Bhubaneswar: Birla Global University (BGU) successfully hosted the inaugural edition of the Times EduRise AI Boot Camp & Conclave, an initiative by The Times of India, at its campus in Bhubaneswar on May 16, bringing together academicians, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, professionals and students for insightful discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and young innovators from educational institutions across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack with engaging panel discussions, AI-focused interactions, hackathons and quiz competitions aimed at preparing youth for an AI-driven future.

The programme commenced with the inaugural session, lamp lighting ceremony, and welcome address by Dr. B. K. Das, Registrar, Birla Global University.

Prof. Karuna Kar Nanda, Director, Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, attended the conclave as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, He said, “Through continuous research and innovation, we are contributing to the advancement of life and the betterment of the future. Today, Artificial Intelligence is not only transforming technological progress but is also playing a crucial role in critical fields such as healthcare, including life-saving medical applications.”

Dr. B. K. Das, Registrar, Birla Global University, highlighted the importance of equipping students with future-ready skills and creating platforms that bridge academia with industry and innovation.

The first panel discussion on the theme “Start-ups & Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI” featured distinguished speakers including Dr. Soobhankar Pati, CEO & Director, IIT Bhubaneswar Research & Entrepreneurship Park; Ankit Khandelwal, Founder, Fantome Energy Drink; CA Bidhu Bhushan Nayak, Director Finance, Sparsh Healthcare Group and Sheikh Mairajul Haque, President, CREDAI and Co-founder, Acrerise.

The session was moderated by Dr. Suvendu Kumar Pratihari, Assistant Professor – Marketing, BGU. The panel explored how Artificial Intelligence is transforming entrepreneurial ecosystems, start-up growth, funding opportunities, innovation models and business scalability.

The second panel discussion on the theme “AI vs YOU: Who Wins the Future of Work?” featured Prof. Satyaprakash Sahoo, Associate Professor, Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar; Chandra Shekhar Chitrala, Founder, AlumNetworks & Catalyst IT Solutions; Janmejay Mohapatra, CTO & Co-Founder, Ajatus Software; and Sivasis Bebartta, Investment Banker, FinTech professional & AI Hackmaster.

The session was moderated by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kuanar, Dean, Birla School of Engineering & Technology. The discussion focused on the evolving workplace, AI-led disruptions, future career opportunities, digital transformation, and the importance of adaptability and human skills in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

The conclave also featured an AI Hackathon and Quiz Competition, where students participated in collaborative problem-solving and innovation-based activities. Winners were felicitated during the concluding ceremony, followed by certificate distribution and prize presentation.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the strategic collaboration between Birla Global University and The Times Group, marking a shared commitment to advancing innovation, skill development, and thought leadership in the age of AI.