NIRJULI, Aug 14: The North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) and the North Eastern Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster, IIT Guwahati, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during OCTAVATE-Conclave 2026 held at IIT Guwahati from August 10 to 12.
The MoU was exchanged in the presence of NERIST Director Prof Narendranath S, marking a significant step towards strengthening institutional collaboration in technology, innovation, skill development, entrepreneurship and technology dissemination across the North Eastern Region.
NERIST, one of the 16 Spoke Institutes of the NEST Cluster, participated in the three-day conclave with a delegation of 10 students and two faculty members, Dr Dhiraj Kr Yadav and Dr P Devachandra Singh, Nodal Officer, NEST, NERIST.
The institute participated in the Technology Expo, National Hackathon, Innovation Challenge and Poster Presentation. At the Technology Expo, NERIST showcased drone technologies with applications in agriculture, infrastructure inspection, survey and mapping, disaster management, security and surveillance, and logistics.
It also showcased 3D dental printing technology, demonstrating its potential to produce high-precision, customised and cost-effective dental appliances and prosthetics with applications in local healthcare.
The NERIST showcase won the Best Expo Stall Award among the participating NEST Spoke Institutes, marking a significant achievement for the institute.
The conclave featured technology sessions, entrepreneurship activities, policy discussions, networking opportunities and interactions among industry, academia and government stakeholders.
The National Hackathon addressed regionally relevant challenges in areas including grassroots technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, bamboo-based technologies, entrepreneurship and skill development, and biodegradable and eco-friendly plastics.
During a panel discussion on “Science, Technology and Innovation in North East India”, Prof Narendranath S highlighted the prevailing preference among many students for government jobs and the tendency to limit aspirations and opportunities to their native regions.
He called for a broader outlook among students, emphasising the growing opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation and technology-led enterprises. He also stressed the need for greater convergence among academia, government, industry, researchers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to build a stronger innovation ecosystem in the North Eastern Region.