Birla Global University Hosts Times EduRise AI Boot Camp & Conclave on Future of AI and Work

Bhubaneswar: Birla Global University hosted the inaugural edition of the Times EduRise AI Boot Camp & Conclave in collaboration with The Times of India at its Bhubaneswar campus on Friday, bringing together academicians, entrepreneurs, industry experts and students to deliberate on Artificial Intelligence, start-ups and the future of work.

The conclave witnessed participation from students and innovators from institutions across Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The programme featured panel discussions, AI interactions, hackathons and quiz competitions focused on preparing youth for an AI-driven future.

The event began with a ceremonial lamp lighting and welcome address by Dr. B. K. Das, Registrar of BGU.

Chief Guest Prof. Karuna Kar Nanda, Director of the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, highlighted the growing impact of AI across sectors. Addressing the gathering, he said Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming technological advancement and contributing significantly to critical sectors including healthcare and life-saving medical applications.

Dr. B. K. Das underlined the importance of future-ready education and stressed the need for stronger collaboration between academia, industry and innovation ecosystems.

The first panel discussion on “Start-ups & Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI” featured Dr. Soobhankar Pati, CEO & Director of IIT Bhubaneswar Research & Entrepreneurship Park; entrepreneur Ankit Khandelwal; CA Bidhu Bhushan Nayak of Sparsh Healthcare Group; and Sheikh Mairajul Haque, President of CREDAI and Co-founder of Acrerise. The session discussed AI-driven business transformation, innovation and funding opportunities for emerging ventures.

The second session, themed “AI vs YOU: Who Wins the Future of Work?”, focused on AI-led workplace transformation, emerging career opportunities and the growing importance of adaptability and human-centric skills.

The conclave also included an AI Hackathon and Quiz Competition where students showcased innovation and problem-solving abilities. Winners were felicitated during the concluding ceremony.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment towards collaboration between BGU and The Times Group to promote innovation, skill development and AI-focused learning initiatives.