More than 100 CIOs, CISOs, CTOs, and IT decision-makers to discuss AI, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and enterprise innovation at the Bengaluru edition of the national 10-city roadshow
The CIO500 & Accelerator X Awards 2026 arrives in Bengaluru today at The Leela Palace, bringing together over 100 technology and cybersecurity leaders from across the city for an evening of thought leadership, networking, and recognition. Organized by Enterprise IT World, the event is part of the prestigious 10-city CIO Accelerator X Awards 2026 roadshow, which is connecting more than 500 CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and digital transformation leaders across India.
The Bengaluru edition will provide a platform for industry leaders to exchange insights on the evolving role of technology leadership, the practical adoption of artificial intelligence, cyber resilience, cloud transformation, and business innovation.
The event will commence with networking and registration, followed by a welcome address from Sanjay Mohapatra, Editor, Enterprise IT World.
A key highlight of the evening will be a keynote presentation by Dr. Vivek Khare, Vice President – IT, Oak Tech Solutions, Dubai, on “The Strategic CIO: Driving Growth, Resilience, and Innovation in the AI Era.” The session will explore how modern CIOs are redefining their roles as business strategists and innovation leaders in an increasingly AI-driven enterprise landscape. [cio500.in]
This will be followed by a keynote from Apoorba Kumar Patranabish, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, who will address “Deploying AI in Traditional Businesses: From Intent to Immediate Impact,” offering practical perspectives on moving AI initiatives from strategy to measurable business outcomes.
One of the most anticipated discussions of the evening will focus on “Delivering Measurable Business Value from AI & Digital Investments.” Moderated by Prasanna Lohar, Founder, India Blockchain Forum, the panel will feature:
- Sudhakar Nagandla, SVP & Global Head – IT Infrastructure and Cloud, ECU Worldwide
- Shailendra Singh Gothra, Chief Digital Officer, STL Digital
- Sandeep Bansal, Director & Consulting Partner, Miraki23; Fractional CIO, Aone Steels India Ltd.; Board Member, World AI Governance
- Sanjay Singh, CTO, Econz
The panel will examine how enterprises can translate digital transformation and AI investments into tangible business outcomes while maintaining agility and competitiveness.
Cybersecurity will take center stage later in the evening with a panel discussion on”Balancing Cyber Resilience with Cost & Complexity.” Moderated by Dr. Ram Kumar G, Cyber Security & Risk Leader, the session brings together:
- Sudeep Dey, CIO & CISO, Aster DM Healthcare
- Ramkumari Iyer, CISO/CIO
- Sumit Singh, CTO, Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd.
- Satish Kumar Dwibhashi, CIO & CISO, Frontline FinTech
The discussion will focus on the growing challenge of managing cyber risks while controlling operational costs and navigating increasingly complex technology environments.
The agenda also includes a presentation by Rewan Kapur, Senior Manager – Enterprise Business, TechD Cyber Security Limited, and a startup innovation pitch from VENSHA Techsoft Private Limited, highlighting emerging technologies and entrepreneurial innovation in the enterprise technology ecosystem.
The evening will culminate with the CIO Accelerator X Awards 2026, recognizing outstanding CIOs, IT leaders, and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in digital transformation, technology innovation, cybersecurity, and business leadership. The awards celebrate the visionaries who are shaping the future of enterprise technology in India.
The program will conclude with a vote of thanks by Sanjib Mohapatra, Publisher, Enterprise IT World, followed by a group photograph, cocktails, and dinner, providing attendees with an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships and exchange insights with peers from across industries.
As Bengaluru continues to strengthen its position as India’s leading technology hub, the CIO500 & Accelerator X Awards platform serves as an important forum for industry leaders to discuss emerging trends, share best practices, and collaborate on the future of digital business and enterprise innovation.