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IPC 74th edition to chalk out next-gen pharma strategy in industry and education: Prof Milind Umekar
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Nandita Vijayasimha, Bengaluru
August 14 , 2025
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The 74th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the future of pharmaceutical education and industry in India.
After a long gap of 14 years, Bengaluru once again takes the spotlight as the host city, adding to the eagerness and excitement. “We see this event as the ‘Maha-Kumbh’ of Indian pharmacy as it is a significant congregation of minds, innovation, and opportunities”, Prof. Milind Umekar, president, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI) and secretary, Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (IPCA) told Pharmabiz on the sidelines of the IPC information brochure launch in Bengaluru.
Another milestone is that this year APTI is organising this at their own headquarters which is Bengaluru. We want to make this memorable and achievable. I have the experience of taking on the onus of two IPCs with APTI being in-charge. The first was the 69th edition at Chitkara in Punjab between December 22-24, 2017. The second was the 72nd edition at Nagpur, Maharashtra from January 20 to 22, 2023 attracting 11,400 delegates. Here in Bengaluru, we presently estimate over 10,000 participants, he added.
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming event from December 19-21 at BIEC, Prof. Umekar pointed out that this 74th IPC version is aimed at building a robust ecosystem that supports innovation, digital transformation, and workforce development in pharma.
In a major highlight, Prof. Umekar announced the launch of a dedicated Pharma Machinery Expo, which will offer a peek into the latest advancements in pharmaceutical machines and equipment technologies that can significantly enhance production capacity while ensuring transparency and higher operational efficiency. It will feature advanced manufacturing solutions, automation systems, continuous processing technologies, and digital monitoring tools that are set to redefine how pharmaceutical products are developed and produced, he said.
In an effort to give a boost to pharmacy education and employment opportunities, there is an education expo and a job fair. At the former, we will have foreign universities who will share their expertise and look at partnerships with our pharmacy colleges and related universities. The job fair will provide on-the-spot interviews and selections, issuance of joining letters to shortlisted candidates during the event itself. There will be networking opportunities with human resource hiring managers from across the pharmaceutical sector.
Prof. Umekar noted that this is an opportunity for our pharmacy institutions to open up to global exposure and align with international standards in pharma education. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry employment, ensuring students and graduates leave the even with tangible career opportunities.
Underscoring the need for academic institutions to align curricula with industry requirements, Prof. Umekar stated that the future pharmacists are equipped not just with theoretical knowledge but with the skills necessary to thrive in a tech-driven, globalized environment.
Since the event is held in the Information Technology capital of the country, Bengaluru, there will be an AI pavilion and a start-up innovation centre. The 74th edition will be largely driven by tech applications from registrations of participants and visitors streamlining ease of entry and access to areas of interest. Apart from scientific deliberations, we will have success story presentations to ignite minds of those nurturing dreams of entrepreneurship.
“This event in its 74th edition, it stands at a pivotal juncture to redefine the future of pharmacy in both industry and academia. It aims to chart a forward-looking strategy that integrates research, regulatory advancements, and innovative educational models,” said Prof. Umekar.
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