The Hindu Tech Summit 2026: Industry must bridge gap with academia, say experts

At the The Hindu Tech Summit, speakers on the concluding day stressed the urgent need for industry to work more closely with academia to build future-ready talent and accelerate innovation.

Experts from technology firms, policy circles and universities said that while India has a strong talent pipeline, the disconnect between classroom learning and real-world industry requirements continues to widen. They called for deeper collaboration through joint research programmes, curriculum redesign, internships and startup incubation partnerships.

Bridging academia and industry

Panelists highlighted that rapid advances in AI, cybersecurity and semiconductor design demand agile skill development. Universities, they said, must update syllabi more frequently, while companies should invest in mentorship, research grants and live projects for students.

Industry leaders noted that collaboration is not just about hiring but about co-creating solutions. “We must move from transactional campus recruitment to transformational engagement,” one expert observed during the discussions.

Focus on integrated data security

Among the key themes on the final day was integrated data security management, with cybersecurity specialists underlining the need for unified frameworks that combine governance, risk assessment and real-time threat monitoring.

Speakers pointed out that as digital adoption deepens across sectors, fragmented security systems increase vulnerability. Enterprises were urged to adopt end-to-end security architectures and invest in continuous employee training.

States and tech-driven economic growth

Another major discussion centred on State perspectives on technology-led economic expansion. Policymakers outlined how investments in digital infrastructure, electronics manufacturing and innovation hubs are reshaping regional economies.

Representatives from various States said technology clusters, startup ecosystems and public-private partnerships are key to attracting global investments and generating high-value employment.

Looking ahead

The summit concluded with a strong message: sustained collaboration between academia, industry and government is essential for India to maintain its competitive edge in emerging technologies. Participants emphasised that bridging institutional silos and strengthening data security frameworks will be critical to achieving inclusive and resilient growth in the years ahead.