MU hosts lecture on 'AI, Research Commercialisation & Innovation Ecosystem'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04 2026: The Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipur Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipur University, on Tuesday organised a Lecture-cum-Interaction Programme on "Artificial Intelligence, innovation, intellectual property, technology transfer and research commercialisation" at the Court Hall of Manipur University.

The programme was attended by Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) Prof RK Hemakumar Singh and Prof N Basanta Singh, Dean, School of Engineering, along with faculty members, researchers and students.

The programme featured two distinguished international experts - Prof Virach Somlertlamvanich, Professor, Department of Data Science, Musashino University, Tokyo, Japan, and Mairembam Shanjoy Singh, Director of IP2Impact Ltd, United Kingdom.

Prof Virach spoke on the transformative role of AI in higher education and research.

He said AI should complement, not replace, human intelligence.

While generative AI can quickly produce ideas from existing knowledge, meaningful research still requires human reasoning, critical thinking, experimentation and evidencebased validation.

Citing Daniel Kahneman's theory of cognition, he distinguished between "System 1" fast thinking and "System 2" analytical thinking, stressing that researchers must rely on deliberate analysis for complex problems.

Prof Virach also introduced the Three Pillars of the MUDS/MIDS Programme-AI Creation and Applications, AI Algorithm Design, and Social Innovation-linked through research-integrated learning to prepare graduates for careers in AI, data science and innovation across healthcare, agriculture and public administration.

Shanjoy Singh spoke on research commercialisation.

Drawing on UK university models, he said institutions need structured systems for IP management, technology transfer and startups.

He noted that research can be licensed to industry without forming new companies, creating revenue for researchers and universities.

He called for dedicated technology transfer offices, clear governance, incentives for faculty, and short-term professional courses to strengthen industry engagement.

Rejecting the notion that universities in smaller regions cannot compete globally, Shanjoy said Manipur University has potential to become a centre of innovation by adopting global practices suited to local contexts.

The interactive session saw active participation on AI, NLP, IP, startups and commercialisation.

Prof Virach has over 230 publications in AI and NLP.

Shanjoy has nearly two decades of experience in IP and venture creation.

The programme aimed to expose participants to global best practices and foster a stronger culture of research, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer in higher education.

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