The session, tailored for the School of Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals Department students, focused on:
Key highlights of the session included:
- A comprehensive overview of the manufacturing processes of biological medicines and biosimilars.
- Insights into testing protocols ensuring product safety and efficacy.
- Detailed discussion on regulatory approvals and compliance frameworks.
The lecture provided a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, helping students connect academic fundamentals with industry applications. Mr. Mrutyunjaya shared invaluable experiences, emphasizing the importance of mastering core concepts and gaining hands-on exposure to real-world challenges.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Mrutyunjaya and Biocon for this enriching session. Your expertise has inspired our students and strengthened their resolve to excel in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries

"Evolution of Radiotherapy, its Clinical Evaluation, and Certification" for the Biomedical Engineering Department Students. The session was a perfect blend of theoretical insights and practical knowledge, where students gained a deeper understanding of: 1. The advancements in radiotherapy technology. 2. Its clinical applications and certifications. 3. The importance of focusing on fundamentals for professional growth. The highlight of the lecture was the hands-on experience shared, which bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. It was truly a productive and insightful discussion that left students inspired and eager to explore the field further.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Avinash Rao Kuppa for taking the time to share his expertise with us and guiding our students on their journey of innovation and discovery in the field of biomedical engineering.

Mr. Venkat Machavolu delivered an insightful talk, highlighting how technological advancements are revolutionizing the way businesses operate from driving innovation and improving operational efficiency to enhancing customer experiences and shaping future strategies.
His real-world perspectives on the dynamic relationship between business strategy and emerging technologies sparked meaningful discussions and left our students and faculty with valuable takeaways. About iQuadra Information Services LLC.,: iQuadra is a global technology and consulting firm specializing in digital transformation, AI/ML, RPA, cloud engineering, and agile product development. Headquartered in the U.S. with offices in India, iQuadra delivers innovative IT solutions that drive efficiency and business growth, serving clients across various industries with strategic expertise.

Mr. Pavan Kosaraju shared powerful insights from his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing how innovation in aquaculture and food systems is vital to creating a more sustainable future.
Aqua Exchange is a tech-driven platform revolutionizing aquaculture by providing end-to-end solutions to shrimp and fish farmers. From IoT-based farm monitoring to quality input sourcing, access to finance, and market linkage, the platform enhances productivity, profitability, and sustainability in aquaculture. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Pavan Kosaraju for inspiring the next generation of food technologists, and to everyone who helped make this event a success.!

AMD India Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), is a global leader in high-performance computing, graphics, and semiconductor solutions. With innovations spanning Ryzen™ processors, Radeon™ GPUs, EPYC™ server processors, and adaptive computing solutions, AMD has made remarkable strides in AI, gaming, data centers, and embedded systems.The session was insightful and interactive, with students and faculties actively engaging with Mr. Dayalan to explore cutting-edge advancements in VLSI and AI-driven edge computing. His industry insights provided invaluable perspectives on how these technologies are shaping the future of engineering and innovation.
A big thank you to Mr. Ashok Dayalan for sharing his expertise and inspiring our students! Such collaborations strengthen the bridge between academia and industry, equipping our students with the skills and knowledge required for the evolving tech landscape.

The session on "Smart Agriculture: Transforming Farms with IoT, AI, and Digital Innovation" opened new perspectives for our Agricultural Engineering students and faculty, shedding light on the future of digital-driven farming. Mr. Thanuj Deepak also led an engaging discussion on "Revolutionizing Agriculture with IoT: A Case Study on Smart Farming", showcasing real-world applications of IoT, AI, and automation in modern agriculture. The enthusiastic participation from students and faculties made the session even more enriching, sparking meaningful conversations about the role of technology in sustainable and efficient farming.
A big thank you to Mr. Thanuj Deepak for this valuable knowledge-sharing session! Looking forward to more such industry-academia collaborations that bridge the gap between technology and agriculture.

Students and faculties actively participated in engaging discussions, gaining valuable industry insights directly from an industry leader. The session provided a deep dive into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, bridging the gap between academics and real-world industry practices.
A big thank you to Mr. Thomas Dose for sharing his expertise and inspiring our students.! We look forward to many more such industry interactions to enhance learning and career readiness.

