The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT) hosted Industry-Academia Conclave 2024 on December 27, 2024. Themed ‘Engineering the Future: Smart, Green, and Artificial Intelligence Driven', the event brought together industry stalwarts, academicians, and students for a day of insightful discussions and collaborations.

A highlight of the conclave was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the Tamil Nadu Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence (TANCAM), signifying a new chapter in industry-academia partnerships.

In her welcome address, M. Ezhilarasi, Principal of KCT, emphasized Tamil Nadu's industrial prowess, often referred to as the "Detroit of India." Acknowledging the state’s stronghold in the automotive, textile, and engineering sectors, she said, “This MoU with TANCAM will bridge the gap between education and industry by equipping students with critical skills and aligning their learning with future industry needs,” the Principal added.

S. Raghupathy, Director of Strategic Planning and Review at Kumaraguru Institutions, delivered the Special Address, highlighting the critical role of manufacturing in economic growth. “Manufacturing is the backbone of the economy, and skilled mechanical engineers are its lifeline,” he stated. Dr.Raghupathy urged students to embrace AI and ML technologies to remain competitive, predicting greater opportunities and better pay scales as demand for core engineering talent rises.

The Chief Guest, S. Rajkumar, President of Rane Engine Valve Ltd., underscored Tamil Nadu’s contribution to manufacturing, attributing 40% of the state’s GDP to this sector. He praised initiatives like TANCAM for driving innovation and skilling efforts in the state.

Addressing evolving trends in the automobile industry, Dr. Rajkumar noted the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) and digitalization, while emphasizing that internal combustion engines (ICE) would remain relevant for at least two more decades. He highlighted advancements such as hydrogen-based enginesand fuel-agnostic solutions, urging students to upskill and explore career paths in core engineering disciplines.

Delivering his Chief Guest address, Wing Commander P. Madhusoodhanan, Director of TANCAM, spotlighted Tamil Nadu’s industrial achievements, stating, “Tamil Nadu’s GSDP - Gross State Domestic Product of $370 billion positions us among the top 50 global economies. In 2024, the state achieved $9.6 billion in electronics exports—double that of Karnataka.”

He stressed the importance of bridging the academia-industry gap through centers like TANCAM, which empower students with practical, innovative skills and retrain professionals to meet industrial challenges. “The essence of these efforts is to enhance the quality of life while achieving industrial growth,” he said.
The Guest of Honour, Rajiv Aramadaka, Public Sector and Global Affairs Director at Dassault Systemes, discussed the impact of technological evolution on Tamil Nadu’s industries, particularly the reliance on internal combustion engines and the rise of EVs.

He encouraged students to leverage modern facilities like TANCAM to explore emerging fields such as renewable energy, small modular reactors (SMRs), and advanced transportation technologies. Highlighting the need for entrepreneurship in core engineering, Aramadaka urged students to utilize resources at centers like TANCAM to innovate and succeed.