Birla Global University (BGU), Bhubaneswar, successfully hosted the International Conference on Grassroots and Frugal Innovations in Emerging Economies (GFI 2026) from March 12 to 14, bringing together a diverse group of academicians, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The event focused on addressing sustainable development challenges through locally driven innovation and scalable solutions.
Organised by the Birla Hub for Innovation, Venturing and Entrepreneurship (B-Hive) under the Birla School of Management, the conference was conducted in collaboration with global academic partners, including Syracuse University in the United States and Mid-West University in Nepal. The event provided a platform for knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration on innovation-driven development.
The conference featured a series of technical sessions covering themes such as sustainable innovation ecosystems, climate-resilient agricultural models, and strategies for scaling grassroots innovations to achieve inclusive growth. Participants explored practical solutions emerging from local contexts and discussed their potential for wider adoption.
A key highlight of the event was the “Idea2Impact Bootcamp and Innovation Showcase,” which encouraged student participation and entrepreneurship. Innovators presented prototypes and real-world solutions, demonstrating how grassroots innovation can address pressing societal challenges.
The inaugural session was attended by distinguished academic leaders and industry experts, who emphasized the importance of innovation in driving economic and social progress. Discussions highlighted the role of educational institutions in fostering an environment that supports research, experimentation, and entrepreneurial thinking.
An important outcome of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Birla Global University and Mid-West University, Nepal. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration through faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and entrepreneurship development programmes. This partnership is expected to enhance academic engagement and create opportunities for cross-cultural learning.
Birla Global University continues to focus on building a strong ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. The institution promotes interdisciplinary learning and encourages the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics across its academic programmes.
With a modern campus and a curriculum aligned with industry needs, BGU aims to prepare students for evolving global challenges. Through initiatives such as conferences, innovation hubs, and industry collaborations, the university is actively bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications. The successful hosting of GFI 2026 reinforces BGU’s commitment to advancing innovation-led development and supporting the growth of the startup ecosystem in Odisha and beyond.
