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NEHU Hosts IIC Regional Meet 2025; Over 500 Attend Innovation Summit

By AT News |

The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Friday hosted the IIC Regional Meet 2025, drawing more than 500 participants from higher educational institutions across the Northeast. The day-long programme, organised under the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), was held at the Multi-Convention Hall on the NEHU campus.

The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by an introductory address by Prof. Dinesh Bhatia, SPOC of the Regional Meet. Prof. G. Bez, Chairperson of the Meet, delivered the welcome speech, while Prof. I. Hussain, Dean of the School of Technology, NEHU, offered brief remarks.

Guest of Honour Mr. Triailukya Dutta, CEO of Tholua Pratishthan, and Sh. Kunaljeet Singh, Director, AICTE, addressed the gathering. Chief Guest Smt. Saloni Verma, IAS, Executive Director of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency and MD of PRIME Hub, underlined the need to strengthen local innovation ecosystems and encourage youth-led enterprises in the region. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. S.P. Pati, Convener of the Meet, followed by the National Anthem and a group photograph.

Later in the day, a central inaugural session was held virtually in coordination with 26 host institutions nationwide. The session opened with an introduction by Dr. Dipan Sahu, Assistant Innovation Director, Innovation Cell, AICTE, after which Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE, delivered the national keynote address. Representatives from the host institutions, including NEHU, shared their experiences in implementing innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives before the session concluded with a formal vote of thanks.

Participants then took part in a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, Training of Trainers modules for Innovation Ambassadors, and masterclasses led by ecosystem partners. One-to-one mentoring and pitching sessions were also organised. A special highlight of the event was the “Swadesh Udyami Bazaar,” which showcased locally developed products and innovations under the theme “Vocal for Local.”

The valedictory session, held in the evening, began with opening remarks by Dr. Sukti Majaw. The programme featured addresses by Prof. Amit Choudhary, Dean, SoTM, USTM; Prof. Debmalaya Bhattacharya, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MIT University, Shillong; and Prof. S.K. Dixit, Registrar, NEHU. Dr. Ramakrishnan R of the School of Design Thinking, Chennai, spoke on fostering innovation-oriented mindsets, while Chief Guest Dr. Laxmi Rao, Adviser, PRIME Hub, highlighted the growing role of entrepreneurship in regional development.

Participants later offered feedback on the programme before awards and certificates were distributed. The meet concluded with closing remarks by Prof. Bhatia, followed by a group photograph and high tea.

The IIC Regional Meet aims to promote innovation-driven activities and strengthen institutional networks across the Northeast, providing a platform for students, researchers, start-ups, and academic leaders to collaborate and share best practices.

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