NITTE-GOK Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation in association with the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), NitteDU successfully organized AquaSolve 2026, a national-level, problem-driven symposium with the theme “Transforming Research with Real-World Needs” on 16th January 2026 at the University Auditorium, Paneer campus. The objective of the symposium was to strengthen industry-academia-farmer linkages and to promote translational, impact-oriented research in marine sciences.
Chief guest for the inaugural program, Prof. (Dr) Chindi Vasudevappa, former Vice-Chancellor, NIFTEM, Kundli (Haryana) and KSN University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga emphasized the importance of translational research, innovation-driven entrepreneurship and collaborative engagement between academia, industry and the government. Guest of Honour, Mr. O Girisha, Joint Director, Dept. of Fisheries, Mysuru, highlighted the need for field-oriented, farmer-centric research solutions that directly address ground-level challenges. The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. (Dr) M S Moodithaya, Vice-Chancellor, Nitte University, who spoke about the importance of the marine sector in India’s pursuit of becoming the third largest economy in the world.
On this occasion, “Jalakrishi Samshodhana Vimarsha Bhandara”, a portal hosted on the AQUAMARIN website was officially launched by the dignitaries. The JSVB portal is an integrated digital platform to connect fish farmers, industry stakeholders and researchers, enabling real-time identification of field problems, collaborative solution development and effective knowledge exchange. This initiative is strongly aligned with AquaSolve’s core objective of converting real-world challenges into actionable research outcomes.
Following the inauguration, four thematic panel-based technical sessions were conducted.
Session 1: Aquaculture and Ornamental Fisheries, moderated by Prof. (Dr) Chindi Vasudevappa, featured panel experts Mr. L N Pai (Aquaculture Consultant and Proprietor for Seashine Bio Solution), Mr. Ronald D’Souza (Director, Aquatic Biosystems India Pvt. Ltd) and Mr. Aiyyappa P S (MD, Aqua Ventures). The discussions focused on sustainable aquaculture practices, ornamental fisheries development, aquarium goods, disease challenges, aquaponics and promotion of aquarium culture through museums, schools, festivals and Krishi Melas, supported by Government of Karnataka policies and market-driven innovations.
Session 2: Hatchery Technologies and Fish Feed Production, moderated by Mr. O Girisha, included experts Mr. Ganesh Arekere (Sr. Vice President Sales & Marketing C P Aquaculture (India) Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Sandip Ahirrao (Vice President - Intl. Business, Growel Feeds Pvt. Ltd.) and Mr. D Siddaiah (Joint Director, Dept. of Fisheries, Mangalore Division). The session addressed broodstock management, quality seed production, feed formulation, alternatives to fishmeal, cost optimization and regulatory frameworks, with emphasis on policy interventions, such as the proposed implementation of the Seed Act in Karnataka.
Session 3: Aquapreneurship and Fish Value Addition, moderated by Dr. Ashwin Rai (Director, Aquatic Biosystems India Pvt Ltd), featured Prof. (Dr) B Manja Naik (Head, Dept. of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fisheries, Mangalore), Mr. Mohan Reddy (Founder & CEO - Amiti Technologies and Sea Bites Premium Foods Pvt. Ltd.) and Mr. Yogesh C (General Manager, Tolar Ocean Products Pvt. Ltd.). Discussions highlighted aquapreneurship opportunities, value-added fish products, branding strategies, market linkages and challenges faced by fisheries start-ups.
Session 4: Marine Fisheries and Fisheries Policies, moderated by Prof. (Dr) Anirban Chakraborty (Director, NUCSER), included Dr. S M Shivaprakash (Former Dean, College of Fisheries, Mangalore), Dr. Rajesh K M (Principal Scientist, Regional Centre ICAR-CMFRI, Mangalore) and Dr. L Narasimha Murthy (Head & Principal Scientist, Regional Centre ICAR-CIFRI, Bangalore). The session focused on marine resource sustainability, fisheries governance, climate change impacts, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), parasitic diseases, ecological concerns related to the ranching of carnivorous fishes and innovative concepts, such as lightweight, wearable lifeguard devices that activate upon contact with water.
A notable feature of AquaSolve 2026 was the active participation of fish farmers and fishermen from Mangalore and adjoining districts. The farmers engaged enthusiastically in technical discussions, raising practical issues related to disease management, seed quality and pricing, feed costs, water quality management, market access and farm-level operational challenges. The expert panellists offered experience-based solutions, scientific guidance and policy clarifications, thereby reinforcing AquaSolve’s role as a field-rooted, problem-solving platform.
AquaSolve 2026 reinforced the principle that real science begins when real problems are addressed through collaborative innovation and stakeholder engagement.
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