Following the recent high-level visit of the Prime Minister to India, which underscored the strengthening ties between our two nations, OsloMet in collaboration with Indian Embassy is pleased organize the India-Norway Higher Education and Research Summit 2026.
The foundation for this event lies in the established series of two past successful summits hosted by HVL and UiA, which have consistently demonstrated the value of direct knowledge exchange.
The main objectives of the summit are
- to provide an arena for Indian universities including institutions to meet with Norwegian counterparts and research centres
- to foster meaningful partnerships that support the broader bilateral goals of our nations, specifically regarding health innovation, sustainable development, and green strategy
- to streamline the pathways for joint research, faculty exchanges, and student mobility, ensuring our academic systems are well-aligned for future cooperation
The event will consist of strategic talks, interactive panel discussions, and dedicated networking sessions, accompanied by an official lunch.
Programme
09:00-10:35: Inaugural Session
- 9:00-9:30: Registration and Mingling Session
- 9:30-9:40: Welcome and Introduction to OsloMet, by Dr. Carl Christian Thodesen, Pro-rector for social impact and collaboration, OsloMet
- 9:40-9:50: Welcome and talk about India Norway relationship, by H.E. Mrs. Gloria Gangte, Ambassador, Embassy of India
- 9:50-10:00: MoU Signing between OsloMet and Indian Universities
- 10:00-10:05: Introduction and Role of Ministry in education and research, by Martine Schulerud Nilsen, Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research
- 10:05-10:20: Current Status of Research, Development, and Innovation Cooperation between India and Norway, by Merethe Sandberg, Norwegian Research Council
- 10:20-10:35: HK-dir’s Role in Supporting and Funding International Collaboration, by Unni Kvernhusvik Sagberg, Directorate for Higher Education and Skills
10:35-10:50: Break
Coffee, tea and conversation.
10:50-11:50: Session – Sharing Experiences with International Collaboration
- 10:50-11:05: Himachal Pradesh University: Overview and Experiences in International Collaboration, by Prof. Mahaveer Singh, HPU, Shimla, India.
- 11:05-11:20: University of Huddersfield: Overview and Experiences in International Collaboration, by Prof. Rakesh Mishra, University of Huddersfield, UK.
- 11:20-11:35: Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur: Overview and Experiences in International Collaboration, by Prof. Rakesh Jain, Dean, International Affairs, MNIT, Jaipur, India.
- 11:35-11:50: IIT Mandi: Overview and Experiences in International Collaboration, by Assc. Prof Subhamoy Sen, IIT Mandi, India.
11.50-12:50: Lunch
Lunch at Scandic St. Olavs plass.
12:50-14:00: Session: Advancing Bilateral Innovation in Deep Technology
- 12:50-13:05: AI Centers in Norway, by Dr. Signe Riemer-Sørensen (SINTEF Digital)
- 13:05-13:20: High Potential Deep Tech Topics for India Norway Collaboration, by Sachin Gaur, Team Leader: EU India policy dialogue support facility
- 13.20-14:00 Panel Discussion 1 – From Dialogue to Deployment: Operationalizing Indo-Norwegian AI and Deep Tech Partnerships
14:00-14:15: Break
Coffee, tea and conversation.
14:15-15:15: Session: Institutional Mobility and Industry Integration
- 14:15-14:30: Facilitating Cross-Border Talent: How NCI Connects Nordic and Indian Higher Education, by Assc. Prof. Alka Rani Goyal, Nordic Centre in India
- 14:30-14:45: Beyond the Classroom: Aligning Engineering Education with Industry Demand
Dr. Mattheew Charlton, Kentintrol - 14:45-15:15: Panel Discussion 2 – University–Industry Partnerships in a Multinational Environment
15:15-15:30: Break
Coffee, tea and conversation.
15:30-16:30: Session: Aligning Education and Research with Societal Needs
- 15:30-15:45: Tackling Societal Challenges: OsloMet’s Interdisciplinary Thematic Initiatives, by Dr. Christer Hyggen, OsloMet, and Prof. Parisa Gazerani, OsloMet
- 15.45-16:15 Panel Discussion 3 – How to Integrate Interdisciplinarity into Higher Education and Research to Solve Societal Challenges
16:15-16:30: Closing Remarks
Challenges in INTPART + UTFORSK, by Prof. Maneesh Singh, HVL, and Prof. Arvind Keprate, OsloMet
