Event Title: NEP 2020 @ 6: Empowering Innovation-Oriented Engineers Through Industry – Academia Collaboration
Date : 24.07.2026
Time : 10:00 Am – 12:00 Noon
Venue: MBA Seminar Hall II
Event Coordinator: Dr. Arun Joseph And Dr. Ruby Vincy Roy F
No. of Participants: 115
Resource Person:
Dr. Murali Balasubramanian
Adv. Technologies, Patents, Training and Skills
IAP Regional Head
Stellantis
Profile Summary – Dr. Murali Balasubramanian
Dr. Murali Balasubramanian brings over 32 years of experience in Automotive R&D and Innovation, along with more than 7 years as a faculty member in AI and ML through Great Learning in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin, USA. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from IIT Madras, Dr. Balasubramanian completed a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in the USA and earned a Doctorate in AI and ML from Walsh College, USA. He also is a trained coach for corporates on Innovation techniques and is also internationally and Ayush certified Yoga teacher and a researcher in Nada-Yoga and Sound Engineering.
A passionate advocate for students and engineering education, Dr. Balasubramanian is committed to developing motivated, industry-ready engineers and transforming engineering education to meet evolving industry and societal needs. A native of Chennai, Dr. Balasubramanian has been working with the Government of Tamil Nadu on the Naan Mudhalvan program and collaborating with universities across the country to enhance curricula and promote modern pedagogical approaches.
Summary:
The Department of Robotics and Automation, Easwari Engineering College, in association with the Institution’s Innovation Council, organised a special programme to commemorate the Sixth Anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020 on 24 July 2026 at MBA Seminar Hall II, Easwari Engineering College. The event was conducted under the theme “Empowering Innovation-Oriented Engineers through Industry–Academia Collaboration.” The programme aimed to sensitise students to the changing expectations of industry and highlight the importance of innovation, multidisciplinary learning, technology adoption, entrepreneurship and industry engagement in engineering education.
The session was delivered by Dr. Murali Balasubramanian, IAP Regional Head – Advanced Technologies, Patents, Training and Skills, Stellantis. Drawing upon his extensive experience in the automotive, technology, research and innovation sectors, Dr. Murali shared valuable perspectives on how engineering education must evolve to meet the demands of rapidly transforming industries. He emphasised that students should move beyond conventional classroom learning and actively engage in practical experimentation, collaborative projects, internships, research, product development and real-world problem-solving.
A major focus of the session was the importance of strong industry–academia collaboration in shaping future-ready engineers. Dr. Murali explained that regular interaction between educational institutions and industries helps students understand current technologies, professional practices, quality standards and workplace expectations. Such collaboration can facilitate internships, industrial training, live projects, expert mentoring, curriculum enrichment, research partnerships and collaborative innovation. He encouraged students and faculty members to view industries not merely as employment providers, but as active partners in knowledge creation, technological development and societal progress.
The resource person also provided insights into innovation, emerging technologies and the skills expected by modern industries. He discussed the growing influence of Robotics, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, smart manufacturing, data-driven engineering and advanced automotive technologies. Students were encouraged to develop interdisciplinary capabilities and understand how mechanical systems, electronics, computing, control engineering and intelligent technologies are increasingly integrated in contemporary industrial applications. He highlighted that technical knowledge must be complemented by creativity, communication, teamwork, adaptability and the ability to learn continuously.
Another significant component of the programme was the discussion on patents and intellectual property rights. Dr. Murali guided the students on how innovative ideas can be systematically transformed into useful products, processes and technologies. He explained the importance of identifying genuine problems, studying existing solutions, establishing novelty and documenting the technical development clearly. The students were encouraged to protect original ideas through appropriate intellectual property mechanisms and to consider the practical, commercial and societal impact of their innovations. The session helped them understand that patenting is not merely an academic requirement but an important step in recognising, protecting and translating innovation.
The session also highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in Robotics, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, automotive intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Dr. Murali explained that emerging industries require engineers who can design, integrate, program, operate and maintain intelligent systems. Students were advised to strengthen their foundations in programming, control systems, sensors, embedded systems, industrial communication, data analysis, simulation and system integration. He also encouraged them to participate in hackathons, technical competitions, internships, innovation challenges, professional certification programmes and industry-oriented projects to improve their employability.
Practical guidance was provided on developing an industry-ready and innovation-oriented mindset. Students were advised to remain curious, ask meaningful questions, learn from failures and continuously update their knowledge. Dr. Murali stressed that successful engineers should not restrict themselves to executing predefined tasks; instead, they should be capable of identifying problems, proposing alternative solutions and creating value through innovation. The importance of professional ethics, accountability, disciplined execution and responsible use of technology was also reinforced.
The session was highly interactive, with students actively participating in discussions and raising questions related to careers, technological advancements, patents, industrial expectations and opportunities for innovation. The interaction enabled students to connect their academic learning with practical industrial applications and gain clarity regarding the competencies required for future careers. The speaker’s real-world experiences and practical suggestions made the session engaging, relatable and motivating.
Overall, the programme successfully reinforced the objectives of NEP 2020, particularly experiential learning, multidisciplinary education, innovation, skill development, entrepreneurship and stronger institutional engagement with industry. The session inspired students to embrace continuous learning, explore emerging technologies and approach engineering challenges with creativity and confidence. It also encouraged them to transform their ideas into meaningful solutions capable of contributing to industry and society.
The event concluded with the understanding that preparing future engineers requires a collective effort involving students, faculty members, institutions and industry professionals. The programme served as an important platform for motivating students to become competent, adaptable and innovation-driven professionals who are prepared to contribute effectively to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