Dr. Chhibber delivered an insightful talk on “Medical Devices – The Next Booming Sector in India After Pharma”, shedding light on the rapid advancements and opportunities in the Indian MedTech industry.
Adding to the enriching session, we also had a Case Study Discussion on “Preparing a Go-To-Market (G2M) Strategy for AI-Enabled Medical Devices: Churning a New Paradigm Shift in Rural Healthcare”. The discussion sparked thought-provoking insights, encouraging active participation from students and faculty.
The session proved to be a valuable knowledge exchange, bridging industry and academia, and fostering innovation-driven learning. A huge thank you to Dr. Rajiv Chhibber for sharing his expertise and to all the participants for making this event a grand success.!

The session provided a deep dive into industry-relevant advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field. Students actively engaged in the discussion, gaining first-hand knowledge from an industry leader. Such interactions help bridge the gap between academia and industry, empowering students to stay ahead in their careers.
A big thank you to Dr. Ramesh Mundlmuri for sharing his expertise and inspiring young minds! Looking forward to more such enriching sessions.

We had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Abhishek ., Sir Founder & Director of EndureAir Systems Pvt. Ltd. Systems, Kanpur, for an Online Guest Lecture on "VTOL Drone Technology: Engineering, Applications, and Future Trends." His expertise and deep insights into drone technology provided immense value to our students, faculty, and research scholars.
Key Takeaways: 1. The evolution and advancements in VTOL (Vertical Take-Off & Landing) drones
2. Real-world applications in defence, logistics, and urban mobility
3. Future trends shaping next-gen UAV systems
The session saw active participation from students, faculty, and scholars, making it an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. A big thank you to Dr. Abhishek Sir for sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of engineers.!

Department of Industry Relations at Vignan University had the privilege of hosting Dr. Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Senior Vice President at Ashok Leyland, Chennai, for an insightful Guest Lecture on "MEMS: Introduction, Applications, and Industry Expectations. "The session, organized for Mechanical Engineering faculty and students, provided a deep dive into Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)—a rapidly evolving field shaping the future of automotive and industrial applications.
Dr. Subramanian shared real-world insights, industry trends, and key expectations from young engineers, fostering a strong industry-academia connection. The interaction extended beyond the classroom, engaging faculty, students, and Vignan University's management in meaningful discussions on how academia can align with emerging industry needs.
A special thanks to Dr. Subramanian and also Looking forward to more such engagements that empower our students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills.

We were honored to host Mr. Raghavan Sampathkumar, Executive Director, FSII - Federation of Seed Industry of India, New Delhi, as our esteemed speaker. His insightful and thought-provoking session provided students and faculty with a deeper understanding of how advancements in biotechnology, seed innovation, and agri-tech are transforming the food industry and ensuring sustainability in our food systems.
A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Raghavan Sampath Kumar for his valuable time and knowledge-sharing. Your insights has truly inspired many faculties, research scholars, and students at VFSTR.!

The session provided a deep dive into the evolving global landscape of Food Technology, highlighting key industry trends, career pathways, and skill sets essential for students to thrive in international markets. The interactive discussion not only benefited our students and faculty but also sparked valuable conversations with our management team about aligning academia with industry expectations.
A huge thank you to Mr. John Vincent Sir for sharing his expertise and inspiring our students to think beyond borders.!

Dr. Gandhi shared invaluable knowledge with our Advanced Computer Science Engineering students, shedding light on:
- The evolving landscape of Cybersecurity and its critical role in today’s digital world.
- Industry expectations and how engineering students can align their skills to meet these demands.
- Practical insights, hands-on examples, and the importance of mastering fundamentals in a fast-paced industry.
The session was interactive and engaging, offering students a chance to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry practices.
We are immensely grateful to Dr. Gandhi for his time, expertise, and dedication to empowering the next generation of engineers. This session truly emphasized the value of industry-academia collaboration in shaping future leaders.
Dr Venkatesulu Dondeti Sir & Dr. Deevi Radha Rani Ma'am - Thank you for your support towards this event..!

We were honoured to welcome Ms. Vidya Subramanian garu, Founder of Vidya Subramanian Academy, Chennai, who shared her invaluable insights and experiences. Her thought-provoking session shed light on the hurdles faced by women entrepreneurs in rural areas and the resilience needed to navigate them successfully. The session was truly insightful and engaging for both students and faculties, leaving us all with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
On this note, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Vidya Subramanian for her inspiring words and for taking the time to visit and interact with our students. We look forward to more such enriching sessions in the future at Vignan's University.

