The Department of Electrical Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, organized an Industrial Conclave titled “Urja-Vistar” on 31 January 2026, with the objective of strengthening academia–industry collaboration. The conclave was inaugurated by Dr. Premlal Patel, Director, VNIT Nagpur, through the traditional lighting of the lamp. During the inaugural session, Prof. Makarand S. Ballal, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, presented the key academic, research, and infrastructural achievements of the department. The conclave aimed to enhance interaction with industries by showcasing ongoing academic research, understanding industry requirements, and exploring possible solutions through collaborative research and curriculum design.
A total of 28 industries registered for the conclave, with several industry representatives actively participating. In his address, Dr. Premlal Patel emphasized the need for regular and sustained engagement between academia and industry to ensure relevance of education and impactful research outcomes. Parallel technical sessions were conducted on contemporary and emerging verticals, including electric vehicles (propulsion, charging, and energy storage), condition monitoring of electrical components, cybersecurity in power systems, protection and automation, power quality, solid-state transformers (SST), renewable energy sources, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Research scholars and students showcased and demonstrated their research work, prototype product developments, and initiatives related to technology transfer to industry.
During the panel discussion, industry representatives highlighted the importance of organizing such conclaves more frequently to align academic curricula with industrial requirements. Several industries expressed their willingness to enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with VNIT for CSR funding, consultancy projects, joint product development, internships, and placement opportunities, thereby enhancing students’ exposure to real-world industrial environments. Dr. Katpatal, Dean (Research & Consultancy), and Prof. M. S. Ballal, Head of the Department, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the strategic role of industry collaboration in research, innovation, and skill development. The event was successfully coordinated by Dr. M. M. Lokhande and Dr. J. P. Singh