Sustainable Nitte

PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS

PREAMBLE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

In an increasingly interconnected world, achieving sustainable development requires strong and purposeful partnerships. The complex social, economic, environmental, and health challenges of today cannot be addressed by institutions or nations working in isolation. In this context, Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), “Partnerships for the Goals, ” underscores the importance of collaboration among governments, academic institutions, industry, civil society, and international organizations.

Nitte (Deemed to be University) recognizes partnerships as a cornerstone of institutional growth and social responsibility. Through strategic collaborations at local, national, and global levels, the University promotes research excellence, innovation, knowledge exchange, and community engagement. Aligned with PREAMBLE SDG 17, Nitte University actively strengthens academic, healthcare, research, and industry partnerships to address real-world challenges and support capacity building for sustainable development.



In 2025, Nitte (Deemed to be University) further expanded its national and international partnerships, with a particular focus on industry–academia collaboration in the areas of technology, bioinnovation, and healthcare, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for transformative change beyond the campus.

GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP OF NITTE DU
Nitte (Deemed to be University) actively promotes global partnerships to advance research, innovation, and academic excellence. The University collaborates with leading international universities, research institutions, and professional organizations through MoUs, joint research initiatives, conferences, and exchange programmes. These partnerships support student and faculty mobility, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, and contribute to addressing global and regional challenges in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Strengthening global scientific collaboration on food systems and nutrition through WHO advisory engagement
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar has been appointed by the World Health Organization as a Member of its Technical Advisory Group on Risk– Benefit Assessment of animal-source foods, contributing to global scientific collaboration on evaluating dietary transitions, including the replacement of red meat with plant-based and aquatic foods, through a series of expert virtual meetings.

https://www.who.int/groups/technical-advisory-group-on-risk-benefitassessment-of-optimal-intake-of-animal-source-foods



WOAH-Led Global Partnership on Responsible Aquaculture Practices
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) invited Dr. Iddya Karunasagar to be a member of the Ad hoc Expert Group constituted to review and revise Chapter 6.2 of the WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Code. This chapter deals with the prudent and responsible use of antimicrobial agents in aquaculture. The Ad hoc committee held several rounds of online meetings to review the chapter in view of the current situation with respect to diseases in aquatic animals, antimicrobial residues, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and mitigation of AMR in aquaculture.

https://www.woah.org/app/uploads/2025/10/a-ahg-report-chapter-6.2- aquatic-code-29082025-vf.pdf



Strengthening international partnerships in food safety at SFDA, Riyadh
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar was invited by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to serve as a Member of its International Scientific Advisory Board on Food Safety Risk Assessment. He participated in the Board’s second meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 19–20, 2025. During this engagement, Dr. Karunasagar contributed expert guidance on microbiological risk assessment and evaluation, and engaged in focused discussions with SFDA staff. These interactions covered key areas including risk assessment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bottled drinking water, laboratory detection methods for Campylobacter and Shigella, strengthening epidemiological linkages, and the application of whole genome sequencing data to predict antimicrobial resistance.



Dr. Iddya Karunasagar at the SFDA Advisory Board meeting, Riyadh, February 2025.

Launch of Centre of Excellence in 3D Printing
Nitte NMAMIT, Nitte (Deemed to be University), inaugurated the Nitte–Kobayashi Centre of Excellence in 3D Printing on 24 January 2025, in collaboration with Kobayashi Create Co. Ltd., Japan. This industry–academia initiative, the first of its kind in India, aims to promote advanced research, skill development, and innovation in 3D printing technologies.



Fully Funded Student Exchange Programme – Sweden
Public Health students of Nitte (Deemed to be University) were selected for a fully funded student exchange programme in Sweden, commencing on 20 March 2025. The academic programme will be conducted from 25 March to 12 June 2025, promoting international learning, academic mobility, and global public health exposure through institutional collaboration.



