Brainstorming Conclave & Techno-Fair – Guwahati
Organized by NECTAR | December 21–22, 2021 | Cotton University, Assam
Following the grand success of the Brainstorming Conclave in Shillong, NECTAR (North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach) successfully conducted another edition titled “Brainstorming Conclave & Techno-Fair for Atmanirbhar Northeast through Science & Technology Interventions”.
Collaborating Partners:
- Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA)
- VIBHA
- Cotton University
Event Highlights
- Chief Guest: Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Hon’ble Governor of Assam
- Participants: Over 750 registrations
- Dignitaries: 25+ (online & offline)
- Techno-Fair Stalls: 55 stalls featuring indigenous technologies
Product Launches
- Bamboo Cricket Bat
Developed by BCDI (Agartala) – NECTAR's skill centre
India’s first bamboo cricket bat – poised to boost NE India's bamboo industry - Air Ionizer
Developed by NECTAR-incubated startup Fresh Craft Technology
Effective against pandemic viruses including COVID-19 variants like Omicron - Parables: Handcrafted Earthenware Pottery
From Imphal, Manipur, developed by Rip Trip
Showcasing local craftsmanship and sustainable design
Technical Sessions
Focused discussions were held on the following themes:
- S&T Innovations for Livelihood Opportunities in Northeast
- Technology Solutions in Bamboo and Allied Sectors
- Agriculture & Food Processing
- Geospatial Technology & Communication
- Flood & Erosion Risk Mitigation in Assam
Engagement Activities
- Ideation Competitions
- Science & Technology Quiz for Students
- Felicitation of Reputed Artisans from the Northeastern Region
Impact
This event served as a major platform for:
- Bringing together stakeholders including State Government Officials, Academicians, NGOs, SHGs, and Entrepreneurs
- Promoting indigenous innovations
- Fostering technology-driven solutions for self-reliant development in Northeast India
Conclave on "Transforming Meghalaya State Through Science and Technology Interventions"
Dates: 9th–10th April 2021
Venue: State Convention Centre, Shillong, Meghalaya
Organised by: North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR)
Objective
The conclave aimed to bring together:
- Technology seekers: Startups, entrepreneurs, academia, State Government departments, NGOs, self-help groups
- Technology providers: R&D and technical institutes such as CSIR, DRDO, ICAR, DST, DBT, and central & state universities
The goal was to identify key state-level challenges and collaborate on science and technology-based solutions.
Inauguration and Dignitaries
- Chief Guest: Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Chairman NECTAR and Secretary, DST (virtually)
- Guests of Honour: Shri M. S. Rao (Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya), Shri Jayant Sahasrabudhe (National Organising Secretary, Vijnana Bharti)
Special Launch: Water Hyacinth Yoga Mat – a "Waste to Wealth" innovation by NECTAR, promoted during International Yoga Day 2021.
Participation Highlights
- 500+ participants attended
- 34 technology/product exhibitors
- 5 technical sessions
- Numerous project proposals received from stakeholders
Session Details
Session 1: Stakeholder Perspectives on Technology Diffusion
Roundtable discussion on stakeholder roles in implementing S&T interventions in the Northeast. Participants included Vibha Vani, Development Alternatives, FISS, Roar Up Bharat, Ramakrishna Mission, Sewa Bharti, etc.
Session 2: S&T Innovations for Livelihood Opportunities
Presentations by SEED, Assam Down Town University, UPES, NESAC, NEIST, and Ad Guru Shri Prahlad Kakkar focused on innovations to boost livelihoods.
Session 3: Technology Developments for the NER
Institutes such as CSIR, DBT, TRIFED, NERIST, NITs, and DRDO showcased technologies. Notable contributors included:
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology
- CSIR-NEIST
- CSIR-Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum
- CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology
- CSIR-NIIST, CSIR-NBRI, and others
Session 4: Success Stories & Challenges
Entrepreneurs shared real-world implementation experiences, focusing on challenges and opportunities in the Northeast region.
Session 5: All India Start-up Ideation Competition
Startups across India presented ideas addressing Northeast India's societal needs. Competition themes included:
- Health
- Education
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Food Processing
- Waste Management
- Infrastructure
- Environment Protection
- Livelihood using local resources
- Miscellaneous societal benefit ideas
250+ entries received, 14 shortlisted, and 5 awarded top prizes by an esteemed jury during the final round held in Shillong.
Conclusion
The conclave enabled engagement among Northeast stakeholders, technical experts, and government representatives. It offered a platform to:
- Understand regional challenges
- Explore solutions through technology
- Highlight NECTAR’s role in converting problems into opportunities
Over 75 stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and media attended. The event received positive feedback and generated strong interest in S&T-based projects.
One-Day Brainstorming Conclave on Transforming NE Region through Science & Technology Interventions
Date: 20th November 2019
Venue: Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati
NECTAR organized a One-Day Brainstorming Conclave on “Transforming NE Region through Science and Technology Interventions” with the objective of bringing together key stakeholders from the North Eastern Region (NER). These included representatives from state governments, technical institutions, entrepreneurs, and research organizations.
The primary aim of the conclave was to deliberate on the fundamental challenges faced by the region and explore science and technology-driven solutions. It also served as a platform to showcase NECTAR’s initiatives towards the holistic development of the North East and to build awareness on how existing technologies can be leveraged to transform challenges into opportunities.
The event witnessed active participation from over 75 stakeholders, including:
- Entrepreneurs
- Government officials
- Academicians and researchers
- Media professionals
This was the first conclave of its kind organized by NECTAR and received positive feedback from various participants. A notable outcome was the submission of a significant number of project proposals focused on science and technology interventions across diverse sectors.
Workshop on Technology Intervention in Entrepreneurship
Date: 29th February, 2020
Venue: Fazi Ali College, Mokokchung, Nagaland
A workshop on Technology Intervention in Entrepreneurship was held at Fazi Ali College, Mokokchung, Nagaland. The event was jointly organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Fazi Ali College and the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR).
The workshop comprised three technical sessions focusing on technological applications in entrepreneurship and regional development:
- Session I: Shri Apukuttan Jayakumar, Special Advisor to Vijnana Bharati, addressed the participants on the importance of technological innovation in entrepreneurship.
- Session II: A representative from NECTAR discussed the prospects and potential of bamboo-based entrepreneurship, highlighting NECTAR’s role in technology interventions to support bamboo and its allied products.
- Session III: The Director General of NECTAR presented NECTAR’s vision for the North Eastern Region, focusing on sustainable development through scientific and technological solutions.
The workshop served as a platform for knowledge sharing among academicians, entrepreneurs, and development practitioners, with a strong emphasis on leveraging local resources and innovation for inclusive regional growth.
Last Updated : 15-07-2025 - 14:55
