In a landmark gathering that fused academia, industry, and policy, the Institute of Business and Computer Studies (IBCS) at Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (SOA), Bhubaneswar, hosted the National Conference on Digital Transformation and Sustainable Innovation on August 1, 2025. The event brought together thought leaders, researchers, and students to explore the evolving landscape of digital technologies and their role in shaping a sustainable future.
The conference, held at SOA’s state-of-the-art campus, served as a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, showcasing how digital transformation can be harnessed to address pressing environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Key themes and objectives
1. The conference aimed to bridge the gap between digital innovation and sustainable development, emphasizing responsible tech adoption
2. Sessions focused on emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, IoT, and green computing, with discussions on their ethical and ecological implications
3. A major objective was to foster collaboration between academia and industry to co-create scalable, sustainable solutions for real-world problems
Highlights from the inaugural session
1. The event was inaugurated by SOA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, who emphasized the university’s commitment to transformative education and research
2. Keynote speaker Dr. Ritu Singh, a sustainability strategist from NITI Aayog, addressed the role of digital infrastructure in achieving India’s SDG targets
3. The inaugural panel included experts from Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, and the Ministry of Electronics and IT, who shared insights on policy frameworks and innovation ecosystems
Breakout sessions and research presentations
1. Over 40 research papers were presented across parallel tracks, covering topics such as digital inclusion, smart cities, circular economy models, and climate tech
2. A standout presentation by IBCS faculty explored the use of AI in optimizing energy consumption in urban infrastructure
3. Student-led projects showcased prototypes for low-cost water monitoring systems and blockchain-based supply chain transparency tools
Industry-academia collaboration
1. The conference featured a dedicated session on public-private partnerships, highlighting successful case studies from Odisha’s tech startups
2. Memorandums of understanding were signed between SOA and three tech firms to support joint research and internships
3. A roundtable discussion explored the role of universities in nurturing innovation hubs and incubators for sustainable entrepreneurship
Sustainability in focus
1. The event was designed with sustainability at its core—digital badges replaced printed materials, and the venue featured solar-powered installations
2. Workshops on green coding practices and ethical AI development drew strong participation from students and developers
3. A closing session on climate resilience emphasized the need for tech-driven solutions that are inclusive and adaptable to local contexts
Looking ahead
The National Conference on Digital Transformation and Sustainable Innovation marked a pivotal moment for SOA and IBCS, reinforcing their role as catalysts for change in India’s academic and innovation landscape. By integrating digital progress with sustainability goals, the event set a precedent for future dialogues that are both visionary and grounded in actionable impact.
Sources: Times of India, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, SOA University Official Bulletin
