Emphasis on Research to Achieve the ‘Developed India’ Goal – Dr. Harshwardhan Pol
Exhibition of Patent-Friendly Innovations Held at PCCOE Under 'Kshitij', PCCOE Takes Initiative to Strengthen Industry-Academia Ties
Pimpri, Pune (May 18, 2026) – “Research holds immense significance in achieving the goal of a ‘Developed India by 2047’ and for the nation’s holistic development. To this end, Indian engineers must diligently implement indigenous innovations in the field of research through interdisciplinary collaboration,” urged Dr. Harshwardhan Pol, Chief Scientist at the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory.
Dr. Pol inaugurated the 5th ‘Innovative Project Showcase Conference’—held under the banner of ‘Kshitij 2026’—at the Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering (PCCOE), located in Akurdi and managed by the Pimpri Chinchwad Education Trust. Present on the occasion were PCCOE Director Dr. Govind Kulkarni, Deputy Director Dr. Nilkanth Chopade, Aniket Bhange (Akriti Global Core Team Lead at Dassault Systèmes), ‘Kshitij 2026’ Conveners Dr. Rahul Gujar and Dr. Srinivas Ambala, Coordinator Dr. Rajani P.K., along with 155 industry representatives from renowned companies across the state.
During the event, participating researchers presented 26 innovative, industry-oriented projects deemed suitable for patenting. These projects spanned various interdisciplinary domains, including Machine Learning, Data Science, Structural Health, Sustainable Environment, Robotics and Automation, Healthcare, Systems Engineering, and Smart Chips.
The event was organized under the guidance of PCET Trust President Dnyaneshwar Landge, Vice President Padmatai Bhosale, Secretary Vitthal Kalbhor, Treasurer Shantaram Garade, Trustee Harshavardhan Patil, entrepreneurs Narendra Landge and Ajinkya Kalbhor, and Executive Director Dr. Girish Desai.
Speaking on the occasion, Aniket Bhange, Global Team Lead at Dassault Systèmes, stated that no innovation resulting from research is inherently adverse; rather, what matters is its effective implementation and its transformation into essential and impactful products. In this regard, ‘Kshitij 2026’ has emerged as a dynamic platform for promoting applied engineering, addressing real-world problems, and fostering sustainable development. This initiative is expected to further strengthen the collaboration between industry and academia through the active participation of industry representatives.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Rajani P.K., the proceedings were anchored by Dr. Rahul Gujar, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Srinivas Ambala.
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