Mr. Vikram Redlapalli, Founder & CEO of RDP Workstations Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, for a compelling guest lecture that left a lasting impression on our MBA second-year students. Sharing his journey as a successful entrepreneur, Mr. Vikram into the dynamic world of start-ups, highlighting the essential elements of innovation, market disruption, strategic leadership, and resilience in the face of challenges. His engaging storytelling and practical insights offered students a rare glimpse into the real-world nuances of building and scaling a business in India’s competitive landscape.
The session stood out for its interactivity, with students enthusiastically participating and posing insightful questions that sparked meaningful discussions. It not only broadened their understanding of entrepreneurship but also motivated them to think creatively and act confidently in their future careers.
This session also brought to attention some key departmental gaps—such as the need for more experiential learning, exposure to entrepreneurial ecosystems, and industry-aligned curriculum enhancements. Initiatives like these are instrumental in bridging the academic-industry divide and play a crucial role in shaping students into adaptable, forward-thinking business leaders ready to face tomorrow’s challenges.

Vignan's University proudly hosted Ms. Radhika Choudary, Co-founder and Director of Freyr Energy Services Pvt Ltd, for an impactful guest lecture with our EEE and Mechanical Engineering students. Freyr Energy, headquartered in Hyderabad, is a leader in India's renewable energy sector, revolutionizing rooftop solar power solutions. Their journey of driving sustainable energy adoption is truly inspiring.
Ms. Radhika delivered an insightful session on "Revolutionizing India's Energy Landscape: Opportunities and Innovations in Rooftop Solar Power." Her expertise provided our students and faculty with practical industry exposure, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications. Engaging sessions like these equip our students with the knowledge and skills to drive the clean energy revolution.
A big thank you to Freyr Energy for sharing invaluable insights and inspiring the next generation of engineers.!

Delivering his talk on "Empowering Small Farmers in India: Technologies for Sustainable Livelihoods," Mr. Agarwal shared valuable insights on the role of affordable and innovative technologies in improving agricultural productivity, sustainability, and rural livelihoods.
This hybrid-mode session proved to be an enlightening experience for both faculty and students, fostering discussions on agri-tech innovations, mechanization, and farmer empowerment.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Ravindra Agarwal for his time and expertise. Such collaborations bridge the gap between academia and industry, preparing our students to drive innovation in the agricultural sector.

We had the privilege of hosting Mr. Sayyad Abdul, Central Food Safety Officer, FSSAI, who delivered an engaging session on: - Health Supplements
- Nutraceuticals
- Foods for Special Dietary Uses
- Foods for Special Medical Purposes Regulations
The session was not only informative but also highly interactive, with active participation from both students and faculty. It was a great opportunity for students to gain industry-relevant knowledge and understand the regulatory framework shaping the food sector. A big thank you to Mr. Sayyad Abdul for sharing his expertise and enriching our students with valuable insights!

We had the privilege of organizing a guest lecture for the School of Management at Vignan's University. Mr. Subramanyam Yadavalli, CEO of Apollo Hospitals, who delivered an engaging and insightful session on the topic: "Healthcare Management: Opportunities and Challenges."
Session has provided invaluable perspectives on Hospital Management and Administration, shedding light on emerging trends, challenges, and growth opportunities in the healthcare sector. In addition to the enriching discussion, there was a productive dialogue about potential collaboration opportunities between Apollo Hospitals and our university faculties. These collaborations aim to bridge academia and industry, fostering knowledge-sharing and skill development for both students and educators. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Subramanyam Yadavalli Sir for his time and expertise, and to everyone who contributed to making this session a success!

