Hyderabad: The second edition of VETCONVERGENCE 2026, the Vice-Chancellors’ Conclave organised by the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Nagpur, with the support of the Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA)–Poultry India, concluded in Hyderabad after two days of deliberations on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Held at Hotel AVASA on July 10 and 11, the conclave brought together over 30 Vice-Chancellors of veterinary universities, along with policymakers, scientists, academicians and industry leaders under the theme, “Aligning Livestock Research with Industry Demand and Entrepreneurship Development.”
Former Union Minister and former Himachal Pradesh Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, who attended as the chief guest, stressed the need to make veterinary education more practical, industry-oriented and outcome-driven. He called for producing employable graduates with entrepreneurial skills, promoting demand-driven research, technology transfer and stronger partnerships between universities and industry. He also highlighted the growing contribution of women in the poultry sector.
The conclave featured six panel discussions covering demand-driven veterinary research, entrepreneurship, agribusiness incubation, technology commercialisation, start-up promotion, Artificial Intelligence in livestock development and future research priorities for the poultry sector. A commemorative souvenir of VETCONVERGENCE 2026 was also unveiled during the inaugural session.
The IPEMA delegation was led by its President Uday Singh Bayas, while the event saw participation from several industry leaders, including Prof. M. Gnana Prakash, Vice-Chancellor of PVNRTVU, Suresh Chitturi, Managing Director of Srinivasa Farms, and O.P. Singh, Managing Director of ABTL. Dr Niteen Vasantrao Patil, Vice-Chancellor of MAFSU, led the academic deliberations.
Speaking on the occasion, Uday Singh Bayas said the conclave had provided a robust platform for dialogue between academia and industry, with recommendations expected to strengthen the livestock and poultry ecosystem while benefiting farmers and entrepreneurs.
IPEMA–Poultry India also unveiled the official poster of the 18th Poultry India Expo 2026, which will be held at HITEX, Hyderabad, from November 25 to 27, with the Poultry Knowledge Day scheduled on November 24. Organisers said the event would bring together global stakeholders to showcase innovations and advancements in the poultry sector.
