The two-day International Conference on “Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Coastal Development and Blue Economy Entrepreneurship @VVB2047”, jointly organized by KIIT and KISS and sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, was inaugurated on 24th October 2025 in hybrid mode at KIIT & KISS.
The conference was organized as part of the ICSSR-sanctioned project titled “Mapping the Impact of Blue Carbon Stocks of Sea-grass Meadows and Weeds on Economic Prosperity and Livelihood Generation of Chilika Lagoon.” Guided by the visionary leadership of Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT, KISS & KIMS, such initiatives continue to inspire hope, empower communities, and pave the way for a sustainable and equitable future.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by eminent dignitaries including Prof. (Dr.) Raju K. D., Pro-Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU; Prof. (Dr.) Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar; Mrs. Lopa Mishra Jana, Principal Operation Officer, IIT Bhubaneswar; Prof. (Dr.) Siba Prasad Adhikary, Former Vice Chancellor, F.M. University; Dr. Amrit Mukherjee, University of South Bohemia (virtual); and Prof. (Dr.) Sukanta Chandra Swain, Dean-in-Charge, School of Economics and Commerce, KIIT-DU.
Prof. (Dr.) Raju K. D. highlighted key Indian and international legal and policy frameworks essential for promoting a sustainable Blue Economy, including the Marine Pollution Act, Fisheries Acts, CRZ Notification 2019, UNCLOS, the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and SDG 14. Prof. (Dr.) Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty appreciated the project team for selecting a timely theme and emphasized the interdisciplinary collaboration across five schools. He acknowledged ICSSR’s sponsorship under VVB2047 and noted the forward-looking relevance of the project’s objectives.
Mrs. Lopa Mishra Jana highlighted the ecological and economic significance of Chilika Lagoon, emphasizing opportunities in eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and marine value-addition. Dr. Amrit Mukherjee shared insights on AI and technology for marine conservation and ecosystem monitoring, while Prof. (Dr.) Siba Prasad Adhikary elaborated on seaweed biodiversity, biomass utilization, and sustainable practices in Chilika. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Sukanta Chandra Swain.
The first day of the conference also featured Technical Session with three thematic tracks, each bringing together experts, researchers, and practitioners. Track 1: Livelihoods, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, chaired by Dr. Jayalaxmi Samal with a keynote address by Prof. (Dr.) N. M. Panda from NEHU, showcased presentations on socio-economic dimensions such as women’s empowerment, seaweed farming, and climate-induced migration. Track 2: Bio-prospecting of Seaweeds and AI for Underwater Vegetation Recognition, chaired by Dr. Bhargav Appasani and Dr. Amlan Panda with keynote speaker Ms. Lopamudra Ray, highlighted advances in genomic studies, marine bio-resources, drone mapping, and AI-driven ecosystem monitoring. Track 3: Green Entrepreneurship and Climate Resilience, chaired by Dr. Seba Mohanty with a keynote address by Prof. (Dr.) Sudhakar Patro from Utkal University, focused on green entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihood strategies.
The second day of the conference commenced with the presentation of the anticipated first-year ICSSR project outcomes, delivered by Dr. Lopamudra Ray and Dr. Bhargav Appasani. The sessions of the day centered on project findings, scholarly reflections, and policy insights. The other distinguished speakers included Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo (Senior Regional Manager, National Research Development Corporation); Prof. Nagari Mohan Panda (Former Professor, NEHU); Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Chandra Satapathy (KIIT-DU); Dr. Saroj Dash (Director, Social Project, KIIT & KISS-DU); Dr. Padmaja Mishra (Former Vice Chancellor, Ramadevi University); Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Sahoo (KIIT-DU); and Prof. (Dr.) Damodar Jena (KIIT-DU).
The conference summary report was presented by Dr. Sugyanta Priyadarshini (Convenor, KIIT-DU), followed by the distribution of certificates and Best Presenter Awards, and concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Nisrutha Dulla.
Acknowledgement was also extended to the project and organizing team: Dr. Sugyanta Priyadarshini (KIIT-DU), Dr. Snigdharani Panda (KISS-DU), Dr. Nisrutha Dulla (KIIT-DU), Dr. Lopamudra Ray (KIIT-DU), Dr. Bhargav Appasani (KIIT-DU), and Dr. Amit Kumar Jha (KIIT-DU). The conference advanced the agenda of a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy, in line with Viksit Bharat@2047 and the mission of KIIT & KISS to promote knowledge-led and inclusive growth.
