After the resounding success of SME-StartX Bengaluru, held as part of The Future Factory Forum 2025, (view Event coverage) the momentum is now headed south to the industrial heartland of Tamil Nadu — Chennai. Scheduled for 25 September 2025, this next edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more impactful. Powered by Small Enterprise India, and supported by NASSCOM CoE – IoT & AI and Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), The Future Factory Forum – Chennai is all set to become a transformative hub where innovative startups and SME manufacturers converge to shape the future of Indian manufacturing.
In a city globally recognised as the “Detroit of India,” – Chennai, Tamil Nadu’s industrial powerhouse, this forum could not be more timely or more relevant. With the manufacturing landscape undergoing rapid change, the Chennai edition aims to bridge the digital gap by enabling SMEs to connect directly with startups offering real, implementable tech solutions.
With over 150+ SME owners and manufacturing decision-makers expected to attend, along with startup founders, government dignitaries, industry experts, and academic leaders, this edition is set to surpass expectations—not just in scale, but in sheer impact.
The Power of SME-StartX: Catalyzing Industry 4.0 for Indian SMEs
SME-StartX is not just a showcase — it’s a launchpad. A launchpad for startups with cutting-edge solutions in AI, IoT, Automation, Robotics, and Sustainability to present their innovations directly to SME manufacturers who are ready and eager to digitise. At the core of SME-StartX lies a powerful idea: to simplify digital transformation for SMEs by matching them with solution providers who understand their constraints, goals, and growth aspirations.
Through SME-StartX, startups get the opportunity to:
Present solutions tailored to SME pain points
Engage in curated one-on-one meetings with SME owners and decision-makers
Generate leads, initiate pilots, and even secure long-term partnerships
For SMEs, it is a golden opportunity to explore relevant technologies in a non-intimidating, result-oriented environment. It’s about replacing jargon with clarity and bringing innovation to the factory floor — affordably and practically.
Why Chennai? Why Now?
The manufacturing ecosystem around Chennai is vast, diverse, and growing. From auto components to electronics, textiles to heavy machinery — the region is home to thousands of SMEs looking for ways to increase productivity, reduce costs, and future-proof operations.
By hosting the next chapter of SME-StartX / The Future Factory Forum in Chennai, the mission is clear — to make the benefits of Industry 4.0 tangible and accessible to every SME manufacturer in the region.
SME-StartX, the flagship initiative under The Future Factory Forum, is proudly presented by Small Enterprise India as the SME-Startup Innovation Exchange (SME-StartX) —a one-of-a-kind platform that connects SMEs with startup-driven innovations that can revolutionise their operations and drive scalable growth.
This strategic B2B matchmaking platform brings together startups offering solutions in AI, Deeptech, Cybersecurity, HealthTech, AgriTech, Energy & Climate Tech, D2C, FinTech, Defence, Robotics, Mobility, and more, with SMEs eager to embrace digital transformation.
Whether it’s reducing downtime through predictive analytics, enhancing production through smart automation, or exploring climate-friendly solutions—SME-StartX is where innovation meets real-world business needs.
A Forum Designed for Impact
The agenda of The Future Factory Forum – Chennai has been crafted to address both strategic vision and practical implementation. Expect a full day of inspiration, learning, networking, and opportunity:
Expert Keynotes & Presentations
- Industry 4.0 Readiness for SMEs: Turning Challenges into Opportunities Through Digital Adoption
- Sustainability & Green Manufacturing
- Digital Transformation Tools & Trends for SMEs
- Robotic Automation: Scalable Solutions for Every Size Business
- Right Technology Adaptation for Business Growth
- From Machines to Intelligence: Unlocking SME Growth with Industrial IoT
- Smart Automation & Industry 4.0: Low-Cost Integration for SMEs
- Smart Manufacturing Support & R&D from Central Government Institutions
Power-Packed Panel Discussions
“Digitise or Disappear: The Urgent Need for Digital Transformation in Indian SME Manufacturing”
→ Learn from leading industry heads as they simplify digital adoption and address real-world SME challenges.
“Future-Proofing Indian Manufacturing: What Skills, Tools & Strategies Will Define SME Growth?”
→ Explore what’s next for Indian manufacturing through the lens of academia, startups, and tech leaders.
These sessions will feature experts from the government, industry, academia, and startups, all sharing real-world insights to help SMEs transition into modern manufacturing.
The Magic of Curated One-to-One Meetings
SME-StartX is built on a powerful, structured model that ensures meaningful one-on-one meetings between Startups and SMEs:
- Startups Register – Innovative startups sign up and showcase their offerings across emerging tech verticals.
- SMEs Register – SMEs indicate their business challenges, sector-specific interests, and areas where technology can help.
- Smart Matchmaking – Startups and SMEs are paired based on alignment of needs and solutions.
- One-on-One Meetings Begin – Carefully matched parties meet to discuss collaboration, beginning with virtual meetings starting from 20 May 2025 and culminating in in-person sessions at the Chennai event on 21 August.
- Innovation Exchange Leads to Action – Connections result in pilot projects, partnerships, and long-term business growth opportunities.
Value Proposition for Startups & SMEs
SME-StartX is not just a showcase — it’s a catalyst. Here’s what makes it a game-changer:
For Startups:
- Direct Access to Clients: Meet SME decision-makers actively looking for solutions.
- Market Traction: Build credibility and scale faster by solving real-world manufacturing problems.
- Brand Visibility: Stand out in a high-impact event attended by key stakeholders in the SME ecosystem.
- Strategic Partnerships: Secure pilots, collaborations, and future funding opportunities.
For SMEs:
- Tailored Innovation: Discover solutions that address your exact pain points.
- Affordable Transformation: Learn how to digitise operations without breaking the bank.
- Expert-Led Guidance: Attend sessions that demystify AI, IoT, Robotics, and Industry 4.0 trends.
- Competitive Edge: Future-proof your manufacturing unit through proven technologies.
Be a Part of India’s Manufacturing Revolution
Whether you’re a startup founder with a game-changing solution or an SME owner ready to embrace the future, SME-StartX offers a rare chance to take action, make connections, and lead the change in your sector.
The digital era of manufacturing is here — and it’s not just for the big players. With the right partners, tools, and guidance, even the smallest SME can become a smart factory. SME-StartX Chennai is more than just an event. It’s a movement to democratise innovation, enabling SMEs to leap into the future equipped with the right technology, the right talent, and the right mindset.
Join us in Chennai. Start the conversation. Spark the collaboration. Shape the future.
