D.Conference 2026
Driving Progress with Design Thinking
Register hereDates
29–30 September 2026
Location
SNS Institutions, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Hosted by
GDTA India Chapter
In collaboration with
SNS Institutions, KL University, and CMR University
We are living through a decade of compounding complexity. Technology, climate, and social change are reshaping the ground beneath organisations faster than most can respond — and in that noise, clarity has become the rarest and most valuable resource of all.
D.Conference 2026 asks a simple question with far-reaching implications: how do we use Design Thinking to navigate chaos and create clarity? Over two days at SNS Institutions in Coimbatore, the global Design Thinking community comes together to turn complexity into direction — sharing what works, testing new ideas, and building the capabilities that help organisations, communities, and societies make meaningful progress.
Keynote sessions from global Design Thinking leaders
Hands-on workshops applying design methods to real-world challenges
Five thematic tracks shaping the future of the field (below)
A Lunch and AI Expo with live demonstrations and Gen-AI start-ups
Interactive formats, including a World Café, panels, and open-microphone sessions
The GDTA'26 Hackathon finals and an awards ceremony
The Coimbatore Innovation Safari — experience-led learning journeys across the region
Cultural evenings, local cuisine, and networking throughout
01
When the past no longer predicts the future, forecasting isn't enough. This track explores strategic foresight: reading the weak signals of change and preparing for many plausible futures rather than betting on one.
02
As AI reshapes the design process itself, this track examines where human-centred design and artificial intelligence meet — automating the routine so people are freed for the creative, higher-order work.
03
In step with the GDTA's commitment to Design Thinking for good, this track takes on wicked problems, moving past good intentions towards measurable, systemic change.
04
How must education evolve for a multidisciplinary, AI-driven world? This track looks at holistic learning, AI literacy, and the shift from one-time qualifications to continuous growth.
05
In partnership with Siemens, this track explores the convergence of the digital and physical worlds — from executable digital twins to smarter, more sustainable, and more open production systems.
Day one
An opening ceremony led by SNS Institutions, KL University, and CMR University, alongside the GDTA Board, with a traditional South Indian cultural performance. The day moves through keynotes, parallel panel sessions across the tracks, a public talk, and a Lunch and AI Expo featuring live demonstrations and 40 to 50 Gen-AI and Agentic-AI start-ups.
The afternoon brings a World Café, an open-microphone panel, the top hackathon pitches, and an awards ceremony, before "Coimbatore Nights" — a cultural evening and networking dinner.
Day two
A keynote opens the day, followed by parallel workshops and student start-up pitching, and a valedictory with a closing lunch. The afternoon is given to the Coimbatore Innovation Safari.
Detailed sessions, speakers, and workshop topics are confirmed closer to the date. See the full programme on the conference site.
Design Thinking learns by looking. On day two, delegates choose one immersive route across Coimbatore and its surrounds:
Route one
the Isha Foundation, Velliangiri Hills, Patteeswarar Temple, and an agricultural field visit.
Route two
Maruthamalai Temple, Town Hall, Roots/MSME, and the Gedee Car Museum.
Route three
the cotton textile mills of Sirumugai, Tenthirupathi Temple, and silk saree weaving.
Delegates may select one route only.
Supported by Siemens, the GDTA'26 Hackathon invites students, professionals, and innovators worldwide to build human-centred solutions across three tracks — Education Transformation, Smart City and Infrastructure, and Healthcare. Finalists present at the conference, and winning teams are recognised on stage.
Educators, researchers, designers, students, innovators, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from across the GDTA network and beyond — anyone working to bring clarity to complex problems.
Theme
Chaos and Clarity: Driving Progress with Design Thinking
Registration categories
Students (with free accommodation), Indian Academician, Corporate Delegate, and Foreign Delegate
Travel and stay
Curated hotels and directions on the Travel and Stay page
The d.conference is the GDTA’s annual global gathering, hosted each year by a member institution and bringing together 100 to 300 participants from around the world. In 2026, that community meets in India. Be part of it.
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