Mangaluru: A day- long brainstorming ‘Innovation Conclave’ was inaugurated by the Deputy chief minister (DCM) Dr C N Ashwath Narayan at Hotel Ocean Pearl February 24.

Technology, biotechnology, science, skill development, entrepreneurship and livelihood are some of the topics for panel discussions and interactive sessions. The brainstorming ‘Innovation Conclave’ will feature thought leaders from academia, industry along with the government.

“The government will take steps to construct IT Parks on a 5-acre land in Dakshina Kannada. This will help the growth of Mangaluru. Meanwhile, we will focus on science and technology. When we focus on quality education policy, it will help in the overall growth of every sector in the society,” said Ashwath Narayan

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel stated that Dakshina Kannada district is one of the fast growing and developing districts in the state. “We have aimed at having 10,000 acres of land bank for the development of the district. The construction of tunnel in Shiradi Ghat will be completed in two years. The road development work from BC Road to Addahole will commence from March and under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Rs 4,000 crore is allotted for the development of Mangaluru port,” he said.

Chairman of KEONICS Harikrishna Bantwal, chairman of centre for contemporary issues Steevan David, deputy commissioner Dr K V Rajendra, additional chief secretary to chief minister Dr E V Ramana Reddy, Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, Mangaluru North MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty, Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik and Moodbidri MLA Umanath Kotian were also present.

Lavita Menezes compered the programme, and managing director of KEONICS Siddaramappa welcomed the gathering.