SPARC-Sponsored International Conference on Immune Biology and Precision Medicine
Nitte University Centre for Science Education & Research (NUCSER), in collaboration with the Stem Cell Laboratory, KSHEMA, organized an International Conference on “Immune Biology and Precision Medicine: Deciphering Cross-Talks through MultiOmics” on 19–20 March 2025. The conference was conducted as part of the India– Netherlands collaborative research project with Radboud University, Nijmegen, supported by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under the SPARC scheme, strengthening international research collaboration in immune biology and precision medicine.



Smile Train (USA) and Cleft Children International (Switzerland)
These organizations support the Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Craniofacial Surgery, enabling free surgical treatment for patients with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other craniofacial deformities.

CELLINK (Sweden)
Nitte DU signed an MoU with CELLINK on 13 August 2025 through NITTE-GOK CoE | AQUAMARIN to advance collaborative research in 3D bioprinting and allied areas of biotechnology and life sciences. The partnership aims to strengthen industry–academia engagement, foster innovation in health sciences and marine biotechnology, support bio-entrepreneurship, and enable the translation and commercialization of emerging technologies.



INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS
Nitte (Deemed to be University) participates in DST-funded international research projects, including the Indo–Norway BIOAQUA project with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), focusing on biotechnological control of fish diseases and antimicrobial resistance using a One Health approach, and Indo– Belgium and Indo–Swedish collaborative projects supported by the Department of Science and Technology (India) and the Swedish International Development Agency.

University Partnerships and Academic Exchange:
Nitte (Deemed to be University) maintains active collaborations with international universities across the USA, Australia, Japan, Europe, and Asia to promote student and faculty mobility, joint academic programmes, and collaborative research. Key partners include Penn State University, Wake Forest University, and the University of Minnesota (USA); University of Wollongong (Australia); Miyazaki University (Japan) through the Sakura Science Programme; Ghent University (Belgium); Université Paul Sabatier (France); Ulster University, Christ Church University, and Plymouth University (UK); University of Gothenburg (Sweden); Goethe University (Germany); and Asian partners such as the National University of Singapore, University of Santo Tomas (Philippines), Catholic University of South Korea, and Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

Collaborative food safety surveillance across North Eastern states of India
Under the leadership of Dr. Iddya Karunasagar, affiliated with Nitte (Deemed to be University), the ICMR FoodNET project has established a coordinated partnership involving ICMR, state health departments across six North Eastern states, and academic institutions to strengthen foodborne disease surveillance. The initiative focuses on developing standardized surveillance systems, revising SOPs, and improving capacity through expert guidance and periodic reviews. Through sustained inter-institutional collaboration and evidence-based approaches, it enhances coordination and public health response for food safety in the region.

https://www.icmrfoodnet.in/projectteam



ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE)
Nitte (Deemed to be University) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 28 February 2025 with ICAR-CIFE, a leading national institution in fisheries and allied sciences, to promote collaboration in education, research, training, and capacity building.



MOU with Plotnew Bio Innovations Pvt. Ltd.:
Under the DST–NUTEC initiative, Nitte (Deemed to be University), in partnership with the Department of Pediatrics, K S Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA), enabled the clinical trial of “Birthfixia” , developed by Plotnew Bio Innovations. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 28 March 2025 to support translational research and industry–academia collaboration.



ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research (ICAR-DCR):
Nitte (Deemed to be University) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 30 June 2025 with ICAR-DCR to collaborate in research, training, and education, and to promote industry-linked translational activities for technology development.



MOU with Father Muller Charitable Institutions:
Nitte (Deemed to be University) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 14 March 2025 with Father Muller Charitable Institutions, a reputed healthcare and educational organization, to strengthen collaboration in healthcare services, academic activities, research, and community outreach.



MOU with St Aloysius (Deemed to be University):
Nitte (Deemed to be University) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), a premier Jesuit institution known for innovative education and research, to promote collaboration in academics, research, faculty and student exchange, and institutional development.



