Innovation and collaboration key to industrial growth: Shekhar Dey

Jamshedpur: “Innovation has become essential in the present era, and stronger cooperation between industry and academia is needed to develop practical solutions,” said Shekhar Dey of Sreeleathers while addressing the Mini Industry-Academia Conclave 2026 organised by NIT Jamshedpur at a hotel in Bistupur on Wednesday.

The conclave was held on the theme “Empowering Industries through Research, Innovation, Testing, and Technology Transfer” with the objective of connecting the institute’s research and technical capabilities with the actual requirements of industries.

Around 55 representatives from local and major industrial establishments, including Tata Steel, JSW, RSB Transmission and Vedanta, participated in the event. Industry representatives shared their technical challenges, requirements and expectations and also suggested areas where greater support could be provided by the institute.

“A strong partnership between industry and academia can help in developing practical and industry-oriented solutions which can be implemented on a larger scale,” Dey said.

NIT Jamshedpur Director Prof (Dr) Gautam Sutradhar stressed the need for stronger industry-institute engagement. Continued support to local and regional industries was assured through the institute’s advanced testing facilities, technical expertise and research capabilities.

Prof Satish Kumar, Dean (Research and Consultancy), highlighted the importance of structured engagement and joint research projects. It was stated that collaborative research could help address several real-world industrial challenges.

The institute’s Industrial Problem Submission Portal was introduced by Dr Tushar Banerjee. Through the portal, industries will be able to submit technical and technological problems, for which solutions will be explored through research and consultancy.