- ACREX India 2025 concludes at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, with advancements in HVAC excellence taking center stage
- As South Asia’s largest exhibition for HVAC—covering heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and intelligent buildings—the event brought together 30,000 attendees and over 500 exhibitors from 40+ countries.
- Live demonstrations, B2B meetings, and insightful sessions took center stage, offering an immersive experience for industry professionals.
ACREX India, the leading exhibition spotlighting the latest technological advancements and a comprehensive range of HVAC supply chain innovations, concluded on 22nd February 2025 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru. Organised by ISHRAE in collaboration with Informa Markets in India, the three-day event served as a crucial platform for domestic and international manufacturers to engage with government officials, industry leaders, and key stakeholders. This year’s witnessed an impressive gathering of over 30,000 attendees and featured a diverse showcase by more than 500 exhibitors from over 40 countries, including Belgium, China, the Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the UAE, the UK, Ukraine, and the USA.
The grand inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, Chief Guest Shri Mahesh Kumar Khaitan, Director, SATTVA Group; Mr. Anoop Ballaney, President, ISHRAE, Mr. Mukundan Menon, Executive MD and RAC Head, Voltas, Mr. Subramaniam, Chair, ACREX 2025, Mr. Arun Awasthy, President & Managing Director, Johnson Controls, India, Mr. Muniraju, President, ISHRAE Bengaluru Chapter, Mr. Madhukar A, Convenor, ACREX 2025 and Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India ; among others. Their presence highlighted the significance of ACREX India as a key platform for industry collaboration and innovation.
This rapid expansion fuels demand for cutting-edge HVAC solutions, energy-efficient innovations, Shri. Mahesh Khaitan, Director, SATTVA Group, “ACREX India 2025 stands as a testament to the HVAC&R industry’s remarkable growth, expanding from just 200 square meters to over 14,000 square meters with 450 participants today. The commercial real estate sector in India continues to present significant opportunities, with an existing footprint of 900 million square feet and an annual addition of nearly 100 million square feet. and enhanced indoor air quality to address climate challenges.
With South India accounting for 40% of the country’s HVAC consumption—led by Bengaluru at 20%—the region plays a pivotal role in driving industry advancements. The focus on Make in India remains essential, ensuring competitive, high-quality manufacturing that strengthens India’s position in the global market. As the industry moves towards net-zero targets, collaboration between manufacturers, developers, and policymakers will be instrumental in achieving sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure across the nation.”
Mr. Muniraju, President, ISHRAE Bengaluru Chapter, said “The ISHRAE Bangalore Chapter takes immense pride in hosting a successful ACREX India 2025, an event that brought together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to drive the future of HVAC. This success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team members and support from ISHRAE headquarters. In our commitment to skill development, the Bangalore Chapter has introduced the ISHRAE Certified Professional (ICP) course for service, design, and commissioning, training nearly 100 professionals this year alone. This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing industry expertise, and we look forward to expanding it across India to further strengthen technical competencies within the HVAC sector.”
Mr. Madhukar A, Convenor, ACREX 2025, said “ISHRAE’s mission extends beyond events, focusing on the dissemination of knowledge and skill development within the HVAC industry. Through student chapters and ISHRAE Certified Professional (ICP) courses, we strive to bring new talent into the sector while upskilling existing professionals. Our curriculum includes technician skill programs and a newly introduced certification for engineering professionals, a pioneering step toward recognizing expertise in air conditioning engineering. However, industry collaboration is essential to maximize the impact of these initiatives. By joining hands, ISHRAE and industry stakeholders can drive innovation, elevate standards, and ensure sustainable growth for the HVAC sector.”
Mr. Arun Awasthy, President & Managing Director, Johnson Controls, India, said “The future of infrastructure development in India is being shaped by rapid urbanization, expanding city boundaries, and increasing global investments in manufacturing and capability industries. As the country moves toward its 2070 net-zero goals, sustainable building technologies must evolve to meet these demands. Technology, digital solutions, and real-time data analytics will play a crucial role in optimizing energy efficiency, predictive maintenance, and overall operational sustainability. Collaboration among policymakers, designers, engineers, and industry stakeholders is essential to drive innovation and create smart, connected buildings that redefine the way we live and work. By integrating renewable energy, AI-driven systems, and digital connectivity, the industry can accelerate its transition toward a more sustainable and resilient future.”
Mr. Mukundan Menon, Executive MD and RAC Head, Voltas, said “The HVAC&R industry in India is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the residential air conditioning segment witnessing a 35% increase last year alone. Currently, around 15 million air conditioners are installed annually, more than doubling from just 7 million four years ago. As India continues to expand its infrastructure over the next two decades, the demand for air conditioning, ventilation, and air purification will only intensify. Sustainability and self-reliance remain central to this growth, with the government implementing stringent energy efficiency standards and supporting domestic manufacturing through a ₹6,700 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Of this, ₹5,700 crore has already been disbursed to companies committed to reducing import dependency and strengthening India’s manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, skill development is a key focus, with initiatives like the Tata Institute of Skilling aiming to bridge the talent gap in modern fields such as robotics, mechatronics, and electronics. Backed by a ₹400 crore investment and government support, this initiative is set to transform workforce readiness in the sector.
With strong government backing, industry collaboration, and a clear vision for self-sufficiency, India is poised to become a global leader in the HVAC&R space. The energy and commitment within the industry today reaffirm that the future is not only promising but also firmly aligned with India’s long-term sustainability and economic goals.”
