Kochi: Dr Moopen’s AI and Robotics Centre, an initiative of SAFI, hosted its first Industry Demand Day at UL Cyberpark, bringing together industry leaders, academicians, and innovation stakeholders to foster collaboration and student-led problem-solving.

The event saw participation from over 30 companies, which presented more than 50 real-world automation and technology challenges. These problem statements will feed into a state-level student hackathon scheduled for January, where students will develop practical solutions to industry-relevant issues.

Industry Demand Day is part of a three-event series aimed at strengthening the AI and robotics ecosystem by connecting emerging talent with the needs of the industry.

In his keynote, Dr Prahlad Vadakkepat, Professor at the National University of Singapore, highlighted the shift toward Industry 5.0, emphasising human-centric and personalised approaches alongside advanced automation. The event also featured interactive discussions between industry representatives and SAFI faculty, focusing on the clarification and refinement of the problem statements shared by companies.

Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, and other SAFI officials were present, showing the institution’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic innovation and industry requirements.