In a significant push to harness technology for regional development, the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal hosted a high-profile Coastal Conclave this Saturday. The event saw the participation of around 30 chief executive officers and senior representatives from a diverse array of organisations based in Mangaluru and the wider coastal region.
Leaders Unite for a Coastal Vision
The conclave, held on the NITK campus, brought together the leadership of major public and private sector entities. Key attendees included heads from KIOCL, MRPL, Paradeep Phosphates (formerly MCF), and M11 Energy Transitions-Padubidri. The gathering also featured representatives from local cashew and fishmeal processing units, the District Industries Centre, industry bodies like CII and KCCI, financial institutions including NABARD and SBI, and real estate association CREDAI.
Academic and research institutes were well-represented by the College of Fisheries from Mangaluru, the Agriculture University of Shivamogga, and ICAR CPCRI Vitla. The conclave also included innovative local platforms such as eSamudaay from Udupi and Malpe Meen from Udupi, showcasing the region's entrepreneurial spirit.
Building a Sustainable Tech Ecosystem
The event was jointly organised by the Science & Technology Entrepreneurs' Park (STEP), led by Prof Subray Hegde, and the Institute Innovation Council (IIC) headed by Dr K Suprabha. The core discussion focused on a critical challenge: how to build a coastal economy and ecosystem driven by technology while meticulously preserving the region's unique nature and cultural heritage. This vision aims to align with national missions like the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan and the Sagarmala programme.
Setting the tone, Prof B Ravi, Director of NITK, presented the institute's vision of 'Global excellence coupled with local relevance'. He formally proposed offering NITK's state-of-the-art facilities and deep expertise to support local R&D labs, business incubators, startups, MSMEs, corporates, public departments, and industry associations.
Showcasing Industry-Academia Synergy
Prof Udaya Bhat, Dean of Research and Innovation, detailed several successful joint initiatives already underway with industry partners. These include specialised labs and programmes in Digital Manufacturing (with Siemens), Sustainable Engineering (with Maire Tecnimont), Construction Technology & Management (with Larsen & Toubro), and Electric Vehicles (with Bosch).
Prof Prasanna Belur, Dean of Alumni and Corporate Relations, underscored the pivotal role that alumni networks and corporate partnerships play in forging strong, lasting connections between industry and the institute.
The discussions, adeptly moderated by Niranjana Mahabalappa, President of the NITK Surathkal Alumni Association, delved into the practical challenges faced by local communities in farming, fishing, food processing, and other key sectors.
A Unanimous Resolution for an Integrated Hub
The conclave concluded with a powerful and unanimous resolution. All participants agreed to work towards establishing an integrated hub of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship at the NITK Surathkal campus. This hub is envisioned as a shared resource, accessible to academics, industry players, and public organisations, with the singular goal of accelerating the region's economy in a manner that is both robust and sustainable for the long term.
