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Connect’24 marked an exciting milestone in the ongoing efforts to align education and industry by featuring two insightful panel discussions focused on the "Future of Learning" and "Creating Dynamic Industry-Academia Partnerships." With participation from leaders in academia and industry, the event fostered a collaborative environment for sharing ideas to close the skill gap and build a future-ready workforce.
L&T EduTech played a central role in these discussions through its pioneering initiatives aimed at bridging the divide between academic knowledge and industry requirements. Initiatives like CollegeConnect, which partners with academic institutions to enhance student skills, and Workonnect, which focuses on reskilling and upskilling employees, were highlighted as crucial tools in preparing students for industry roles. These solutions underscore the importance of integrating practical, industry-relevant learning experiences into the academic framework to ensure graduates are industry-ready from day one.
Key Addresses at Connect'24
Dr. Sitharam T.G, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), delivered an impactful address, stressing the urgent need to align India’s higher education system with the evolving digital economy. He outlined key initiatives from AICTE aimed at closing the skills gap, including the implementation of mandatory internships, promoting hands-on learning, and the use of digital platforms such as AICTE’s internship and career portals.
Dr. Sitharam also spoke about the importance of flexible education models such as the Academic Bank of Credits, which allows students to accumulate and transfer credits over time, encouraging continuous learning. His speech highlighted the pivotal role of innovation, research, and a strong industry-academia collaboration in producing future-ready talent that can contribute to India’s global competitiveness.
Complementing this, Dr. C. Jayakumar, Chief Human Resources Officer of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), reflected on L&T's transformation from a construction behemoth to a leader in education and innovation. He emphasized the critical role of upskilling in adapting to the technological disruptions of the modern world and underscored L&T’s dedication to fostering employability through partnerships with academic institutions. Dr. Jayakumar’s keynote reinforced L&T's commitment to nurturing talent and driving growth in India’s educational ecosystem.
Panel Discussion: The Future of Learning
One of the event’s highlights was the panel on the Future of Learning, where industry and academic leaders discussed the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The panel examined how educational institutions can adapt to equip students with the skills needed to navigate future challenges. Emphasizing the rapid changes in technology and industry expectations, the discussion focused on how to prepare students for the workforce of tomorrow through innovative educational strategies and curricula.
Creating Dynamic Industry-Academia Partnerships
The second panel focused on the importance of Creating Dynamic Industry-Academia Partnerships. The conversation explored how industry and academia can collaborate to meet the demands of an evolving job market. Panelists discussed the need for shared expectations, real-world industry projects, and innovative partnerships that help bridge the skills gap. It was noted that emerging technologies and core engineering disciplines could be critical areas where academic and industrial expertise converge to create future-ready professionals.
Closing Keynote by Dr. Kamakoti V.
Dr. Kamakoti V., Director of IIT Madras, delivered a powerful closing keynote, reinforcing the need for strong and trust-based industry-academia partnerships. Drawing from the success of IIT Madras, he emphasized the importance of educational institutions in shaping professionals who can drive industry forward. Dr. Kamakoti pointed to initiatives like the IIT Madras Research Park and SWAYAM Plus as examples of effective collaboration platforms that tackle real-world challenges and commercialize innovative ideas. His message was clear: open-minded, collaborative partnerships between academia and industry are essential to fueling India’s growth, innovation, and future prosperity.
Connect’24, with its rich discussions and forward-thinking perspectives, successfully brought to the forefront the importance of collaboration in shaping the future of learning and ensuring that students and professionals are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
