Talent Development Conclave2025 : Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry:Ommtv Kalinga Vikas

 Talent Development Conclave2025 : Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry:Ommtv Kalinga Vikas

 Trident Academy of Technology (TAT), in collaboration with the Odisha Private Engineering Colleges Association (OPECA), hosted the Talent Development Conclave–2025 on the 31st of May 2025 at Hotel Lemon Tree Premier, Bhubaneswar. With the central theme “Striking a Synergy Between Academia and Industry: Fostering Right Talent to Develop a Future-Ready Workforce,” the conclave brought together stakeholders from across academia, industry, and government to explore strategic solutions for closing the talent gap and developing industry-ready graduates.

The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, with Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education, Government of Odisha, adorning the dais as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the vital role of skill development in driving Odisha’s industrial growth and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering stronger academic-industry partnerships.

The Guest of Honor, Mr. Bijay Sahoo, Group President, Strategic HR, Reliance Industries Ltd., offered compelling insights into how industries are evolving and the importance of nurturing trainable,adaptable, skilled professionals. He underscored the need for dynamic academic frameworks that can swiftly adapt to the ever-changing demands of the global workforce.

The conclave commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest and a welcome address by Prof. D. N. Pattanayak, Principal, TAT, followed by a session wise  introductions of subsidiary themes by Dr. P.K. Mohanty, Dean (School of Business), TAT.

The day featured four high-impact panel sessions with a total of very senior professors and leaders from the Talent Acquisition wing of national companies.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emerged as a key enabler in bridging institutional gaps. Representatives from major companies like Infosys, HCL Tech, and Tata Electronics highlighted how CSR funding can enhance infrastructure, faculty training, and student employability. Prasanth Paneerselam of HCL Tech noted the vital role of industry is in supporting skill development initiatives, “Industries need to fill in the gap by generating funds towards the skill development;this is not a charity but a necessity.”

Fostering curiosity and innovation among students was underscored as essential for preparing them for emerging and evolving roles. Thought leaders from institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar and organizations including Tech Mahindra and Tata Power offered actionable strategies to nurture futuristic talent.

Another critical issue discussed was the regional disparity in campus recruitment. Experts from both academia and companies such as Ericsson and Comviva emphasized the need for inclusive strategies to level the playing field. As Ms. Ayana Gupta from Comviva succinctly stated, “We hire for attitude and train for skill,” pointing to a shift in hiring priorities.

Together, these discussions called for stronger collaboration between academia and industry, underpinned by innovation, equity, and sustained investment in human capital development.

Each session concluded with the felicitation of guests, and the event ended with a vote of thanks and closing remarks by Mr. Mohini P. Mishra, HoD, CSE-Data Science and Convener. A networking lunch offered participants the opportunity to collaborate and discuss future initiatives.

The conclave successfully established a platform for dialogue and strategic alignment, reaffirming the need for joint efforts of academia and industry to shape a skilled, future-ready workforce.