The Department of Industry Relations at Vignan University had the privilege of hosting a Guest Lecture for Biomedical Engineering and ECE students. We were honoured to welcome Mr. Muralikrishna Menon (Vice President - R&D) and Mr. MANOGARAN NARASHIMHAN (Head Strategic Service Business & Skill Development) from BPL Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bangalore.
The session covered the intriguing topic of Biomedical Signal Processing and an introduction to the BPL METS Program. It was an enlightening experience for both students and faculty, providing valuable insights into the rapidly evolving biomedical engineering landscape. Key highlights of the session included: 1. Understanding the gap between academia and industry
2. Exploring industry expectations and how students can align themselves to meet them
3. The importance of practical skills in shaping future-ready professionals
Such sessions are pivotal in equipping our students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their careers.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering, in association with the Office of Industry Relations & Outreach , successfully hosted a 2-Day Virtual Webinar on ECG Technology: Bridging Classroom Knowledge with Industry Practice.
Day 1: ECG Basics & Working Principles Day 2: ECG Unboxing & User-Level Training
We were privileged to have Mr. MANOGARAN NARASHIMHAN, Head – Strategic, BPL Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd, Bangalore , as our distinguished speaker. His vast industry experience, practical demonstrations, and engaging delivery made the sessions both insightful and impactful for our students.
A sincere thank you to Mr. Manogaran and the entire BPL Medical Technologies team for their invaluable support and continued collaboration in empowering future healthcare professionals. Together, we are building a strong bridge between academia and industry!

We are thrilled to share that Students from the EEE and Mechanical departments, along with one faculty member and a technician from Vignan's University, successfully completed the Daikin ACDC Training Program held from March 10-14, 2025!
The Air Conditioning Technology Development Centre (ACDC) is a premier training facility where Daikin employees, dealers, and students gain hands-on experience and deep insights into air conditioning technology. This five-day program blended theoretical learning with practical training, equipping participants with the latest industry skills and knowledge.
At Vignan's University, we believe in bridging the industry-academia gap by providing students with real-world exposure and skill-based learning opportunities. A big thank you to Daikin India for this collaboration and for shaping the next generation of engineers.!

Our conversation revolved around key initiatives to bridge the Industry-Academia gap, including:
- Faculty Immersion Programs – Proposal on enabling educators to gain hands-on industry exposure.
- Workshops & Industry Training – Enhancing student and faculties skills through practical learning.
- Collaborative Initiatives – Strengthening engagement between industry experts and academia.
Excited to share that Dr. Subramanian has accepted our invitation to Vignan's University for , where he will interact with students and faculty to share his invaluable insights.

Industry Exposure & Learning
At Kumar Pumps and Motors Pvt. Ltd., Tenali, explored:
- Casting Section: Observed molten cast iron at 1400°C, the moulding process, and quality control.
- Assembly Line: Witnessed robot-assisted finishing operations (grinding, smoothening, boring) and the assembly of hand pumps, piston pumps, centrifugal pumps, and submersible pumps.
- CNC Operations: Experienced vertical and horizontal CNC machines in action, linking classroom learning to real-world applications.
- Motor Winding & Plastic Recycling: Understood motor wiring, plastic component manufacturing, and recycling processes.
An interactive session with Shri. Subramanian, Managing Director of Kumar Pumps and Motors, was a key highlight. He encouraged frequent student visits, expressed interest in reviewing the Agricultural Engineering syllabus, and extended support for training & R&D collaborations. Such industry-academia collaborations play a vital role in enhancing practical knowledge, bridging skill gaps, and preparing students for future careers.
A special thanks to Kumar Pumps & Motors for hosting our students and supporting experiential learning.

AIMSCS carries forward the legacy of Prof. C.R. Rao, whose contributions include the Cramer-Rao inequality and Rao-Blackwell theorem, which have significantly influenced modern statistics. He received several prestigious awards, including the National Medal of Science (2002, USA) and the Guy Medal in Gold (2011, UK). Inspired by his vision, the institute continues to contribute to high-quality research and education in India.
During our visit, we had an insightful discussion with Dr. Appala Naidu Tentu, Associate Professor, focusing on Student and Faculty Development Programs in Applied Mathematics, for students and faculties
Recognizing the critical role of Applied Mathematics in AI, ML, Data Science, and other emerging technologies, we explored ways to strengthen mathematical foundations for our students and faculty. In this regard, we invited Dr. Appala Naidu and his team to VFSTR for further discussions and collaboration.
Additionally, it was inspiring to witness Sir C.R. Rao Gallery Hall, showcasing his groundbreaking research, achievements, and accolades. His contributions to the field of statistics and mathematics continue to be a beacon of inspiration for the academic and research community.
Looking forward to fruitful collaborations that bridge academia and industry to equip students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.!

