KIIT Hosts Alumni Entrepreneur Conclave 2026 KREST 1.0 to  Strengthen Alumni-Driven Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

KIIT DU hosted KREST 1.0 – Alumni Entrepreneur Conclave 2026 on 22^nd August 2026, bringing together university leadership, distinguished alumni entrepreneurs, faculty, K Unity Club members, and students on a shared platform for entrepreneurship and innovation. The conclave was organised by the KIIT Alumni Cell in collaboration with the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership and E-Cell, and was held under the theme “From Campus to Company: Turning Ideas into Business.”

Dr. Satarupa Mohanty, Chairperson, KIIT Alumni Cell, delivered the inaugural address, welcoming the dignitaries, alumni entrepreneurs, faculty members, students, volunteers, and participants. Prof. (Dr.) Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin)-cum-Registrar, KIIT, welcomed the alumni entrepreneurs and keynote speakers, acknowledging their contribution to the conclave. He commended the collaborative efforts of the participating departments and encouraged students to engage actively with alumni entrepreneurs to learn from their real-world experience, congratulating the organizing teams on the successful conduct of the event.

Distinguished alumni entrepreneurs were felicitated by university dignitaries in recognition of their achievements and contributions to entrepreneurship and society. Prof. (Dr.) Arjyadhara Pradhan, Vice Chairperson, KIIT Alumni Cell, delivered the vote of thanks.

The day opened with two keynote sessions. Mr. Ayaskanta Mohanty, Managing Director, Tatwa Technologies and President of TiE Bhubaneswar, spoke on “Nuts and Bolts – The Making of an Entrepreneur,” followed by Mr. Ashish Gupta, Founder, FretBox, Noida, who addressed “Profit with Purpose – Can Entrepreneurship Solve Society’s Toughest Problems?” Two panel discussions followed: “Great Idea or Great Execution?”, moderated by Dr. Suman Bhattacharya, Director, KIIT Kareer School, and “Entrepreneurship – Talent, Training or Tenacity?”, moderated by Dr. Pinaki Nandan Pattnaik, Dean, School of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership.

The afternoon session focused on institutional initiatives. Dr. Pattnaik introduced KNEST, a university-wide platform for ideation, incubation, and start-up support, outlining infrastructure plans and linkages to KIIT-TBI, Startup India, and Startup Odisha. Prof. Samarendra Sahoo, Director General, KISS TBI, spoke on incubation and inclusive tribal entrepreneurship, while Prof. Suresh Chandra Satpathy, Director General, University Level Research Development and Innovation (ULRDI), and Dr. Rojalin Sahu, Chairperson & Director, COIR, Multidisciplinary Research & Scientific Affairs, discussed research, sustainable materials, and AI-driven innovation. The conclave concluded with an open interaction and networking session.

The event formally introduced KNEST, a university-wide incubation and start-up support platform, alongside sessions on IPR, tribal entrepreneurship, and AI-driven innovation. KREST 1.0 reaffirmed KIIT’s vision of building a leading, alumni-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.