Manipal, October 10, 2025: The Manipal School of Commerce and Economics (MSCE), a constituent institute of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, successfully concluded its two-day Industry–Academia Business Conclave “Samudyamah”, held on October 8 and 9, 2025, at the MSCE campus in Manipal.

Themed “People, Businesses and AI, Way Forward: Responsibility to Think and Grow Together,” the conclave served as a strategic platform for dialogue and collaboration between academia and industry, aligning with MAHE’s Year of Excellence in Industry–Academia Collaboration — an institutional initiative dedicated to fostering innovation-oriented partnerships.

The inaugural session of Samudyamah witnessed the presence of distinguished guests and leaders from academia and industry: Mr. Kunal Gajwani, Senior Director – Business Development, CueZen Inc., graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Prof. (Dr) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Management, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences), MAHE, was the Guest of Honour. The event was presided over by Dr. Giridhar P. Kini, Registrar, MAHE, and commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Sandeep Shenoy, Director, MSCE.

The two-day conclave brought together over 400 students, 50 faculty members, and 20 eminent industry leaders representing organizations such as KPMG India, Zoho Corporation, Razorpay, Volvo India, Tech Mahindra Consulting, WPP Media, CareEdge, TCS, Amazon, Tiger Analytics, CueZen Inc., Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Spatial Grid Inc., ContexQ, and Nirmala Travels.

Across ten panel discussions and a keynote address, experts deliberated on topics critical to the future of business and society, including AI and Data-Driven Personalization in Digital Health, Human–AI Collaboration and Workplace Culture, AI and HR Leadership, Finance in the New Age, Brand Partnerships in the Age of AI.

Panelists explored pathways for bridging the talent–application gap through structured internships and placements, enhancing faculty development and research collaborations, and creating frameworks for workforce readiness in an AI-driven economy.

Dr. Harish S. Kumar, Director, Office of Corporate Relations, MAHE, highlighted the need for sustained collaboration to drive employability, innovation, and industry relevance.

Prof. (Dr) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Management, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences), MAHE, commented: “Samudyamah reflects MAHE’s enduring commitment to advancing thought leadership and collaboration between academia and industry. It is through such platforms that we bridge skill gaps, accelerate innovation, and ensure that technology continues to empower people and society responsibly.”

Expected outcomes included strategic recommendations for AI adoption, frameworks for talent exchange, and joint research and innovation opportunities that align academic curricula with industry demands.

The conclave culminated with an insightful valedictory session addressed by Mr. Subhro Bhattacharya, Associate Partner, KPMG India, who emphasised the importance of ethical AI and the human dimension of digital transformation.

Through Samudyamah, MSCE reaffirmed its mission to nurture future-ready professionals, foster research-driven innovation, and strengthen the bridge between learning and application — ensuring that AI-driven transformation remains inclusive, ethical, and human-centric.