale of participation, and quality of business interactions at GATE 2026. The Expo facilitated strong business leads, strategic partnerships, and meaningful networking opportunities, with participants widely appreciating the relevance and depth of engagement. GCCI extended its sincere gratitude to its esteemed sponsors, including Reliance Industries Limited and Astral Limited as Lead Sponsors, Torrent Group as Co-Sponsor, Ganesh Housing Limited as Platinum Sponsor, Arvind SmartPark as Diamond Sponsor, and Gold Sponsors Anantbaug, SygniaBrandworks LLP, Soleos Energy Private Limited, Symphony Limited, and Vadilal Industries Limited, along with all Silver Sponsors, Sector Sponsors, and partners whose support was instrumental in the success of the event.
As GATE EXPO 2026 draws to a close, it stands not merely as an exhibition but as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and sustained economic progress. GCCI reaffirms its commitment to building on the momentum generated and contributing meaningfully to Gujarat’s global aspirations and India’s journey towards the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi’s Vision 2047.
