On June 5, 2025 — World Environment Day — Techno India University, West Bengal, hosted a landmark Global Summit titled “Wealth from the Blue: Opportunities and Challenges” at its Kolkata campus. The summit brought together national and international leaders, academicians, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss the immense potential of the Blue Economy — a term that refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems.
This summit was organized in collaboration with the Millennium Institute of Energy & Environment Management (MIEEM), Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM), Centre for Research in Materials Management (CRIMM), and the Federation of Small and Medium Industries (FOSMI).
Launch of Centre of Excellence on Blue Economy
The highlight of the summit was the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence on Blue Economy — a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at driving innovation, research, and collaborative projects in ocean-related sectors. This Centre will support research in marine biotechnology, renewable ocean energy, aquaculture, blue carbon, and more, while also offering training programs and certifications for students and professionals.
The event began with a ceremonial lamp lighting and a welcome address. The inauguration and digital plaque unveiling were done by Prof. Manoshi Roy Chowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group.
“We are proud to set up such a Centre of Excellence on the auspicious occasion of World Environment Day. It is a step toward securing a sustainable future by responsibly harnessing the vast, untapped potential of our blue resources,” — Prof. Manoshi Roy Chowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group
Expert Speakers Share Insights
Several notable experts spoke at the event.
- Prof. (Dr.) Basab Chakraborty, Managing Director of STEP, IIT Kharagpur, stressed the importance of linking academic research with industrial innovation. He mentioned how Techno India University’s incubation hub at IIT Kharagpur would collaborate with the new Centre.
- Mr. Goutam Mohan Chakrabarti, IPS (Retd.) and Senior Vice President of Reliance Industries Ltd., spoke about the importance of governance and public-private partnerships in strengthening the blue economy.
- Mr. Lalit Raj Meena, National President of IIMM, discussed the need for efficient logistics and material management in marine industries.
- Shri Gautam Ray, Vice President of FOSMI, emphasized including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to promote grassroots innovation.
- Prof. (Dr.) M. Satish Kumar from Queen’s University Belfast highlighted the importance of global partnerships and interdisciplinary research for sustainable ocean governance.
Adding to the vision of the summit, Prof. (Dr.) Goutam Sengupta, Rector of Techno India University, said: “I am extremely happy to note how the summit collaborators have all synergised for a common cause of Blue Ocean Strategy opposed to Red Ocean Strategy to save mankind from the impending disaster. This summit stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how innovation can lead to holistic and sustainable market opportunities.”
Roadmap and Outcomes
The summit led to several key decisions:
- Formation of working groups focused on Marine Energy, Coastal Resilience, Blue Innovation, and Sustainable Shipping.
- Plans to host annual Blue Economy conferences at Techno India University to attract global participation.
- Proposals for student fellowships, internships, and innovation grants to engage young minds.
- A white paper documenting the discussions will be submitted to national and international policymakers.
- The university also plans to collaborate with other universities across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.
The Global Summit on “Wealth from the Blue” wasn’t just another academic gathering — it was a bold and hopeful step toward building a better, more sustainable world. At a time when climate change and environmental degradation are pressing global concerns, this summit brought together people who genuinely care — educators, scientists, industry leaders, and young minds — to find real solutions for a greener tomorrow.
The launch of the Centre of Excellence on Blue Economy is more than a symbolic gesture. It reflects Techno India University’s deep commitment to shaping the future by combining innovation with responsibility. This Centre will serve as a lighthouse for new ideas, research, and action — empowering students, researchers, and policymakers to make a lasting difference.
Through collaboration, education, and hands-on work in ocean sustainability, Techno India University is proudly stepping forward — not just as a place of learning, but as a platform for change.
The message is clear: the oceans are full of opportunity, and it’s up to all of us to explore them wisely and protect them fiercely — for our generation and the ones to come.