Kolkata
January 27, 2026
C-DAC, Kolkata successfully organized the Academia–Industry Meet 2026, a national-level platform aimed at fostering collaboration among students, academicians, medical professionals, industry experts, startups and researchers to address real-world challenges using Additive Manufacturing technologies. The event was held on January27th, 2026 at Maulana Abul Kalam University of Technology (MAKAUT), West Bengal, under the project titled “Finishing School Programme on 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Technology for Engineering Students of West Bengal and Bihar”. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
The meet featured expert-led technical sessions and interactive panel discussions focusing on the following key themes:
- Innovation, Scalability and Industry Alignment in Additive Manufacturing
- Innovation to Industry: Startups, Skill Development and Career Pathways in Additive Manufacturing
- Open Discussion on Emerging Problem Statements and Proposed Solutions in the Additive Manufacturing Domain
As part of the event, a National Hackathon on Additive Manufacturing was launched. The hackathon includes the following thematic areas:
- Healthcare and Assistive Devices
- Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials
- Industrial Applications for MSMEs
In addition, three new specialized courses were launched during the event:
- Human-Centered Product Design using Additive Manufacturing
- Additive Manufacturing for Marine and Underwater Robotics
- Additive Manufacturing for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Storage
A Joint Statement of Intent (JSOI) was exchanged between C-DAC, Kolkata and the following industry partners to strengthen academia–industry collaboration:
- BHARAT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
- IDR Research and Development Pvt. Ltd.
- VFuse Metal 4 Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd.
The event was graced by Ms. Tulika Pandey, Scientist G and Group Coordinator (HRD), MeitY, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. In her address, she emphasized the critical role of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing in driving technological innovation and sustainable industrial growth. She highlighted the importance of equipping students with industry-relevant skills and encouraging innovative thinking, enabling them to contribute effectively to societal development and the advancement of next-generation manufacturing technologies.
Prof. Tapas Chakraborty, Vice-Chancellor, MAKAUT, West Bengal, and Prof. P. M. Pandey, IHFC Chair and Professor (HAG), IIT Delhi, attended as Guests of Honour and shared valuable insights on the future of additive manufacturing technologies.
Several other distinguished dignitaries were present, including Dr. Ch. A. S. Murty, Scientist G and Centre Head, C-DAC Kolkata; Dr. Partha Pratim Lahiri, Registrar, MAKAUT, West Bengal; Shri Surendra Singh, Scientist E, MeitY, Government of India; and Shri Asit Kumar Singh, Chief Investigator of the project.
The dignitaries visited the Centre of Excellence (CoE) established under the project and witnessed live demonstrations of advanced 3D printing systems and additive manufacturing technologies. Prototypes developed by the students were exhibited, highlighting practical applications and hands-on learning outcomes achieved through the programme. The delegates expressed their appreciation for the state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, the quality of technical training imparted and the innovative solutions developed by students, reflecting the effective integration of academic learning with industry-oriented skill development.
The programme witnessed participation from leading industries, eminent academicians, MSMEs, government organizations, research scholars, faculty members and students.
