Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Nov 12: A 3-day conference-cum-workshop on “AI-Driven Innovations in Drug Discovery and Agriculture (AI-D2A 2025)” commenced here today at BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator, Industrial Biotech Park, Ghatti, Kathua, under the aegis of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, BIRAC–BioNEST Incubator and CSIR–Jigyasa.
Dr P C Panchariya, Director, CSIR–CEERI Pilani, inaugurated the event as chief guest while as Dr Surinder Kumar Atri, Principal, GMC Kathua was the guest of honour.
Dr Panchariya, while addressing the delegates, highlighted how AI-driven innovations can accelerate scientific breakthroughs, optimize processes, and contribute to sustainable development in healthcare and agriculture. He also shared the CSIR-CEERI’s path breaking achievements in making of semi-conductor devices, electronic tongue, adulteration detection sensors for dairy and edible oils.
Dr Atri, the guest of honour, mentioned that AI is being used in various areas of medicine, such as radiological diagnosis, assisting physicians in decision making. He said that he is looking forward to closer integration with CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and BIRAC-BioNEST incubator at Kathua, to explore and develop these areas further.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR–IIIM Jammu, stated: “This event is designed to promote every type of innovation in this area. AI-based tools are now becoming an integral part of drug discovery and agricultural practices”. He added that CSIR-IIIM, a premier R&D institution with strength in the drug discovery and crop improvement, has adopted the integration of AI tools to fasten the research, improvement of varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants besides the capacity building.
A total of 75 participants from all over India have registered themselves for the workshop and 15 participants from GDC Kathua and Jammu University, Kathua Campus were provided free registration for the course.
Earlier, Organising Secretary, Dr. Amit Nargotra, Principal Scientist & Group Leader Discovery Informatics Lab, NPMC Division, highlighted that the AI–D2A conference serves as a platform to nurture innovation, facilitate collaboration, and create opportunities for students, startups, and researchers.
Organisers said that AI-D2A 2025 would feature technical sessions, keynote talks, interactive discussions, hands-on workshops and practical demonstration sessions through next three days.
The proceedings of inaugural event were conducted by Dr. Vidushi Abrol and Dr. Saurabh Saran presented the formal vote of thanks.
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