In 2026, business growth will not be only about hard work and labor. It’s more about the smart work with the smart system setup. Saving both time and energy using technology is called “real naffo” in “dhandho” (Business) nowadays.
Gujarat is known for a high-risk-taking spirit, and we at Gujpreneur celebrate this spirit of Entrepreneurship loudly.
From the Textile business to Brass and Steel, to Technology, to the diamond business, or for food giants like AMUL and Ramdev Masala, and Balaji Wafers, AI and automation are quietly reshaping how Gujarati businesses operate.
The real question is, how can Gujarati business/entrepreneurs practically adapt these tools to scale up in 2026?
Let’s have a closer look at some very useful examples:
1- Automation in the Business of Repetitive Operations
For a business owner, it’s always a challenge to put less time on operations and focus more on innovation. This is where AI and automation can help reduce repetitive work in some of the departments.
Example – A Rajkot-based auto parts manufacturer recently integrated an AI-driven inventory management system. Instead of staff manually checking raw material availability, the system predicts shortages, places purchase orders, and even negotiates with suppliers online. This has cut operational delays by nearly 30%.
Small Business Tip – Even a restaurant or café can take the help of AI to manage the ordering system from the customer’s phone to the kitchen and put a request to the chef for which things shall go first, based on what dish will take what time to prepare.
2- Personalized Marketing for customers
Gujarat’s marketplace is very diverse, from Tiles to automobile parts to FMCG and textiles as well. A young student in Ahmedabad might shop differently, and someone sitting in Morbi with a pocket full of cash might shop differently. This is where AI-powered personalization comes in.
Example – Someone’s buying pattern on a specific app is recognized, and based on that next purchase can be predicted as well. AI can send well in advance as a reminder of the products before they finish.
Brands like Renee cosmetics and ILEM Japan from Ahmedabad can build AI that studies the different skin tone and suggests good recommendation, which not only increase sales but also trust eventually.
3- Customer Support
There are numerous automobile dealers in Gujarat, where the highest customer satisfaction rate is required. Also, there are many Electronics shops and showrooms where certain systems can be made AI-driven for customer support. Waiting for the turn to speak to a representative, to then make them understand the real issue about the product or car, and then what if the representative who manages your query gets replaced? This is where very smooth and efficient AI support system can be built which from taking complain to generat in ticket, sending email to customer and once solved, informing customer can be solved too.
Example – We see Zomato using an AI chatbot to save time and human resources for the first few queries, and then if no appropriate answers then surely a human can intervene.
4- Usage of AI in Accounting and Billing Systems
For any small or mid-size business, managing invoices, GST returns, and vendor payments can be time-consuming. AI tools can simplify this by automating data entry, reconciling transactions, and even detecting errors before submission.
Example: A Surat-based textile trader recently started using an AI-powered billing software that automatically scans supplier invoices, matches them with purchase orders, and flags any mismatches. It even generates GST-compliant reports ready for filing. This saves hours of manual work every week and avoids costly errors during audits.
5- Usage of Robotics in Manufacturing
Industries like ceramics, diamond cutting, and auto parts in Gujarat depend heavily on precision and speed. When integrated smartly, robotics can ensure consistent quality, reduce waste, and boost output.
Example: In Morbi, a leading tiles manufacturer has installed robotic arms on its production line that handle lifting, sorting, and packaging tiles. This not only reduces workplace injuries but also increases daily production by 25%.
6- Smarter Retail Experiences
Gujarat’s retail scene, from grocery shops to electronics showrooms, is becoming smarter with AI tracking customer behaviour and purchase cycles.
Example: Say every 40–45 days, you visit your local supermarket in Ahmedabad to buy dustbin bags. AI-powered retail software will analyse your purchase history and send a gentle reminder or suggest related products the next time you walk in. Stores like Reliance Smart or D-Mart can easily implement this through loyalty apps, helping customers shop smarter and increasing repeat purchases.
7- Overcoming Fear of Technology
Many traditional or family-run Gujarati businesses still hesitate to integrate AI, thinking it’s expensive or too complex. But the fear often comes from unfamiliarity, not capability.
Example: A 55-year-old brass trader from Jamnagar initially resisted digital invoicing, but after attending a local workshop on AI tools, he adopted a simple WhatsApp-based chatbot to manage client follow-ups and payment reminders. Within three months, his collection rate improved noticeably, and he now encourages others in his business circle to try it too.
8- Quick AI support for documentation
Documentation, especially tenders, contracts, or import-export paperwork, can take hours to prepare and review. AI tools now make this process smoother and faster.
Example: An Ahmedabad-based logistics company started using an AI document assistant that drafts shipping forms, reviews for compliance, and translates them into multiple languages. What earlier took two employees a full day now takes less than an hour with minimal errors.
Conclusion
AI and automation are not here to replace Gujarati entrepreneurship; they are here to empower it. The “dhandho” spirit of Gujarat has always been about seeing opportunity before others, whether it was in diamonds, dairy, or digital. Now it’s time to apply that same vision to technology.
All the pointers mentioned in this article have been taken after considering industry experts. Stay tuned for more such insights into the business world only at Gujpreneur.
