The seventh annual Industry-Academia Conclave (IAC 7.0) has officially commenced at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad. This significant two-day event serves as a crucial platform, uniting prominent figures from both the academic and industrial sectors to foster impactful dialogue and collaborative initiatives.
Vice-Admiral Srinivas Kalidoss, a distinguished former naval officer, graced the conclave as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the critical need for industries to remain agile and adaptable in response to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This adaptability, he noted, is paramount as India actively strives towards its ambitious ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ vision.
Kalidoss further highlighted that premier educational institutions, particularly IITs, bear the responsibility of nurturing graduates who are not only ‘industry-ready’ but also possess the acumen and capabilities to effectively address the nation’s pressing developmental challenges.
Echoing this sentiment, IIT Palakkad Director A. Seshadri Sekhar reiterated the paramount importance of cultivating industry readiness among students. Professor Sekhar commended the institute’s proactive approach in meticulously designing academic programs specifically tailored to meet the dynamic demands and evolving needs of various industries.
In a commendable initiative, IIT Palakkad has launched a specialized program designed to empower its faculty members. This program encourages and facilitates collaborations with Indian industries on cutting-edge research projects, specifically those aimed at finding innovative solutions for complex, real-world problems.
The conclave also featured valuable insights from other key academic leaders, including P. Athira, the Academics Dean, and Santhakumar Mohan, the Dean of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (ICSR), who shared their perspectives on these critical discussions.