The Industry–Academia Connect, jointly organized by the Centre of Innovation and Research (COIR)–Centre of Next Generation of Material and Technology (CNGMT), KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU), and the Society for Materials Chemistry (SMC), Bhubaneswar Chapter, was successfully held at KIIT. The event served as a vibrant platform to strengthen collaborations between academia and industry, aligning cutting-edge research with real-world industrial needs.
The inaugural session began with a context-setting note by Prof. Suresh Chandra Satapathy, Director, Doctoral Research & Publication, KIIT-DU. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT-DU.
Distinguished Guests of Honour, including Dr. Tapan Kumar Rout (TATA Steel), Dr. S.P. Mohapatra (NALCO), Dr. Trinath Sahoo (IOCL), Prof. Praveen Linga (NUS, Singapore), Prof. Manmohan Parida (DRDE, Gwalior), Prof. Rajnish Kumar (Bhatnagar Awardee, IIT Madras), and Prof. B.K. Satapathy (Former Director, NALCO), shared their insights on fostering stronger industry–research linkages.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Ranjana Nallamalli, Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO, emphasized the importance of collaborative research for national development.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Rojalin Sahu. In this context, Dr. Sutanu Mangal, Assistant Registrar, and Dr. Amlana Panda also contributed significantly to the smooth coordination and successful execution of the programme. Later, Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU, joined the event and conveyed his encouragement to the organizers and distinguished speakers.
The event featured two Technical Sessions, with impactful talks by eminent speakers from DRDO, NUS, NALCO, TATA Steel, IOCL, IIT Madras, and DRDE. Discussions spanned advanced materials, sustainability, energy research, and futuristic technologies. The sessions were moderated and concluded by Dr. Sudesna Roy, Dr. Harekrishna Panigrahi, and Dr. Soumen Giri. They also facilitated student–industry interactions, culminating in an engaging open discussion and valediction.
The event reaffirmed KIIT-DU’s commitment to building meaningful bridges between academia and industry, creating avenues for joint research, consultancy, and innovation-driven growth. This vision has been made possible under the guidance of visionary Founder of KIIT, KISS & KIMS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, whose unique platform of COIR continues to advance knowledge and contribute meaningfully to society.