Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna, successfully hosted the 2nd Academia-Industry & Global Knowledge Conclave on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, fostering dialogue between researchers, industry leaders, and innovators to advance science, technology, and entrepreneurship in Bihar.

The conclave opened with reflections on the first Industry-Academia Conclave, which emphasized ethical values, research innovation, and entrepreneurship. Prof. T.N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna and Chief Guest, highlighted the importance of moral and ethical principles in research and startup ventures. AKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharad Kumar Yadav underscored the role of such engagements in building a “Vikshit” (developed) society and pledged continued support for future initiatives.

A live demonstration of a green-energy hydroelectric cell was presented by Prof. R.K. Kotnala, Dr. Jyoti Shah (CSIR-NPL Delhi), and Dr. Rakesh Kr. Singh, Convenor of the Conclave. Discussions on the growing startup culture in higher education were led by Prof. Rana Singh, Director of CIMP, and Vijay Prakash, Director of Atal Incubation Center. Pramod Sharma, MD of Vaidyanath Ayurvedic Pvt. Ltd., reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting nanomedicine fellowships for cancer and diabetes research. The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Rakesh Kr. Singh, with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Bibhuti Bikramaditya of Smartway Electronics Pvt. Ltd.

The first technical session focused on nanotechnology-based hydroelectric cells, featuring panelists Dr. Kotnala, Dr. Ashish Radtogi (BIA), Prof. S.C. Roy (CNLU), and Dr. Rakesh Singh. The discussion highlighted success stories, funding challenges, and innovation strategies to foster a “Vikshit Bihar.” The 2nd Global Conclave session, themed “Waste to Wealth and Knowledge,” showcased sustainable innovations in nanotechnology, coordinated by Dr. Rakesh Kr. Singh, with contributions from Dr. Sudhant Singh, Dr. Abhay Kr. Aman, Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, and Dr. Sashi Prabha Dubey.

The second day of the conclave showcased three intensive technical sessions, each highlighting the cutting-edge developments in nanoscience and its applications. The first session, “Role of Startups in Nanomedicine and Healthcare”, featured distinguished panelists including Sri Pramod Sharma of Shree Baidyanath Ayurveda Bhawan Pvt. Ltd., Prof. P. Prajapati of the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Dr. Md. Chand Jamali from Liwa University, UAE, Sri Ranjan Mistry, Founder of Campus Varta & Women School of Entrepreneurship, Sri Santosh Kumar Sinha, former MD of BIADA, and K.P.S. Kesari, President of BIA, Patna. They deliberated on the transformative potential of startups in healthcare innovation and the integration of nanotechnology in medical applications. Ranjan Mistry shared insights on transforming lab inventions into real-world applications. He emphasized the importance of team management, developing soft skills, and urged universities to onboard industry experts as “Professors of Practice” to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

The second session focused on Semiconductors and Nanoelectronics, bringing together industry leaders and academic experts such as Sri Sanjeev Kumar Sharma (Exceldots, Sweden), Sri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra (L&T Semiconductor), Dr. Manoranjan Kar (IIT Patna), Dr. Bibhuti Bikramadiya (Smartway Electronics), Sri Aditya Sinha (CDAC, Patna), and Prof. R.K. Verma, Founder VC of Munger University. Coordinated by Dr. Bibhuti Bikramadiya, the session explored advances in semiconductor technologies, nanoelectronic devices, and their implications for the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

The day concluded with a session on Physics Education and Skill Development, featuring Padma Shri Prof. H.C. Verma (IIT Kanpur), Prof. A.K. Thakur (Registrar, IIT Patna), Dr. Amrendra Narayan (Retired Professor, Patna University), and Prof. R.P. Sinha (Former VC, L.N. Mithila University), coordinated by Dr. Rakesh Kr. Singh. The discussion emphasized innovative teaching methodologies, learning through interaction with nature, and the cultivation of skills essential for the next generation of scientists.

A major highlight was Padma Shri Prof. H.C. Verma of IIT Kanpur, who inspired attendees by emphasizing the value of learning from nature and surroundings. His session encouraged students and researchers to blend observation, curiosity, and experimentation to drive innovation in science and technology.

The conclave concluded with a Validatory Session (4:00–5:00 PM) featuring Prof. Sharad Yadav (VC, AKU), Prof. A.C. Pandey (Director, IUAC-UGC), Prof. A.K. Thakur (Registrar, IIT Patna), Dr. Niranjan Prasad Yadav (Registrar, AKU), Prof. H.N. Diwakar (School of Stem Cell Technology, AKU), and Dr. Rakesh Kr. Singh as Convenor.

The event witnessed participation from 35 M.Tech and Ph.D. students from the School of Nanoscience, along with university officials including Dr. Niranjan Prasad Yadav (Registrar), Shri Ramjee Singh (Finance Officer), Kumari Anjana (Deputy Registrar), and Heads of various schools at AKU.