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Global Industry Connect 2026: Forging Meaningful Industry-Academia Engagement






The Career Development Centre (CDC) of New Horizon College of Engineering successfully hosted Global Industry Connect 2026 on 30th May 2026, bringing together thirteen eminent industry leaders from leading global organisations and over 1,000 aspiring students. The event served as a distinguished platform for bringing in meaningful dialogue between academia and industry, enabling students to gain valuable insights from accomplished professionals across diverse sectors.
The programme commenced with a formal inaugural ceremony held in the college auditorium. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr. Vinayak P. Hegde, Vice President and Head of Mysore Development Centre, Infosys. The ceremony began with the rendition of the National Song, followed by the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. The ceremonial lamp was lit by the Chief Guest in the presence of Mr. Dhermesh Manghnani, President, New Horizon Educational Institution; Dr. Manjunatha B., Principal, New Horizon College of Engineering; Mr. Pradeep Kote, Senior Director, Career Development Centre; and Dr. Sivakumar Raju, Director, Career Development Centre.
The gathering was welcomed by Ms. Aishwarya Varghese of the Career Development Centre, who delivered the welcome address. Dr. Manjunatha B., Principal of NHCE, subsequently addressed the students, underscoring the pivotal role of industry–academia collaboration in shaping successful and future-ready professionals. This was followed by an address from Mr. Pradeep Kote, Senior Director, CDC, who highlighted the significance of industry engagement, expert interactions, and panel discussions in enhancing students’ professional preparedness and career prospects.
In recognition of their invaluable contributions, all thirteen industry leaders were felicitated with shawls and mementoes. Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Vinayak P. Hegde inspired students to build strong technological foundations and pursue excellence with unwavering commitment. He emphasised the importance of the three pillars of success for aspiring corporates such as perseverance, practice, and performance as guiding principles for both personal and professional growth. He further remarked on the uniqueness of Global Industry Connect as a platform that seamlessly brings together industry and academia to facilitate meaningful discussions focused on student career development.
The inaugural session concluded with a commemorative group photograph featuring the distinguished guests and dignitaries, followed by the National Anthem. Following the inauguration, a series of branch-specific panel discussions and expert sessions were conducted across multiple venues. Students from Computer Science Engineering, Information Science Engineering, Computer Science and Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, MCA, and M.Tech programmes participated in an engaging panel discussion held in the auditorium.
Dedicated sessions were simultaneously organised for students from MBA, ECE, EEE, and Mechanical Engineering disciplines. These interactions offered valuable perspectives on emerging technologies, evolving industry trends, employability skills, and workplace expectations, while providing students with the opportunity to engage directly with experienced professionals.
The event concluded with a feedback session, during which the industry leaders commended the initiative undertaken by the Career Development Centre and appreciated the enthusiasm, curiosity, and active participation demonstrated by the students. A luncheon attended by the industry leaders, faculty members, and organisers marked the close of the programme.
Global Industry Connect 2026 was a resounding success, reaffirming New Horizon College of Engineering’s commitment to building strong industry partnerships and creating transformative learning opportunities that empower students to become confident, capable, and future-ready professionals.