CII Centre of Excellence for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Startups presents

Innovation
Edge

A one-day programme that shows manufacturing leaders how to use innovation to stay ahead — explained in plain, practical terms.

Hosted by CII CIES Limited seats For plant & business leaders
Date
17 Sep 2026
Venue
Chennai (venue TBC)
Duration
10:00 – 17:00
Audience
Operational Heads & Senior Managers
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Why attend

Your plant already works. So why look at innovation now?

This programme explains, in plain terms, where innovation fits into a factory that's already running well — and how it can help you stay competitive without disrupting what works. No jargon, no theory-heavy panels. Just practical sessions built around real questions plant leaders are already asking.

What you'll walk away with
Practical, not theoretical
01
A simple way to work with startups

Learn the three straightforward ways companies work with innovators, and which one suits you best.

02
A safe way to try new ideas

A simple, low-risk method to test something new before it touches your production line.

03
A real problem, solved on paper

Walk out with a clear, written plan for one real problem from your own plant — ready to show your team.

04
Real stories, not theory

Hear directly from a company that worked with a startup — what worked, what didn't, and what they gained.

The full day
Schedule
10:0030 min
01The innovation imperative

Your plant already runs well — so why fix what isn't broken? An honest, straightforward case for why innovation matters, and how it can help you stay ahead.

10:3045 min
02Choosing the right way to innovate

Three simple ways companies work with startups and innovators, explained in plain terms. You'll learn which one suits your business, and what your own role would look like.

11:15
Health break — 15 min
11:3090 min
03Where innovation can help in manufacturing

Where can innovation actually make a difference in your business? A tour of real examples — on the shop floor, in the supply chain, and in product design — from manufacturers already doing it.

13:00
Lunch break — 60 min
14:0060 min
04De-risking innovation

Every plant head asks the same question before saying yes to something new: what if it fails and stops my line? A simple, tested way to try new ideas safely — real answers, before you risk time, money, or output.

15:0060 min
05Workshop: identifying innovation opportunities

A hands-on session. Using a simple template, you'll write out one real problem from your own plant that you'd like to solve.

16:0045 min
06What actually worked for other companies

A company that worked with a startup shares the real story — the problem, how they picked the right partner, what happened, and what they gained. Followed by a short introduction to the CII CIES Corporate Innovation Programme.

16:45
Open discussion — 15 min

Bring your team to Chennai

A one-day programme, hosted by CII CIES, for the people who run manufacturing plants. Seats are limited — reserve yours, or nominate your team.

17 Sep 2026Full-day programme
ChennaiVenue to be confirmed
10:00–17:00Programme timing