The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Friday 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 event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by an introductory address by Prof. Dinesh Bhatia, SPOC of the Regional Meet. Prof. G. Bez, Chairperson of the Meet, delivered the welcome speech. Prof. I. Hussain, Dean of the School of Technology, offered brief remarks.
Guest of Honour Mr. Triailukya Dutta, CEO of Tholua Pratishthan, and Sh. Kunaljeet Singh, Director, AICTE, addressed the gathering. The Chief Guest, Smt. Saloni Verma, IAS, Executive Director of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency and MD of PRIME Hub, underlined the need to strengthen local innovation ecosystems across the region. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. S.P. Pati, Convener of the Meet, followed by the National Anthem and a group photograph.
A central inaugural session was held virtually at 10:30 a.m. 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, after which Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, delivered the national keynote address. Representatives from various host institutions, including NEHU, briefly shared their experiences in implementing innovation programmes. The session concluded with a vote of thanks and the National Anthem.
Throughout the day, participants attended knowledge-sharing sessions, Training of Trainers modules for Innovation Ambassadors, and masterclasses 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. The Chief Guest, Dr. Laxmi Rao, Adviser, PRIME Hub, highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in regional development.
Participants offered feedback before awards and certificates were distributed. Prof. Bhatia delivered the closing remarks, after which the programme concluded with a group photograph and high tea.
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
2026, North-Eastern Hill University
Designed & developed at Bioinformatics Centre, NEHU
