Operate X’26: Redefining the Future of Operations Through Intelligence, Resilience, and Innovation

The Faculty of Management and Commerce (FOMC), PES University Electronic City Campus, successfully hosted Operate X’26, a premier COO Summit, on September 15th and 16th, 2026 at the MRD Student Center. The two-day event brought together industry leaders, professionals, academicians, and students to discuss the rapidly evolving world of operations management and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in shaping business success.

Day 1: Reinventing the Operating Core

The first day centered on the theme “Reinventing the Operating Core”, exploring how organizations can strengthen resilience, enhance agility, and create sustainable value in an increasingly dynamic business environment. Through keynote sessions, power talks, and panel discussions, experts shared practical insights and experiences from their professional journeys.

Key topics included

• Building Antifragile Operations: Leading Through Disruption
• From Cost Center to Value Engine: Reimagining Operations Strategy
• Breaking Down Silos: Aligning Operations, Finance, and Product
• Scaling Operations Without Losing Quality
• From Resilience to Reinvention: The Next Era of Operations

The discussions emphasized the importance of adaptive operational frameworks and highlighted how organizations can transform operations into a strategic function that drives innovation and growth.

Day 2: Extending the Intelligent Frontier

The second day focused on “Extending the Intelligent Frontier”, examining how artificial intelligence is transforming operational processes and decision-making across industries.

The sessions addressed topics such as

• Autonomous Organizations: How AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Operations
• Beyond Automation: Embedding AI into Core Decision-Making
• Governance, Risk, and Trust: Operationalizing Responsible AI

Speakers shared valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption, stressing the need for responsible implementation, effective governance, and ethical decision-making.

Engaging Learning and Mentorship

A key highlight of the summit was the post-lunch Speed Mentoring sessions, where delegates interacted with industry mentors in smaller groups. These sessions provided participants with an opportunity to receive personalized guidance, discuss industry challenges, and gain practical insights from experienced professionals.

The event encouraged active participation and meaningful conversations, enabling delegates to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and broaden their understanding of the future of operations.

Building Lasting Connections

Operate X’26 offered more than just knowledge-sharing opportunities. It created a platform for meaningful networking among delegates, faculty members, industry leaders, and students. The interactions fostered collaboration, professional relationships, and opportunities for future engagement.

Discussions on AI as a disruptive and transformative tool helped participants understand both its potential and its limitations. The summit encouraged attendees to think critically about balancing technological innovation with human expertise to create sustainable business value.

Conclusion

Operate X’26 successfully provided a platform for learning, collaboration, and thought leadership in the field of operations management. Through insightful discussions, mentoring opportunities, and networking sessions, the summit empowered participants to reimagine the future of operations in an increasingly intelligent and interconnected world. The ideas, perspectives, and connections developed during the event are expected to inspire continued innovation and excellence in the years ahead.