“The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Research Grant is a forward-looking initiative designed to support faculty in state universities by enabling them to pursue cutting-edge research encouraging innovative projects that address critical societal challenges and promote sustainable solutions.

With nearly 50% of students accessing higher education the state government is also adopting outcome-based education to align academic curricula with market-relevant skills and competencies, ensuring that students are equipped for today’s dynamic job market, said Dr K Gopal, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Government of Tamil Nadu in his inaugural address at the first edition of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII Southern Region) organized ‘CII Edu-Tech Expo 2024’, jointly with the 8th Edition of the National Higher Education Conclave (NHEC), today in Coimbatore.

“Additionally, there is a strong focus on equipping students with 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Strengthening industry partnerships and promoting experiential learning opportunities such as internships and industry-led projects are integral to ensuring that students’ graduate workforce-ready and capable of driving future economic growth,” he added.

A joint report by CII – KPMG on Emerging Technology Trends in Higher Education was released by Dr K Gopal, IAS and the first copy was received by Mrs S Malarvizhi, Chairperson & Managing Trustee, Sri Krishna Institutions.

Dr R Nandini, Chairperson, CII Southern Region and CII Edu-Tech Expo 2024 & Founder Trustee, GRG Trust, in her welcome address said, “Coimbatore’s Esteemed Institutions have nurtured generations of skilled professionals and thought leaders who contribute significantly to both the local economy and India’s national growth. This educational legacy has created a fertile ecosystem where entrepreneurship and engineering thrive, making Coimbatore a model of integrated development”.

“Bridging the gap between academia and industry is essential for creating industry-ready graduates. Collaboration between educational institutions and industry can ensure that curricula are aligned with current market needs and technological advancements. Internships and practical training opportunities are crucial for students to gain real-world experience and understand industry expectations,” said Mr Rajesh Varrier, EVP, Global Head of Operations & Chairman and Managing Director, Cognizant India.

Mr Shankar Vanavarayar, Past Chairman, CII Tamil Nadu & President, Kumaraguru Institutions and Dr K Senthil Ganesh, Imm. Past Chairman, CII Coimbatore Zone & Managing Trustee, RVS Group of Institutions also addressed the gathering.

The other sessions were on World 2050 – Future of Higher Education, Emerging Trends in Higher Education & Learning from the Corporate Experiences, Nurturing Industry-readiness and Employability, Nurturing Research with Funding Sources and Commercialization of Intellectual Properties, Enhancing Quality of Higher Education through Global Accreditation Standards.