VETCONVERGENCE 2026 calls for stronger academia-industry partnership in veterinary sector
Hyderabad, July 12 (TNT): The second edition of VETCONVERGENCE 2026 concluded in Hyderabad on Sunday with Vice-Chancellors of veterinary universities, policymakers and industry leaders calling for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to align veterinary education and research with the needs of the livestock and poultry sectors.
The two-day conclave, organised by the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Nagpur, with support from the Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA)-Poultry India, was attended by over 30 Vice-Chancellors from veterinary universities across the country, besides scientists, academicians and industry representatives.
Former Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya said veterinary education should become more practical, industry-oriented and entrepreneurship-driven to improve the employability of graduates. He also stressed the need for demand-based research, technology transfer and stronger industry-academia linkages.
The conclave featured panel discussions on demand-driven research, entrepreneurship, agribusiness incubation, technology commercialisation, start-up promotion, artificial intelligence in livestock development and future research priorities for the poultry sector.
MAFSU Vice-Chancellor Dr Niteen Vasantrao Patil led the academic sessions, while IPEMA President Uday Singh Bayas said the conclave had provided a platform for evolving strategies to strengthen research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the livestock sector.
During the event, IPEMA-Poultry India unveiled the poster for the 18th Poultry India Expo 2026, scheduled to be held at HITEX, Hyderabad, from November 25 to 27, with the Poultry Knowledge Day to be organised on November 24.
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