CPR Awareness and Free Health Check-up Camp
On 19 October 2025, Nitte Usha Institute of Nursing Sciences (NUINS), under the Vriddhi Industry–Academia Collaboration, in association with Swastika National Business School and supported by JCI Mangalore Samrat and MSEZ, organized a CPR demonstration and free health check-up camp during JCI Zonecon Kahale 2025, promoting community health and emergency care awareness.



Walkathon on Marine Conservation – “Together Against Overfishing”
On 28 December 2025, the NITTE–Government of Karnataka Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation (NITTE–GoK COE | AQUAMARIN), supported by KTech, Government of Karnataka, and hosted at NUCSER, in association with the NSS Cell of Nitte (Deemed to be University) and Rotary Club Mangalore, organized a 5 km walkathon at Tannirbavi Beach to raise awareness on marine conservation under the theme “Protect Our Oceans, Preserve Our Future. ”



Water Conservation and Micro-Irrigation Programme:
On 25 November 2025, the Nitte University Centre for Science Education & Research (NUCSER), in association with the Department of Horticulture, Bantwal, Netravati Farmers Development Association Union, and Dakshina Kannada Cooperative Society, Annalike, conducted a programme on water conservation and micro-irrigation for farmers at Navashakthi Yuvaka Mandala, as part of the University’s Sustainable Development Goals initiative.



Anti-Tobacco and Oral Health Awareness Camp:
On 15 January 2025, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, in association with the Indian Cancer Society, conducted a free anti-tobacco and oral health awareness camp at DK ZP Government Higher Primary School, Kumpala, promoting preventive healthcare and community awareness.



Beach Cleaning Drives for Environmental Conservation:
On 18 January 2025, the NSS Unit of Nitte Institute of Architecture, in collaboration with Young Indians, Mangalore, and the Rotaract Club of Nitte (Deemed to be University), organized a beach cleaning drive at Tannirbavi Beach. Further, on 19 April 2025, the NSS Cell of NUCSER, Nitte (Deemed to be University) conducted a beach cleaning drive at Someshwar Beach, Ullal, in observance of Earth Day, promoting environmental conservation and community awareness.



Blood Donation Drives by Nitte Institutions
  • The NSS Unit, Youth Red Cross, and Red Ribbon Club of Nitte Institute of Professional Education (NIPE) successfully organized a Blood Donation Camp on 25th January 2025 at KSRTC Bus Stand, Mangaluru.
  • Justice K S Hegde Institute of Management (JKSHIM) conducted a Blood Donation Camp on 21st November 2025 at the JKSHIM Auditorium, jointly organized by the Youth Red Cross Unit and NSS Unit in collaboration with Samvedana and Nitte Gajria Specialty Hospital.
  • The Youth Red Cross and NSS Units of NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, in association with the Blood Bank of Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, organized a Blood Donation Camp on 11th January 2025 in observance of National Youth Day.
These initiatives exemplify collaborations among educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and community groups, thereby promoting social responsibility, volunteerism, and community engagement.





One-Day National Seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Development
The Department of Pharmaceutics, NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (NGSMIPS), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, in association with the Controlled Release Society – Indian Chapter (CRS-IC), Mumbai, successfully organized a One-Day National Seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Development on 12th September 2025. This industry-academia partnership facilitated knowledge exchange and collaborative learning in pharmaceutical innovation.

https://crsic.org/one-day-national-seminar-on-artificial-intelligence-in- pharmaceutical-development/



Participation of NITTE-GoK COE in Aquamarine Innovation at Emerge 2025
The NITTE-GoK Centre of Excellence in Aquamarine Innovation (NITTE-GOK COE | AQUAMARIN) participated in Emerge 2025, a 3-day startup festival held from 31st January to 2nd February 2025 at Tannirbhavi Beach, Mangalore, organized by Section Infin-8, a venture studio promoting startup ecosystems. This engagement fostered collaboration between academia and industry, by encouraging innovation-driven networking, knowledge exchange, and entrepreneurial partnerships in the aquamarine sector.