Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 1: The Manel Srinivas Nayak Institute of Management (MSNIM), in collaboration with INTI International University, Malaysia, and the Manipal School of Commerce and Economics (MSCE), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), organised a one-day international conference on ‘Innovation, Technology and Sustainability: Effects on Business’ on Thursday, June 25 at its campus in Bondel.
The conference brought together academicians, research scholars, students and business professionals to exchange ideas and research findings on emerging trends in innovation, technology and sustainability. A total of 105 research papers were received, and a CD of the conference proceedings was released during the inaugural session.
Inauguration ceremony
The conference commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Prof Dr Sandeep Shenoy, in-charge director and registrar (Evaluation Designate), MAHE, was the guest of honour. Dr Mcxin Tee, associate professor and head of programme (PhD in management & financial technology), INTI International University, Malaysia, addressed the gathering online as guest of honour. Manel Annappa Nayak, president of the Women's National Education Society (WNES), presided over the programme. Dr Mohammad Zuber, chief innovation officer, MAHE, delivered the keynote address.
In his address, Prof Dr Sandeep Shenoy highlighted innovation and sustainability as key drivers of global progress. He stressed the importance of stronger industry-academia collaboration to prepare students for emerging opportunities shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and digital technologies. "Innovation begins with curiosity, collaboration and the courage to explore new ideas," he observed.
Dr Mcxin Tee appreciated the continuing academic collaboration between INTI International University and MSNIM, noting that partnerships between higher educational institutions and industry are essential for promoting research excellence, innovation and practical learning opportunities.
Presiding over the function, Manel Annappa Nayak said innovation is transforming everyday life and contributing significantly to India's progress. While welcoming technological advancements, he cautioned against excessive dependence on artificial intelligence and emphasised the need to preserve creativity and independent thinking.
Dr Mohammad Zuber, in his keynote address, emphasised that meaningful innovation begins with understanding real-world problems and developing practical, customer-centric solutions. He encouraged students to cultivate curiosity, entrepreneurial thinking and the responsible use of artificial intelligence to create meaningful impact.
Dr Molly S. Chaudhuri, director of MSNIM, welcomed the gathering. Conference conveners Dr Shilpi Saha, associate professor, and Sathvika Shetty, assistant professor (Senior Scale), coordinated the event. Dr Vikram Baliga, associate director – Research, Corporate Engagement and Quality Assurance, MSCE, MAHE, served as conference coordinator on behalf of MAHE. assistant professors Nanditha Sunil, Divya Achar and Arpita Devadiga introduced the dignitaries, while Dr Shilpi Saha presented the conference overview. Arpita Devadiga proposed the vote of thanks, and Nanditha Sunil compered the inaugural session.
Valedictory programme
The valedictory session featured Dr Vikram Baliga, associate director – Research, Corporate Engagement and Quality Assurance, MSCE, MAHE, as the chief guest. K V Raghav Kamath, joint correspondent, MSNIM, presided over the function.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Vikram Baliga underlined the importance of combining creativity with technology to address contemporary challenges. He urged researchers to pursue impactful research in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, data security, sustainable agriculture, electric mobility and business innovation. "Innovation succeeds when it is guided by purpose, ethics and continuous learning," he remarked.
In his presidential address, K V Raghav Kamath reflected on the transformative role of innovation in the banking sector and cited India's UPI and BHIM platforms as successful examples of indigenous technological innovation. He encouraged participants to embrace lifelong learning and adapt to changing technologies with enthusiasm and confidence.
Assistant professors (Senior Scale) Sathvika Shetty and Sanath Bhandarkar welcomed the gathering and introduced the chief guest respectively. Associate professor Dr Shilpi Saha presented the conference report, while assistant professors Divya Achar introduced the president, Nanditha Sunil announced the best paper awards, Arpita Devadiga proposed the vote of thanks, and Manasa compered the programme.
Best Paper Awards:
1. General management: Gina Roslet George, Sherine Joseph Alappadan and Sowmya Sundaram, T John's College, Bengaluru
2. General management (Interdisciplinary): Dr Jomon Lonappan and Dr Meera Jacob, SDM PG Centre, Mangaluru
3. Finance: Anindya Mitra and Gopal Varadarajan, IIM Tiruchirappalli
4. Human resource: Dr Chaithra S R, H R Vidyashree and Dr Sharmila Fernandes, Dr Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University
5. Marketing: Vandana B and Sujith A S, Shri Sankara College, Kalady, Ernakulam
6. Student category: Vivek S N and Anupama Malagy, RV Institute of Management, Bengaluru