Siliguri
March 30, 2026
C-DAC, Kolkata successfully organized the 4th Academia–Industry Meet 2026 on 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing at Siliguri Institute of Technology (SIT) on March 30th, 2026. The event was conducted under the project titled "Finishing School Programme on 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Technology for Engineering Students of West Bengal and Bihar," supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
The Finishing School Programme is a national initiative aimed at equipping students with industry-relevant skills in emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing. Through hands-on training and practical exposure, the programme enhances employability and prepares a skilled workforce aligned with industry demands.
The meet served as a dynamic platform to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations. It facilitated meaningful conversations among industry experts, academicians, researchers, students and engineers on the future of additive manufacturing and its transformative impact on education and industrial practices in India.
Participation Highlights
The event witnessed participation from nearly 200 delegates, including representatives from C-DAC Kolkata, industry leaders, MSMEs, government organizations, academic institutions and aspiring engineers.
Distinguished Guests
The programme was graced by Ms. Tulika Pandey, Scientist G and Group Coordinator (HRD), MeitY, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished dignitaries included Dr. Ch. A. S. Murty, Scientist G and Centre Head, C-DAC Kolkata; Dr. Partha Pratim Lahiri, Registrar, MAKAUT; Shri Surendra Singh, Scientist E, MeitY; Shri Asit Kumar Singh, Chief Investigator of the project; and Dr. Joydeep Dutta, Principal, Siliguri Institute of Technology.
A key highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion on “Rethinking Engineering Education & Industrial Practice,” moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Nabarun Bhattacharyya, Director, MAKAUT. The panel featured eminent experts from academia and industry, who shared valuable insights on aligning engineering education with real-world industrial requirements.
Distinguished speakers from leading organizations, including Sandhar Technologies, Dassault Systèmes and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of industry-ready skills, innovation and adaptability and real-world challenges in the evolving manufacturing landscape.
Dignitaries also visited the Specialized Training Centre on 3D Printing established under the project, where they witnessed live demonstrations of advanced 3D printing systems and additive manufacturing technologies. Prototypes developed by the students were exhibited, showcasing 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 meet reinforced the importance of academia-industry collaboration in developing a future-ready workforce and highlighted the role of additive manufacturing in advancing national initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Skill India and Digital India. The event also created awareness among students, faculty and the local community about Industry 4.0 and emerging technological trends.
Overall, the Academia-Industry Meet 2026 was marked by enthusiastic participation, insightful discussions and impactful engagement, underscoring its significance in shaping India’s manufacturing and innovation ecosystem.