Agricultural Engineering had the opportunity to visit Sri Sai Lakshmi Padmavathi Dal Mill near Tenali as part of an industrial exposure program
During the visit, students closely observed the entire dal milling process, starting from raw dal collection to the final product stage. They gained hands-on exposure to various unit operations and industrial equipment, including separators, sifters, scratching rolls, grinding rolls, pre-treatment oil mixing units, and the advanced Sortex unit.
Such industrial visits play a crucial role in enhancing practical learning, helping students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world processing techniques. This experience has undoubtedly broadened their understanding of dal processing technology and its industrial applications.
A special thanks to Sri Sai Lakshmi Padmavathi Dal Mill for their hospitality and for providing our students with this invaluable learning opportunity.

During their meeting with Dr. Nagaraja Ramky, Managing Director of Ramky Group, several impactful initiatives were discussed and agreed upon on:
- Faculty Industry Immersion Program: Ramky Group has graciously agreed to accommodate two faculty members from the Civil Engineering and MBA Departments for an immersive industry exposure program.
- Student Internships: Promising opportunities for our core engineering students to gain hands-on experience through internships.
- Consultancy Projects: Collaborative avenues for students and faculty to work on real-world consultancy projects, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practices.
This discussion underscores Vignan University's commitment to empowering our students and faculty with industry-relevant skills and experiences, fostering innovation and excellence in education.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Nagaraja Ramky and the Ramky Group team for their support and vision in nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. Together, we are building a brighter future.!

We were honored to host Mr. Muralikrishna Menon, Vice President - R&D, and Mr. MANOGARAN NARASHIMHAN , Head - Strategic Service Business & Skill Development, at our campus.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the Bio-Medical Engineering Department and the university as a whole. Over the past three months, the Department of Industry Relations, along HoDs from Bio-Medical Engineering and ECE Departments, conducted an industrial visit to BPL Medical Technologies, Bengaluru.
We are proud to share that 5 of our Bio-Medical Engineering students participated in the BPL METS Program, where 2 students delivered exceptional performances and earned Program Fee Reimbursement as a token of appreciation from BPL.!
As part of this MoU, we are excited to plan a series of impactful activities, including:
1. Faculty Development Programs (FDPs)
2. Workshops and
3. Other initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between industry and academia.
This partnership reaffirms our commitment to providing our students and faculty with cutting-edge industry exposure and skill development opportunities. Together, we aim to shape the future of healthcare technology innovation.

We were honored to host Mr. N.V. Bhanu_Kishore_Seldom , Founder and CEO of Seldom Technologies Pvt. Ltd., who shared invaluable insights and explored various parameters to align academic practices with industry expectations. This partnership aims to create impactful opportunities for both our students and faculty through skill development, collaborative projects, and industry exposure.
Seldom plays a pivotal role in supporting VFSTR, particularly in the development, tech support, and guidance for their intranet applications. Additionally, Seldom actively collaborates with the Vignan Innovation Hub, contributing to the hub’s efforts in fostering innovation. To date, Seldom has been granted 5 patents for its innovations, further enhancing the capabilities and resources available to the Innovation Hub.
Seldom also plays a crucial part in providing valuable support to students, including assistance with placements and exposure to both national and international projects. This collaboration between Seldom and VFSTR aims to bridge the gap between academic and industry, ensuring students have access to cutting edge technologies and real world opportunities.
A heartfelt thank you to the entire team of Seldom Technologies for their unwavering support and belief in our vision. Together, we aim to empower the next generation of professionals and foster innovation and excellence.

This partnership will significantly strengthen both institutions through knowledge and technology transfer, faculty immersion in industry environments, and reskilling and upskilling opportunities for SEC employees.
By fostering closer ties between academia and industry, this collaboration will help bridge the gap and ensure that our students and faculty remain at the forefront of industry trends and innovations.
A heartfelt thank you to Vidyasagar Dontineni and his team at SEC Industries for their continued support in making this MoU possible.

