How has your experience been at the 30th edition of LED Expo in New Delhi?
I was very pleased to see many innovative solutions, such as full-spectrum light-source technologies and products that integrate high-quality lighting attributes like exceptional colour fidelity and precision. These advancements truly enhance the vividness of light and improve how accurately objects are rendered under illumination.
At the same time, I believe there are areas for improvement. Many products perform well in laboratory measurements and exhibit strong specifications on paper; however, when evaluated in real-world conditions especially from different viewing angles or eye levels—there are still noticeable gaps between the documented performance and the actual on-site results. This is not an issue unique to exhibitors in India, but rather a global challenge.
Nevertheless, the discussions I had with various experts were highly productive. It is clear that the industry has already made significant progress in how these technologies are demonstrated and communicated compared to the past. Looking ahead, I am confident that there is still substantial potential for further improvement, and with continued collaboration, we can work together to close these remaining gaps.
All in all the experience has been inspiring. You can really feel the momentum of the Indian lighting ecosystem here – from manufacturers and integrators to designers, consultants, and regulators all in one hall. LED Expo has created a very dynamic platform where international and local perspectives genuinely meet, not just in the conference room but also at every booth conversation.
How has the global lighting industry evolved in the last year, especially in terms of intelligent and connected systems?
Globally, the industry is shifting from being “connected for the sake of being connected” to being “connected with a purpose.” Over the past year, more projects have begun with a clear question: What human or operational outcomes do we want this intelligent system to achieve? These outcomes range from better sleep and improved comfort to healthier workplaces, more adaptable spaces, and simplified maintenance.
We are also seeing stronger alignment with established building standards and scientific frameworks, including circadian lighting metrics and integrated air-quality strategies. Sensor data is now being leveraged not just to control lighting, but to verify that spaces are genuinely meeting targets for well-being, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
What innovations or shifts do you expect in the next three to five years of digital lighting controls?
In the next 3–5 years, I anticipate three major industry shifts:
- A transition from device-level to space- and people-centric control: System specifications will increasingly be driven by what occupants need at eye level and within real environments over time, rather than by the technical capabilities of luminaires alone.
- Deeper integration of health and well-being objectives: Lighting and control systems will more routinely incorporate circadian metrics, personalized exposure profiles, and curated emotional or experiential lighting scenes. These will become standard design elements instead of optional enhancements.
- Greater simplicity supported by advanced intelligence: User interfaces will continue to become more intuitive and streamlined, while the underlying complexity is managed through improved algorithms, open communication protocols, and seamless cloud–edge collaboration. This evolution will significantly ease commissioning, operation, and maintenance for all stakeholders.
Can you mention one notable innovation you came across this year that you think has significant potential for the lighting industry?
One of the most promising innovations today is the new generation of field measurement tools that bring advanced lighting and environmental metrics such as spectral data, circadian-effective illuminance, flicker indices and indoor air quality directly into the hands of designers, consultants and facility managers. When we can validate in real time what people actually experience in a space rather than relying solely on design assumptions, we close the gap between theory and reality. This enables more accurate tuning, smoother commissioning and greater confidence in human-centric lighting performance. As an advisor to IWBI’s Light Concept, I see this capability as essential for implementing standards like WELL with real, measurable evidence rather than intention alone.
Looking ahead, sensor technologies that make well-being metrics visible, understandable and even interactive will be essential. When advanced sensors, intelligent algorithms, responsive products and integrated controls work together as a continuous feedback loop, they will fundamentally transform how we design, verify and manage healthy lighting environments. This holistic ecosystem will define the future of human-centric lighting.
The 30th edition of LED Expo focused on Utility, Design and Well-being. How do you see it with respect to the fast-evolving lighting industry?
I would say it is essential—and overdue.
- Utility ensures lighting is functional, reliable, and energy-efficient.
- Design shapes the identity of the space and the emotional experience of the users.
- Well-being makes sure that what looks good and works well also supports our body, brain, and long-term health.
If we optimise only one or two of these, we create compromises: beautiful spaces that cause fatigue, highly efficient spaces that people dislike, or “healthy” concepts that are too complex or costly to operate. When utility, design and well-being are synchronized from the beginning—supported by clear metrics and standards—we get lighting that is both beautiful and beneficial, and that can be scaled across offices, schools, hospitals, homes and cities.
In your opinion, how important are events like these in making collaborations, product showcases and networking opportunities?
Events like LED Expo play a crucial role in advancing the lighting and building industry. While standards and best practices exist on paper, real adoption happens through people—through conversations, demonstrations, and shared success stories. These platforms allow manufacturers to show how their solutions align with frameworks such as WELL and other global guidelines, while designers, engineers, regulators, and clients can see practical implementations rather than relying solely on technical documents. Because the lighting ecosystem is highly diverse—spanning manufacturers, specifiers, designers, regulators, developers, and end users—it is essential to build shared awareness across all stakeholders. Improving light quality for better circadian support, mood, productivity, and overall well-being requires a common vision that goes beyond traditional focuses on visual tasks, safety, and energy efficiency.
For a rapidly growing market like India, this collaborative platform is especially important. By aligning understanding and working together to close existing gaps, the industry can accelerate its shift from basic LED replacement thinking toward a mature, standards-based, human-centric lighting culture. With increasing participation and collective effort, we can meaningfully advance both quality of life and long-term sustainability.
Do you have any advice or thoughts that you would like to share with the industry?
I believe global building standards are opening an important window of opportunity for the lighting industry. As someone who has spent many years in this field, and through my work with IWBI and international partners, I have seen a growing number of global projects emerging in India. This momentum is encouraging, but it is only the beginning. Compared with regions like the United States, China and other parts of Asia, India is still at an early stage—yet the potential here is extraordinary.
As an advisor to global standards, I see tremendous opportunity for Indian lighting professionals, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders. Worldwide, there are still significant gaps to close in science-based lighting, in integrating well-being, and in advancing smarter, healthier lighting practices. These gaps represent opportunities for India to contribute meaningfully.
If the industry continues to invest in impactful technologies, high-quality solutions and strong collaboration across all disciplines, India can not only elevate its own lighting quality but also build the capability to bring world-class products, solutions and ideas to the global market. This is a chance for India to establish a powerful and influential presence in the international lighting community.
