GLS University on Friday successfully hosted GLSU-ATRPM 2026, its flagship international research conference, in a hybrid format at its Ahmedabad campus. The focus of the conference was ‘AI in Action’.
The conference on ‘Advances in Theory, Research & Practices in Management’ (ATRPM) was held to mark the 3rd commemorative event ‘Shodh Shatabdi – The Research Conclave’ in the centennial year of the university. GLS University had launched its yearlong centenary celebration on February 23 this year.
Friday’s conference showcased ‘100 Research Ideas’ reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and future-focused research. It brought together academics, researchers, and industry professionals to explore the practical applications of AI in management and business.
Papers were presented across key domains such as Emerging Technologies, Sustainability, Finance & Accounting, and Entrepreneurship and Start-ups. This edition of the conference built on a track record of receiving over 150 research submissions in the previous edition.
The series GLSU-ATRPM, a conference initiated in 2021, has evolved into a credible platform bridging academia and industry. The 2026 edition reinforced this vision by focusing on actionable AI frameworks, sector-specific applications, and responsible AI practices that generate sustainable organizational value.
The inaugural session featured keynote speaker Prof. Neharika Vohra from IIM Ahmedabad. She highlighted the growing influence of AI in shaping managerial decision-making and organizational leadership. Then there were multiple technical sessions.
The valedictory session featured keynote speaker Mr. Suraj Kishor, former CEO, BBDO India & TeamX for Mercedes-Benz. GLS University executive director Dr. Chandni Kapadia gave the valedictory address. The event was organized under the visionary leadership of Shri Sudhir Nanavati, president of GLS University.
In her valedictory address, Dr. Kapadia emphasized the need to move beyond theoretical discourse and embrace real-world implementation. She said, “The theme ‘AI in Action’ is not about tools or trends; it is about application, experimentation, and execution. The true value of AI lies in its ability to amplify human thinking, not replace it. AI does not define success — the way we use AI does.”
A key highlight of the event was the relaunch of the KALP journal as a digital platform. It aims to promote impactful and practice-oriented research at the university.
GLSU-ATRPM 2026 highlighted the transformative potential of AI while reinforcing the need to align technological advancement with human values and societal impact.