Shillong, Nov 28: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) today hosted the IIC Regional Meet 2025, which drew more than 500 participants from institutions across the Northeast.
Organised under the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the day-long programme was held at the Multi-Convention Hall on the NEHU campus.
The IIC Regional Meet aims to promote innovation-driven activities and strengthen institutional networks across the Northeast, bringing together students, researchers, start-ups, and academic leaders on a common platform.
A central inaugural session was held virtually in coordination with 26 host institutions across the country. The session began with an introduction by Dr. Dipan Sahu, Assistant Innovation Director of the Innovation Cell, AICTE.
AICTE Chairman Prof. TG Sitharam delivered the national keynote address. Representatives from various host institutions, including NEHU, briefly shared their experiences in implementing innovation programmes.
Executive Director of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency and MD of PRIME Hub Saloni Verma in her address underlined the need to strengthen local innovation ecosystems across the region.
Triailukya Dutta, CEO of Tholua Pratishthan and Kunaljeet Singh, Director, AICTE also addressed the gathering.
Throughout the day, participants attended knowledge-sharing sessions, Training of Trainers modules for Innovation Ambassadors, and master classes by ecosystem partners. One-to-one mentoring and pitching sessions were also organised. A special attraction was the “Swadesh Udyami Bazaar,” which showcased locally developed products and innovations under the theme “Vocal for Local.”
The valedictory function was held in the evening with opening remarks by Dr. Sukti Majaw. The ceremony featured addresses by Prof. Amit Choudhary, Dean, SoTM, USTM; Prof. Debmalaya Bhattacharya, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MIT University, Shillong and Prof. S.K. Dixit, Registrar, NEHU.
Dr. Ramakrishnan R of the School of Design Thinking, Chennai, also spoke on cultivating innovation-oriented mindsets and Dr. Laxmi Rao, Adviser, PRIME Hub, highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in regional development.
Participants offered feedback before awards and certificates were distributed.
