Mangaluru, April 10, 2025: The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bearys Institute of Technology (BIT), Mangaluru, in association with Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, successfully organized a Three-day International Online Faculty Development Program (FDP) titled “New Age Alloys and Composites in the Advent of AI, ML, and 3D Printing” from April 7th to 9th, 2025. This virtual event saw the participation of over 230 attendees per session from academic institutions and industries across India and abroad.
The FDP was designed to bring together global expertise in materials science, with a special focus on how emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) are revolutionizing the design and development of new-age alloys and composite materials.
Inaugural Session and Welcome Address
The online event was inaugurated by Dr. S I Manjur Basha, Principal of BIT and Patron of the FDP. In his address, he underlined the importance of adapting to technological convergence in education and research, and appreciated the initiative for creating a global learning platform.
Dr. Vasantha Kumar, Organizing Chair and Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, welcomed the attendees and emphasized the department’s commitment to continuous learning, interdisciplinary innovation, and collaboration through international and VTU-affiliated initiatives.
Distinguished Speakers and Technical Sessions
The FDP featured prominent experts from academia and research, who delivered engaging keynote lectures and technical sessions. The resource persons included:
Dr. Jinoop Arackal Narayanan, Teesside University, UK
Dr. K R Ramkumar, Iowa State University, USA
Dr. Manjiah, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal
Dr. Sathyashankara Sharma, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal
The sessions provided participants with cutting-edge insights into AI-assisted materials design, smart and sustainable composites, and the future of digital and additive manufacturing, enabling attendees to broaden their perspectives and explore new research directions.
Organizing Team and Engagement
The online FDP was effectively coordinated by Dr. Sandeep Nambiar S and Prof. Prithviraj M, Assistant Professors, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Their meticulous planning ensured a seamless virtual experience, with interactive Q&A rounds, participant polls, and hands-on virtual demonstrations enhancing the quality of engagement.
The event witnessed active participation from faculty members, research scholars, and PG students from institutions affiliated with VTU and other universities across the globe, fostering academic exchange and professional networking.
Closing Session and Vote of Thanks
The FDP concluded with a Valedictory Session with a closing note by Dr. Sandeep Nambiar S and Dr. Imran Mokashi, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the speakers, participants, and organizing team for their enthusiastic support and involvement.
Key Takeaways and Impact
This International Online FDP, hosted by BIT in association with VTU, Belagavi, served as a vital knowledge-sharing platform at the intersection of materials science and emerging technologies. It empowered educators and researchers to explore modern computational tools, intelligent design frameworks, and sustainable material systems for engineering applications.
The event further underscored Bearys Institute of Technology’s dedication to academic excellence, global collaborations, and future-ready education through the integration of AI, ML, and 3D printing in engineering disciplines.