This partnership is not just a formal agreement but a commitment to building a robust Industry-Academia Partnership. Through this collaboration, our students and faculty will have unparalleled opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, hands-on projects, and industry-oriented learning experiences.
In addition to benefiting our academic community, we are also exploring future collaborations to support Nucon Aerospace employees in reskilling and upskilling, ensuring they stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
This MoU symbolizes our shared vision of fostering innovation, skill development, and knowledge exchange between academia and industry.
JLP Thilak & Aravind Kumar - Thank you for your continuous support towards Vignan's University.
Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our students and industry professionals alike.

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in collaboration with the Office of Industry Relations and Outreach, organized a 2-Day Value Added Course on: "Solid State Characterization of New Chemical Entities"
We were delighted to host Ms. Indraja Bandanadham, Research Associate at Aragen Life Sciences, who delivered an in-depth and engaging session that enriched our students' understanding of solid-state properties and their impact on drug development.
Her insights into analytical techniques and real-time industry applications provided a strong foundation for our budding pharmaceutical professionals.
About Aragen Life Sciences: A global contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO), Aragen offers comprehensive R&D and manufacturing solutions across the drug development lifecycle.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in collaboration with the Office of Industry Relations and Outreach, successfully organized a 2-Day Value Added Course on:"Essential Aspects of Quality Management Solutions Manufacturing"
We were honored to host Dr. Venkateswara Rao, Deputy Manager, Vimta Labs Ltd, who delivered an insightful and engaging session that broadened our students' understanding of quality standards and real-world practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing. His deep expertise and practical perspectives made the learning experience truly valuable for our aspiring professionals
About Vimta Labs Ltd: Vimta Labs Ltd is a leading Contract Research and Testing Organization (CRTO) offering comprehensive services in clinical research, preclinical studies, analytical testing, and quality assurance. Serving pharmaceuticals, biotech, food, and environmental industries, Vimta specializes in regulatory-compliant solutions, helping clients ensure product safety, efficacy, and quality across global markets.

We are proud to announce the official inauguration of the Drone Technology Center – Center of Excellence for Autonomous Systems at Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (VFSTR), Vadlamudi.
This pioneering initiative represents a transformative collaboration between VFSTR and SEC Industries Private Limited – India, Hyderabad, a leading name in the aerospace and defence manufacturing sector.
This state-of-the-art center has been established with the mission of bridging the critical gap between academia and industry in the fast-evolving field of drone technology. It is designed to foster interdisciplinary learning, cutting-edge research, and real-time industry engagement for students, faculty, and innovators alike.
Key Features and Objectives of the Center:
Comprehensive Hands-On Training:
The center provides students with practical training in drone design, development, programming, and deployment. It offers an end-to-end understanding of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) systems.

Specialized Curriculum:
Courses have been carefully curated to include advanced topics such as autonomous navigation, remote sensing, computer vision, and AI-driven drone technologies.

Internships and Real-World Project Opportunities:
Through strong industry linkages, the center will offer students immersive exposure to real-time applications and challenges in the drone sector.

Knowledge Exchange through Industry Interaction:
Regular workshops, guest lectures, and technical talks by domain experts will provide valuable insights and guidance to students and researchers.

Start-up and Innovation Support:
The center is committed to nurturing innovation by supporting student-led start-ups, facilitating prototyping, and offering mentorship for drone-based entrepreneurial ventures.

Competitions and Hackathons:
To cultivate a spirit of innovation and teamwork, the center will host regular competitions, challenges, and hackathons, encouraging students to ideate and build impactful drone solutions.

Inaugural Ceremony Highlights:
The inaugural function was graced by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Col. Prof. P. Nagabhushan, who underscored the importance of aligning academic learning with the demands of the rapidly changing technological landscape. He expressed his confidence that the center will act as a catalyst in empowering students with future-ready skills in drone technology, autonomous systems, and automation.

Voices from the Launch:
“This center will equip students with future-ready skills in drone tech and automation,”
-Col. Prof. P. Nagabhushan, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, VFSTR

Acknowledgements:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:
Shri Vidyasagar Dontineni, Managing Director, SEC Industries Pvt. Ltd., for his visionary leadership and support in bringing this initiative to life.
Dr. Padmanabhan and Shri Subbarao, for their unwavering encouragement, insights, and commitment throughout the establishment process.
The VFSTR Drone Team and Mr. Narasimha Rao, whose dedicated efforts ensured the successful execution of the inauguration and laid the groundwork for the center’s operations.

