ACREX India 2025 Opens with a Strong Industry Focus on Innovation and Sustainability to shape the future of HVACR

Bengaluru: ACREX India, the premier exhibition spotlighting the latest technological advancements and a comprehensive range of HVAC supply chain innovations, commenced today at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru. Organised by ISHRAE in collaboration with Informa Markets in India, the three-day event serves as a crucial platform for domestic and international manufacturers to engage with government officials, industry leaders, and key stakeholders. This year’s edition is expected to an impressive gathering of over 30,000 visitors and features a diverse showcase by more than 500 exhibitors from over 40 countries, including Belgium, China, the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the UAE, the UK, Ukraine, and the USA.

The grand inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Shri Mahesh Kumar Khaitan, Director, SATTVA Group; Mr. Anoop Ballaney, President, ISHRAE, Mr. Mukundan Menon, Executive MD and RAC Head, Voltas, Mr. Subramaniam, Chair, ACREX 2025, Mr. Arun Awasthy, President & Managing Director, Johnson Controls, India, and Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India; among others. Their presence highlighted the significance of ACREX India as a key platform for industry collaboration and innovation.

Shri. Mahesh Khaitan, Director, SATTVA Group, “ACREX India 2025 stands as a testament to the HVAC&R industry’s remarkable growth, expanding from just 200 square meters to over 14,000 square meters with 450 participants today. The commercial real estate sector in India continues to present significant opportunities, with an existing footprint of 900 million square feet and an annual addition of nearly 100 million square feet. This rapid expansion fuels demand for cutting-edge HVAC solutions, energy-efficient innovations, and enhanced indoor air quality to address climate challenges.

With South India accounting for 40% of the country’s HVAC consumption—led by Bengaluru at 20%—the region plays a pivotal role in driving industry advancements. The focus on Make in India remains essential, ensuring competitive, high-quality manufacturing that strengthens India’s position in the global market. As the industry moves towards net-zero targets, collaboration between manufacturers, developers, and policymakers will be instrumental in achieving sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure across the nation.

Mr. Arun Awasthy, President & Managing Director, Johnson Controls, India, said “The future of infrastructure development in India is being shaped by rapid urbanization, expanding city boundaries, and increasing global investments in manufacturing and capability industries. As the country moves toward its 2070 net-zero goals, sustainable building technologies must evolve to meet these demands. Technology, digital solutions, and real-time data analytics will play a crucial role in optimizing energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and overall operational sustainability. Collaboration among policymakers, designers, engineers, and industry stakeholders is essential to drive innovation and create smart, connected buildings that redefine the way we live and work. By integrating renewable energy, AI-driven systems, and digital connectivity, the industry can accelerate its transition toward a more sustainable and resilient future.”

Addressing the opportunities in this sector, Mr. Anoop Ballaney, President ISHARE, said, “The HVAC industry is a key enabler of India’s sustainability goals, contributing to energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and infrastructure resilience. ISHRAE remains committed to shaping the industry through skill development, knowledge-sharing, and innovation-driven initiatives that advance the adoption of next-generation HVAC solutions. Our focus is on enhancing system performance through better insulation, smart automation, and retrofitting strategies that align with India’s rapidly evolving urban landscape. ACREX India plays a critical role in fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and technology innovators, driving impactful discussions that will shape the future of HVAC in the country. Through these efforts, we aim to accelerate the industry’s transition towards intelligent, high-performance HVAC systems that support a more sustainable and energy-conscious future.”

Mr. Subramaniam, Chair, ACREX 2025, said “ACREX India 2025 backed by huge industry support, stands as one of the largest editions, rotating between Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. For South India, this event is a significant platform, bringing together numerous manufacturers , OEMs and service providers showcasing advancements in smart, built-in intelligent controllers and cutting-edge technology. With over 30,000 business visitors, including designers, engineers, consultants, facility managers, and building owners, the event addresses key industry challenges such as energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Given that air conditioning systems consume 50–60% of a building’s energy, even a 5–10% reduction can lead to substantial savings over a building’s lifecycle.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “The HVAC industry in India is experiencing a transformative shift, fuelled by the increasing demand for smart, connected, and sustainable climate control solutions. The sector is poised for robust expansion, with a projected CAGR of 16%, driven by the rapid adoption of inverter ACs, ductless systems, and advancements in cleanroom and ventilation technologies. As urbanisation and infrastructure growth accelerate, the need for HVAC solutions that enhance occupant comfort while reducing environmental impact has never been greater.”

ACREX India receives strong backing from key industry associations including the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Trades Association (RATA), All India Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association (ACRA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), Assocham India, Indian Plumbing Association, India Green Building Council (IGBC), FSAI, UN Environment Programme, International Copper Association India, Contamination Control Society of India (CCSI), Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA), IIFIIR, ISKID, Green Business Certification Institute (GBCI), among others.

Renowned industry leaders such as Fujitsu General India Pvt Ltd, ABS, Daikin, Danfoss, Bluestar, Johnson Controls, Carrier, Luftek, Saint-Gobain, Edgetech, and others are presenting their latest innovations, offering valuable insights into emerging global HVAC trends and state-of-the art solutions.

Setting the stage for the expo, ACREX 2025 commenced with a grand Curtain Raiser on February 19, 2025. Sponsored by ABS Fujitsu, the event featured a special facilitation ceremony, a book launch by ISHRAE, and a showcase of ABS Fujitsu’s projects and innovations followed by an engaging fashion show and entertainment segment. 20th February, the evening of Day 1 also set the momentum for the ACREX Excellence Awards Night, a celebration of industry achievements, alongside the unveiling of AVIGHNA – Safety App by ISHRAE, marking a significant step towards innovation and industry safety.

On Day 2, the prestigious Hall of Fame will honour outstanding contributions to the HVAC industry, recognising trailblasers whose work has significantly impacted the sector. The event will also feature a publication launch and expert-led panel discussions, fostering industry dialogue and thought leadership.

As ACREX India continues to drive innovation and industry advancements, it remains a premier platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the HVAC sector. With dedicated spaces like the Startup Pavilion, Innovation Zone, and Demo Zone, attendees can explore emerging technologies firsthand. Engaging seminars, workshops, and idea presentations, along with B2B meetings and the Solution Center, ensure meaningful networking and business opportunities. As a catalyst for growth, ACREX India continues to inspire progress and redefine the future of HVAC.