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Birla Global University Hosts International Conference on Grassroots & Frugal Innovation
Birla Global University (BGU) hosted the International Conference on “Grassroots & Frugal Innovation in Emerging Economies” from 12–14 March 2026 at its Bhubaneswar campus. Organised by B-HIVE, the innovation and incubation centre of the Birla School of Management, the conference was held in collaboration with the Earl V. Snyder Innovation Management Center, Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University (USA) and Mid-West University, Nepal.
The event brought together academicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders to deliberate on how grassroots ingenuity and frugal innovation can foster inclusive and sustainable development in emerging economies.
The inaugural session commenced with the BGU Kulgeet and ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by the Welcome Address by Dr. Suvendu Kumar Pratihari, Conference Chair, who introduced the theme and highlighted the growing importance of grassroots-driven solutions in addressing socio-economic challenges.
Prof. Anand Kumar Jaiswal, Faculty of Marketing, IIM Ahmedabad, while delivering the keynote address, emphasized the transformative potential of frugal innovation in achieving high-impact outcomes with limited resources. The session was graced by Prof. Dhruba Kumar Gautam, Vice-Chancellor, Mid-West University, Nepal, as the Chief Guest, with remarks from Prof. S. P. Raj, Syracuse University (USA) and Rajat Vardharn, Founder & CEO, ScaNxt Scientific Technologies.
Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Vice-Chancellor of BGU, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to building an innovation-driven ecosystem promoting research, entrepreneurship, and societal impact. A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BGU and Mid-West University to strengthen academic exchange and collaborative research.
Prof. Jaideep Prabhu (University of Cambridge) and Prof. Madhubalan Viswanathan (Loyola Marymount University, USA) delivered the international keynote lectures, sharing valuable insights on lean innovation, subsistence marketplaces, and inclusive innovation ecosystems. The conference also featured three panel discussions, four technical sessions presenting over 25 research papers, innovation boot camps, and innovation showcasing stalls by 18 startups and grassroots innovators.
Birla Global University conveys its gratitude to Startup Odisha, Indian Army, STPI Bhubaneswar, CYSD, Wadhwani Foundation, Regional Science Centre Bhubaneswar, EY, eGovernance Foundation and all partner institutions for their support in successfully executing this conference for a greater cause.
