IndAc, short for Industry and Academia interaction, is an annual technological exposition organized by Technology Transfer Group. The event seeks to promote and strengthen the bond between the industry and academia by creating a channel for enhanced exchanges and collaborations. It focuses at showcasing the institute’s technical competence and research powers to the visiting delegates from various companies, SMEs, IIT alumni and entrepreneurs. This year’s IndAc was organized at Conference Spa, New Delhi with focus on the sectors ‘Agriculture and Food Processing’ and ‘Energy and Power’.
The morning session began with the lighting of the lamp by the professors, namely Prof. S. K. Barai, Prof. H. N. Mishra, Prof. N. K. Kishore and Prof. R. Sen, followed by a video on the Institute and its future as a research hub. Prof. S. K. Barai (Prof-in-charge, IPR & IR) then briefed the officials about the norms of IPR & IR. Consequently, there were presentations given by the members of TTG about the research areas and lab facilities of the Department of Agricultural and Food Processing. There were also presentations on some of the technologies developed, including Process technology for enzymatic polishing of rice and manufacture of curd powder. Subsequently, the SRIC Newsletter was released which comprised of articles on some of the technologies developed till date (by various departments). During the break, the delegates were given a tour around the gallery which housed posters of several technologies developed at the Institute. This gave rise to quality interaction between the companies, professors and students. Arrangements were made for the delegates to speak to the professors who weren’t present via teleconference. The session concluded with a panel discussion on ‘Food Control and Quality Management’. The panel comprised of our professors, along with Mr. Abhishek Sahay, Assistant Director of FICCI. The discussion stressed on safety and health, adulteration, GM foods, etc. and initiated the platform for companies to provide solutions to existing problems.
The evening half saw delegates from various companies based on solar energy, biofuels, power transmission, etc. The second session was similar to the first but the concentration was on renewable energy and power. Concise presentations on the research areas and lab facilities of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Biotechnology were delivered which were followed by technologies developed. Notable ones among them included novel biofuel additive for diesel engines and vector controlled induction motor drive. Following the gallery session was another panel discussion with ‘Renewable and Greener energy as the future of India’ as the agenda and Mr. S. K. Dasgupta, Vice Chairman of DCPL as an additional panelist. It was yet another interactive session and the discussion revolved around several topics connected to solar, biofuel, wind energy and many more.
On the whole, the event was a success and gave an insight to eminent companies on the technologies and research facilities at IIT Kharagpur. It has opened the window of opportunity to the companies for collaboration with the Institute in order to develop promising solutions to existing complications.
