Key Takeaways
- SRM University-AP hosted the Healthcare Industry-Academia Dialogue Forum to enhance collaboration in health engineering.
- A new B.Tech. in Health Engineering program will launch in August 2026, focusing on electronics, AI, and medical sciences.
- Industry leaders pledged support for curriculum development to ensure graduates are ready for practical challenges in healthcare.
Healthcare Industry-Academia Collaboration Event
SRM University-AP, in partnership with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) India, recently held the Healthcare Industry-Academia Dialogue Forum aimed at enhancing cooperation between academia and the healthcare sector. The event sought to establish a foundation for the university’s new Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Health Engineering program, set to commence in August 2026.
The forum gathered 13 senior leaders from key stakeholders in India’s healthcare technology, medical devices, digital health, and research industries. Their engagement with university faculty aimed to foster research partnerships and contribute to the development of a curriculum tailored to industry needs.
The B.Tech. in Health Engineering is notable as one of the few programs of its kind in India, designed to merge disciplines such as electronics, artificial intelligence (AI), computer science, and medical sciences. This interdisciplinary approach aims to prepare students for careers focused on healthcare innovation and medical technology.
The event was spearheaded by K.A. Sunitha, the head of the new Department of Health Engineering, and coordinator of the Biomedical Research and Artificial Intelligence Network (BRAIN) Lab. Notable participants included representatives from leading companies such as Philips, Baxter International, Stryker, Medtronic, and Evai Technologies, among others.
Vice-Chancellor Ch. Satish Kumar shared the university’s vision for the Department of Health Engineering, emphasizing its growing research ecosystem. This includes collaborations with both national and international institutions, as well as the university’s Quantum Research Centre, which has gained international recognition.
Discussions during the forum revolved around various topics, including AI-driven healthcare solutions, innovative teaching strategies, student internship opportunities, and industry-sponsored projects. Attention was also given to emerging areas like mental health, underscoring the program’s broad relevance.
C.V. Tomy, Dean of the School of Engineering and Sciences, and Srinivasan Thirumalai, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, also participated in the forum, reinforcing the commitment to reshape the educational landscape in response to industry demands.
Industry leaders who attended the event expressed their commitment to developing a relevant and robust curriculum, ensuring that graduates possess the hands-on skills necessary to tackle real-world challenges in healthcare. This collaborative initiative represents a significant step forward in aligning academic programs with industry needs and promoting innovation in healthcare technology.
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