DISRUPT 2026: Conversations That Shaped Design Thinking

What happens when industry leaders and young designers come together under one roof?
Ideas collide, curiosity sparks, and meaningful conversations take shape.

As part of the World Design Day celebrations, the Institute of Design, PES University hosted DISRUPT 2026—a dynamic symposium designed to spark dialogue, challenge perspectives, and bridge the gap between design education and real-world practice. The event brought together seasoned industry professionals and aspiring designers, creating a space rich with insight, energy, and inspiration.

The symposium was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chancellor of PES University, Prof. D. Jawahar, whose continued encouragement and support play a key role in enabling impactful learning platforms such as DISRUPT. His presence underscored the university’s commitment to fostering dialogue-driven and industry-relevant education.

DISRUPT 2026 featured engaging sessions by Sonia Manchanda, Bikash Biswas, and Gautam Kotamraju, each of whom shared valuable experiences, perspectives, and lessons drawn from their professional journeys. The discussions went beyond theory, offering students a realistic view of the challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities that shape the design industry today.

What truly set the event apart was the unmistakable enthusiasm of the students. After every session, the speakers found themselves surrounded by eager learners—asking questions, seeking mentorship, and continuing conversations well beyond the scheduled time. That curiosity, passion, and hunger to learn captured the very essence of DISRUPT.

By encouraging open conversations, fostering industry–academia collaboration, and translating theory into practice, DISRUPT 2026 truly lived up to its name. The symposium stood as a reminder that meaningful learning often happens through dialogue, exposure, and shared experiences.

The Institute of Design extends heartfelt gratitude to the speakers, ADI Bengaluru, and the leadership of PES University for making DISRUPT 2026 a success. Here’s to many more such conversations that challenge norms, inspire innovation, and shape the future of design.