ISHRAE Thane Chapter, along with ISHRAE Mumbai Chapter, successfully hosted PharmaConnect 2026 – Cleanroom Conclave, a knowledge-sharing and networking platform bringing together professionals from the pharma, biopharma, cleanroom, HVAC, engineering, consultancy and allied industries.
Held at Hotel Ramada, Navi Mumbai, the conclave was organised around the theme “Transcending Frontiers in Pharma: Evolution of Biologics & Facility Adaptation for Next-Gen Sustainable Manufacturing.”
The programme served as a platform for industry leaders, pharma professionals, consultants, technology providers, HVAC experts and facility specialists to discuss the rapidly evolving requirements of the pharma manufacturing ecosystem. The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing significant transformation with the growth of biologics, advanced therapies and next-generation manufacturing technologies — developments that are creating new challenges and opportunities in facility design, cleanroom technology, HVAC systems, contamination control, energy efficiency, sustainability and regulatory compliance.
The gathering was addressed by Tejas Gawde, President, ISHRAE Thane Chapter; Mukesh Suthar, President, ISHRAE Mumbai Chapter; and Manoj Khati, Convener, PharmaConnect 2026, whose remarks set the tone for the event.
PharmaConnect 2026 addressed these emerging requirements through a combination of technical presentations, keynote sessions, expert discussions and a panel discussion, enabling participants to exchange experiences and perspectives.
The event featured eminent industry professionals, including Shyam Khante, President, Shyam Khante & Associates; Ajit Kadam, Director, Spectrum Pharmatech Consultant; and Bhupeshkumar Patil, Associate Vice President, Knexir Consultant, along with other experts from the pharma and engineering ecosystem.
A key highlight of the programme was a panel discussion moderated by Gautam Baliga, which brought together industry experts including Prashant Kavale, Shyam Khante, RV Kulkarni, Adnan Khan and Ajit Kadam. The panel discussed the challenges associated with evolving pharma facilities, sustainability, technology adoption and the changing needs of next-generation manufacturing. The discussion underscored the need for future pharma facilities to balance product quality, patient safety, regulatory compliance, operational reliability, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Speaking on the occasion, the organisers highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between pharmaceutical manufacturers, consultants, technology providers and HVAC professionals to develop facilities that are not only compliant but also energy-efficient, resilient, sustainable and future-ready.
Recognising industry excellence
PharmaConnect 2026 also provided an opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the contribution of professionals and organisations supporting the growth and advancement of the pharmaceutical industry. The event witnessed strong participation from professionals across the pharma and allied sectors, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional networking and collaboration.
The success of PharmaConnect 2026 reflects the commitment of ISHRAE Thane Chapter to promoting technical excellence and creating meaningful platforms for interaction between the HVAC&R and pharma industries.
Looking ahead
With the pharma industry moving towards biologics, advanced manufacturing technologies and increasingly sustainable operations, the role of cleanroom engineering, HVAC, contamination control and energy-efficient facility design will become even more critical. PharmaConnect 2026 highlighted the importance of bringing stakeholders together to share knowledge, address emerging challenges and explore solutions for the pharma facilities of tomorrow.
ISHRAE Thane Chapter extended its appreciation to all speakers, panelists, sponsors, supporting organisations, delegates and volunteers whose contribution helped make the conclave a successful industry gathering