Mr. Madhur Sehgal, Head of Climate Solutions Sales – India Region, Danfoss said “At Danfoss, we are redefining the future of HVAC&R with cutting-edge products, intelligent solutions, and groundbreaking innovations. ACREX 2025 provided the perfect platform to showcase our next-generation technologies that enhance energy efficiency, optimize performance, and drive sustainability. Our innovations empower businesses to achieve higher operational excellence. As the industry moves towards a more connected and efficient future, Danfoss remains at the forefront, delivering intelligent products that set new benchmarks in HVAC&R.”
Mr. Subramaniam, Chair, ACREX 2025, said “ACREX India 2025 backed by huge industry support, stands as one of the largest editions, rotating between Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. For South India, this event is a significant platform, bringing together numerous manufacturers , OEMs and service providers showcasing advancements in smart, built-in intelligent controllers and cutting-edge technology. With over 30,000 business attendees, including designers, engineers, consultants, facility managers, and building owners, the event addresses key industry challenges such as energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. Given that air conditioning systems consume 50–60% of a building’s energy, even a 5–10% reduction can lead to substantial savings over a building’s lifecycle.”
“Aligned with India’s net-zero target by 2070, ACREX India facilitated discussions on lowering energy consumption and integrating renewable energy solutions. The event featured 26 technical workshops and seminars led by distinguished speakers worldwide, offering insights into the latest design innovations. A dedicated B2B lounge hosted 35 business meetings, fostering dialogue between manufacturers and end-users. Additionally, the AQUEST student quiz, with participation from 53 chapters across India aims to attract fresh talent to the HVAC industry by offering career opportunities in partnership with leading companies”, he further added.
Mr. Anoop Ballaney, Society President, ISHRAE, said “The 24th edition of Acrex India highlighted its remarkable growth from a 2,000-square-meter event in Bengaluru to an expansive 15,000-square-meter showcase today. Rotating annually between Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, the event has become a cornerstone for the HVAC&R industry, fostering advancements in energy efficiency, sustainability, and technological innovation. As the parent body of the event, ISHRAE plays a crucial role in shaping industry standards, working alongside the government to develop regulations, national building codes, and sustainable HVAC&R practices. With initiatives like the ECBC standard and contributions to policy frameworks, ISHRAE ensures that the industry aligns with evolving energy and environmental goals. Through ACREX India, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators converge to drive the future of sustainable and efficient building solutions.”
ACREX India received strong backing from key industry associations including the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Trades Association (RATA), All India Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Association (ACRA), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), Assocham India, Indian Plumbing Association, India Green Building Council (IGBC), FSAI, UN Environment Programme, International Copper Association India, Contamination Control Society of India (CCSI), Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA), IIFIIR, ISKID, Green Business Certification Institute (GBCI), among others. Renowned industry leaders such as Fujitsu General India Pvt Ltd, ABS, Daikin, Danfoss, Bluestar, Johnson Controls, Carrier, Luftek, Saint-Gobain, Edgetech, and presented their latest innovations, offering valuable insights into emerging global HVAC trends and state-of-the art solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said,“The HVAC industry in India is experiencing a transformative shift, fuelled by the increasing demand for smart, connected, and sustainable climate control solutions. The sector is poised for robust expansion, with a projected CAGR of 16%, driven by the rapid adoption of inverter ACs, ductless systems, and advancements in cleanroom and ventilation technologies. As urbanisation and infrastructure growth accelerate, the need for HVAC solutions that enhance occupant comfort while reducing environmental impact has never been greater.”
“In this journey, our longstanding partnership with ISHRAE has been instrumental in shaping the industry’s direction through their relentless focus on knowledge-sharing, technical excellence, and advocacy for sustainable HVAC practices. Their expertise and initiatives continue to drive innovation, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and environmental responsibility. ACREX India remains the industry’s premier platform, facilitating meaningful discussions, showcasing breakthrough technologies, and fostering business collaborations that will define the future of HVAC in India. By bringing together innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers, we aim to drive advancements that support India’s growth trajectory while championing sustainable development.” He further added.
ACREX 2025 kicked off with a grand Curtain Raiser on February 19, 2025, sponsored by ABS Fujitsu. The event featured a special facilitation ceremony, a book launch by ISHRAE, and a showcase of ABS Fujitsu’s innovations, followed by a fashion show and entertainment. On February 20, the ACREX Excellence Awards Night celebrated industry achievements, alongside the unveiling of AVIGHNA – ISHRAE’s Safety App, marking a major step in industry safety and innovation. The prestigious Hall of Fame on Day 2 honored outstanding contributions to the HVAC industry, featuring a publication launch and expert-led panel discussions fostering industry dialogue and thought leadership.
A series of impactful knowledge sessions provided deep insights into key industry trends. Day 1 featured workshops on topics such as Future of Data Centre Technology and Decarbonization in HVAC. Day 2 explored AI-ML & IoT in Connected Buildings, Testing, Adjusting & Balancing, and High-Rise Building Design. The day concluded with a panel discussion on the growth of the hospitality industry. Day 3 focused on sustainability, with discussions on indoor environmental quality, thermal comfort, low GWP refrigerants, and HVAC system components & communication networks.
As ACREX India continues to drive innovation and industry advancements, it remains a premier platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the HVAC sector. With dedicated spaces like the Startup Pavilion, Innovation Zone, and Demo Zone, attendees explored emerging technologies firsthand. Engaging seminars, workshops, and idea presentations, along with B2B meetings and the Solution Center, ensured meaningful networking and business opportunities. As a catalyst for growth, ACREX India continues to inspire progress and redefine the future of HVAC.