We are delighted to announce the successful inauguration of the Robocoupler Semi-Humanoid Robot Manufacturing Hub at Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology & Research, held on 11th July 2024 in the Nagarjuna Block of our university campus.
This cutting-edge initiative is a result of a strategic collaboration between the Department of Robotics and Automation at VFSTR and Robocoupler Pvt. Ltd., Visakhapatnam, under the leadership of its CEO, Mr. Praveen Malla.

About the Hub
The Robocoupler Manufacturing Hub is designed to serve as a hands-on innovation space, focusing on the design, assembly, and development of semi-humanoid robots. The hub is equipped with modern tools and technologies to give students direct exposure to advanced robotics applications and industry practices.

Key Objectives and Features
Development of Semi-Humanoid Robots:
Students will work on the complete lifecycle of semi-humanoid systems—from concept to deployment.

Interdisciplinary Access:
The hub is open to students from multiple engineering streams, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Internships for Senior Students:
Targeted at 3rd and final-year students, the initiative begins with structured internships aimed at skill-building and industry readiness.

Real-Time Industry Projects:
Students transition from internship to participation in live projects, allowing them to tackle real-world robotics challenges.

Industry-Academia Partnership:
Through our collaboration with Robocoupler Pvt. Ltd., students benefit from mentorship, industrial exposure, and innovation-driven learning.

Leadership Perspective
Speaking on the occasion, university leaders emphasized the growing importance of robotics and automation in the modern world, highlighting the hub as a key milestone in VFSTR’s journey toward fostering industry-ready talent.

Acknowledgements
We sincerely thank the individuals and teams whose support made this inauguration a success:
Mr. Praveen Malla, CEO, Robocoupler Pvt. Ltd. – Industry Partner
T. Chiranjeevi, Anil Kumar, and Dr. Md. Faiyaz Ahmed – Faculty Leads and Coordinators

The Robocoupler Hub represents our commitment to providing a future-focused, experiential learning environment. It is not just a facility—it is a platform to transform ideas into intelligent automation solutions.
Stay connected as we continue to shape the next generation of robotics and automation professionals.

We were honored to have Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director & Vice Chancellor, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), as our Chief Guest, along with esteemed academicians from:
* ICAR-IIMR (Indian Institute of Millets Research) – Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi (Director)
* Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University (Dr. YSRHU) – Venkataramannagudem
* ICAR-Central Tobacco Research Institute (ICAR-CTRI / NIRCA) – Rajahmundry
* ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (ICAR-IIOPR) – Pedavegi
* Mahindra University
* AP Chamber of Commerce
* ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad
* ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad

Our industry partners included:
* Dr. Anil Tentu, Department of IT, Government of Andhra Pradesh
* Heifer International
* Prasad Seeds Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad
* Bayer Crop Sciences, Mumbai
* Biofac, Hyderabad
* Sahasra Crop Science, Hyderabad
* AP AGROS
* ITC Agri Business Division
* Dasarath Prasad Fertilizers
* NRI Agritech Pvt. Ltd
* Pancha Ganga Seeds Pvt. Ltd
* NETAFIM
* CCL Products
* Eastern Condiments and many more

We also had the privilege of welcoming progressive farmers from Rajapalem, Piduguralla, Ramachandrapuram, Nandivelugu, Eluru, Tadikellapudi, Jengareddigudem, Chittoor, Pedavegi, Anakapalle, Nutakki, and Vejandla, who shared valuable grassroots insights.
Key Focus Areas:
* Tackling Challenges, Unlocking Opportunities
* Skill Development and Workforce Readiness
* Seamless Technology Transfer
* Ideas into Enterprise and Research Commercialization
* Driving Innovation through Collaboration
The conclave fostered brainstorming sessions across academia, industry, and farmers to discuss:
* Joint Research Initiatives with External Funding Agencies
* Industry-Funded Projects and Industry-Supported Labs
* Curriculum Enhancements Aligned with Industry Needs
* Knowledge Exchange through Webinars and In-Person Interactions
* Faculty Immersion Programs in Industries
* External Ph.D. Opportunities for Industry Professionals
* Internships, Placements, and MoUs for Future Collaboration
This conclave served as a milestone in strengthening industry-academia-farmer partnerships, paving the way for impactful research, innovation, and sustainable agricultural growth.