The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Palakkad launched its first industry connect programme in Coimbatore on Thursday. The event, known as the IIT Palakkad Tech Connect programme, was supported by IIT’s Sec-8 companies, the IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF), and the Technology Innovation Foundation of IIT Palakkad (TECHIN).

Over 100 delegates from 70 different industries participated in the event. The discussions centered on enhancing industry-academia partnerships to drive technological innovation, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the Centre’s Vision 2047.

IIT Palakkad Director A. Seshadri Sekhar led the event, outlining the institute’s vision for “Design & Manufacture in India.” Santhakumar, Dean of Industry Collaboration and Sponsored Research (ICSR), presented IIT Palakkad’s faculty, facilities, and collaboration opportunities.

The chief guest, Air Commodore Vishnu Gaur from 5 BRD, Sulur, emphasized the importance of regional industries partnering with IIT Palakkad to address challenging problems and reduce technology import-dependency, particularly in the defense sector.

Keynote speakers included N.P. Naik from the Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu; Hemalatha Annamalai, founder of Ampere EV; and Mithun Ramdas, president of the Southern India Engineering Manufacturers Association (SIEMA).

A significant highlight of the programme was the signing of a collaboration accord between IIT Palakkad and the Foundries Development Foundation, Coimbatore, aimed at advancing research and technology development.