Coimbatore Institute of Technology (CIT), in collaboration with Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), Norway, inaugurated the 4th International Conference on Advanced Materials for Clean Energy and Health Applications (AMCEHA 2026) at the CIT campus on Wednesday.
The three-day international conference, being held from June 3 to 5, has brought together more than 300 delegates from India, Norway, Sri Lanka, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States and several other countries to discuss advances in materials science, clean energy technologies and healthcare applications.
The conference was inaugurated by Kalaiselvi, Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), who lit the ceremonial lamp, released the conference proceedings and delivered the inaugural address.
The inaugural session was presided over by Santossh, Chairman and Correspondent of CIT Institutions, and Gunnar Yttri, Rector of HVL, Norway. The programme commenced with a Bharatanatyam performance, followed by a welcome address by Rajeswari, Principal of CIT.
Providing an overview of the conference, Dhayalan Velauthapillai, Chair and Coordinator of AMCEHA 2026 and Professor of Physics and Nanotechnology at HVL, highlighted the institution’s growing international collaborations. He noted that HVL currently partners with nine institutions in India and five in Sri Lanka and stressed the importance of global cooperation in addressing future energy challenges.
He underscored the need for green energy preservation and stronger research partnerships between India and Norway.
Delivering the presidential address, Santossh emphasized the role of academic institutions in advancing research and innovation. In his felicitation address, Gunnar Yttri said the partnership between CIT and HVL has created meaningful academic and research impact.
Referring to the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Norway, Gunnar Yttri said such engagements strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries
Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), recalled Kalaiselvi’s pioneering work on lithium-ion battery technology and highlighted the establishment of India’s first lithium-cell manufacturing facility in Chennai.
In her felicitation address, Alamelu, Chief Academic Officer of CIT, stressed that research should be transformational and solution-oriented, particularly in addressing challenges related to green energy. She also called for greater international and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Bjørn Iversen, Country Director for India and Commercial Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, also offered felicitations.
Ravi, Vice-Chancellor of Alagappa University, said these conferences, apart from meaningful research, must be supported by strong institutional collaborations. Addressing students, he encouraged them to pursue quality research and remain committed to contributing to the nation’s development.
Thirunavukkarasu, Vice-Chancellor of University of Jaffna, said the conference would generate innovative ideas to address global challenges. He called for greater participation from industry leaders in translating research into national development.
Felicitations were also offered by Atputharajah Arulampalam, Vice-Chancellor of University of Vavuniya, and Wijendra J. Bandara, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority.
In her inaugural address, Kalaiselvi stressed that international collaboration is essential in the current dynamic geopolitical environment. She said advanced materials and metals are in every aspect of modern life and play a crucial role in ensuring energy, technological and national security.
Referring to the vision of a developed India under Viksit Bharat, she said the country is reaffirming its commitment to global scientific progress and called upon researchers and institutions to work collectively for the benefit of society.
Praising Norway’s achievements in science, research and energy sustainability, she encouraged participants to explore emerging areas such as white hydrogen, noting its potential to complement existing green hydrogen initiatives and address future energy challenges. She also urged students to actively engage in research, emphasizing its broader societal and global impact.
The event was attended by directors of various CSIR laboratories, faculty members from HVL, heads of higher education institutions from India and Sri Lanka, researchers, industry representatives and students from India, Norway and Sri Lanka.
A significant milestone of the inaugural session was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between HVL and CSIR to strengthen cooperation in research, innovation and academic exchange.
A major highlight of AMCEHA 2026 is the high-level strategic roundtable, “Lab-to-Fab: Translating Advanced Materials into Industry,” which brings together industrial leaders, research organisations, universities and innovation agencies to discuss pathways for converting scientific discoveries into industrial and societal impact.
The conference also features a global leadership panel discussion on “Innovation to Product: Building Global Ecosystems for Clean Energy Technologies,” with experts from India, Norway, Sri Lanka and South Korea discussing innovation ecosystems, university-industry collaboration, workforce development, international partnerships and future clean-energy technologies.
Another key component of the event is Innovator Showcase 2026, which provides a platform for students, researchers, startups and innovators to present new ideas, prototypes and emerging technologies in clean energy, advanced materials and health applications. Outstanding innovations will be recognised through awards aimed at encouraging the translation of research into practical solutions with societal impact.
