IAC 8.0 begins at IIT Palakkad, focuses on industry-academia collaboration

The eighth edition of the Industry-Academia Conclave (IAC 8.0), the flagship industry-academia engagement initiative of the Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad), began at the institute.  Prof. A. Seshadri Sekhar, Director, IIT Palakkad, inaugurated the event and delivered the inaugural address. Dr. Nagahanumaiah, Director, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru was the Chief Guest. The formal event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Sarmistha Singh, Associate Professor and IAC coordinator. Dr. Aravind Ajoy, Dean ICSR and Dr. Bibhu Ranjan Sarangi, Dean Academics, shared valuable insights about the various facilities and initiatives of the institute. Dr. Nelson Muthu, Faculty-in-Charge, IAC, introduced the chief guest. 

The two-day conclave, brings together senior industry leaders, technologists, researchers and academicians for discussions on emerging technologies, research, innovation and opportunities for collaboration. Dr. Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Senior Vice President, Ashok Leyland and Dr. B.P. Gautham, Chief Scientist, TCS Research delivered keynote lectures on day one of the conclave. Mr. Krishna Venkatesh, Global Head, Integrated Product Development Organization(IPDO), Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories; and Dr. Yogesh S. Chauhan, Chair Professor and Head, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur will deliver sessions on day two.

Representatives from a wide range of organisations including Syngene International Ltd., HSBC, CDAC, TATA semiconductors and many others are participating in the conclave. Eminent faculty members and researchers from leading academic and research institutions are also taking part. The conclave features technical sessions led by experts from various engineering and science disciplines. An exhibition showcasing innovative startups and poster presentations by students are also being held as part of the event. A panel discussion featuring experts from industry and academia will provide a platform to deliberate on emerging opportunities, challenges and avenues for closer collaboration between the two sectors. A highlight of IAC 8.0 is the Career Cafe, an interactive platform where students can engage directly with industry professionals and gain candid insights into careers, jobs, skills, higher education, and navigating the transition from campus to the professional world. 

A memorandum of understanding was signed as part of the conclave between IIT Palakkad and the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute, Bengaluru. The collaboration will promote sustained academic engagement and research partnerships between IIT Palakkad and CMTI. It will create opportunities for joint research initiatives, knowledge sharing, faculty and student engagement, training programmes, internships, and collaborative proposals addressing emerging needs in manufacturing and technology.