Collaboration for Change: How the Synergy Summit Aims to Redefine Relationships Between Academia and Industry

The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government always emphasized industrial revolutions in the state. As a part of this, the government has also taken steps towards establishing cooperation between industry and institute. To establish cooperation between industries and institutions an Industry meet titled “Synergy Summit: Bridging Academia and Industry" was organized on November 22, 2024, at the Government Engineering College, Vaishali, located in Chakshikandar, Bidupur block, Vaishali district.

Under the aegis of the Department of Science, Technology, and Technical Education, Government of Bihar, the event was organized in collaboration with Government Engineering College, Vaishali, and the district administration in the college premises with prominent industries established in Vaishali District. The summit commenced with the lighting of a lamp by the chief guest, Shri. Sumit Kumar Singh, Honourable Minister, Department of Science, Technology, and Technical Education, Government of Bihar; distinguished guest Dr. Pratima, Secretary, Department of Science, Technology, and Technical Education, Government of Bihar; special guest Shri. Yashpal Meena, District Magistrate, Vaishali; Shri. Harikishor Rai the Superintendent of Police, Vaishali, Shri. KPS Keshari, President, Bihar Industries Association;officials from Bihar Engineering University, Patna; representatives from BIADA; the President of Bihar Chamber of Commerce;and the Principal of the college, Dr. Anant Kumar..Following the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, the Principal, GEC Vaishali delivered an engaging virtual tour of the college through a detailed presentation. He highlighted the institution's remarkable achievements in research and development, as well as its significant social outreach initiatives, showcasing the college's commitment to excellence in education and community service 

The President of the Bihar Industry Association, Shri. KPS Kesari,a seasoned engineer and Head of BIA, Bihar, made an impactful suggestion to enhance students' learning experiences. He proposed that industry visits should be made mandatory for students, emphasizing the importance of real-world exposure. Additionally, he advocated for the introduction of entrepreneurship as an optional subject in alignment with the criteria of enterprises, aiming to foster a new generation of innovators..

The District Superintendent of Police, Shri Harkishore Rai, a Mechanical Engineering alumnus from IIT Kanpur, echoed this sentiment by urging students to adopt a mindset of job creation rather than job seeking. He expressed his admiration for the infrastructure of GEC Vaishali, noting that it is comparable to esteemed IITs, and he encouraged students to focus on long-term goals rather than being caught in a competitive rat race.

The District Magistrate, engineering graduate in computer science, emphasized the necessity for students to have a multidimensional approach to their education and practical knowledge of the subject. He highlighted the recent employment fair in Vaishali, where an impressive 872 students secured placements, reflecting the growing opportunities in the region. He expressed his dedication to the development of both Vaishali and Bihar as a whole. He mentioned that under the state government's policy, the district administration plays a very positive role in establishing industries; however, knowledge of modern technology can only be obtained after mutual cooperation with technical institutions regarding the technology used in industries.

Dr. Pratima, the Secretary of the Department, provided detailed information to the industries regarding the implementation of decisions taken by the state government in the field of technical education through an illuminating PowerPoint presentation. She further articulated the government's unwavering commitment and all possible efforts to equip students with the skills and knowledge that align seamlessly with industry demands. She urged, “There is a need for the industry to also impart practical knowledge to our students, and embrace their role as a mentor to shape the next generation so that the students can gain ample opportunities and a positive role can be played in their employment.” The Secretary of the Department also explained that engineering colleges and polytechnic institutes under the department are doing Research and Development (R&D) activities and providing consultancy services in sectors like small Equipment manufacturing, Soil Testing, Concrete Strength Testing etc. to the local industries.

The Honorable Minister present at the occasion stated that under the 'Saat Nischay’ initiative of the state, all engineering and polytechnic colleges have established high-quality departmental laboratories and language labs to enhance communication skills among students, in accordance with the All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi, for regular education. New courses and Centers of Excellence have been established in line with industry demands. Startup cells and other initiatives have been set up in all institutions to promote entrepreneurship. An Institution Development Society has been established in institutions, which includes representatives from industry to gather insights for the development of the institution. The government has also implemented a consultancy policy, the primary objective of which is to provide technological solutions to industries and to develop applications according to their requirements. Institutions and industries are complementary to each other. The development of the state is only possible through the collaboration of both. The main objective of this conference is for us to understand and fulfill each other's requirements.

Approximately 50 to 60 prominent industries participated in the conference, including Britannia Industries, Anmol Industries Limited, Sona Biscuit Limited, Excel Paper Packaging Private Limited, National Plastics Products Limited, Narayani Packaging Private Limited, GNC Fabric Private Limited, Amrapali Food Limited, Asma Food and Beverage Private Limited, Godrej Agro Limited, Tradewell India Sales Private Limited, etc.Mr. Avinash Singh, Manager and HR Admin of Parmann NutritionalsPvt. Ltd., announced the requirement of 50-60 engineering students for a new project, while Mr. Anupam Sinha, Technical Officer from CIPET, invited students to join their internship program. Additionally, CIPET committed to signing an MoU focused on waste management for sustainable development, and Parmann NutritionalsPvt. Ltd. promised to sign an MoU with the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering departments to strengthen collaboration.

Overall, the event aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry and promote the development of skilled manpower in the state.Following insightful recommendations from industry experts, three new courses will soon be introduced by the Department: Entrepreneurship, Sales, and Food Processing. This strategic expansion aims to bridge the gap between education and the evolving needs of the local and national economy.The Industry Meet has laid the foundation for a dynamic partnership that promises to redefine the educational framework in the region. This collaboration is poised to facilitate the development of a skilled workforce that is in tune with industry standards, thereby enhancing employability and driving economic growth.The Synergy Summit was a pivotal event aimed at forging meaningful connections between academia and industry, setting the stage for future collaborations that will enhance both educational outcomes and industry growth.At the conclusion of the Industry Meet, the Minister urged all participating industries to provide candid feedback regarding the event and its discussions. Emphasizing the importance of open dialogue, the Minister stated that such insights are crucial for aligning the educational curriculum with the current demands of the industry.

As a result of this meet 50 students were instantly offered internship and placement by the representatives of the industry attending the meet. The main industries which offered job and placement are Baidynath Industries, R.S. Food, COMFED etc.

This announcement signifies a significant turning point in the collaboration between industry and academia, ushering in a golden period for Bihar’s industrial landscape. The introduction of these courses is testament to the commitment of the department to provide a curriculum that is not only relevant but also rich in opportunities for practical application and real-world experience.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the principal.