International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Medical Devices Begins at NIT Rourkela with Global Participation
28 November, 2025: The International Conference on Advanced Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering and Medical Devices (ICABTEMD 2025) commenced on November 28, 2025, at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela, bringing together leading researchers, engineers, medical doctors, clinicians, industry innovators, entrepreneurs, and young scientists from India and abroad. Organized by the Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering established by the Ministry of Education located in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering at NIT Rourkela, the conference will run till 30 in hybrid mode, offering an international platform for multidisciplinary dialogue on innovative and advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering and medical device technologies. With around 125 registered delegates, the event features plenary lectures, keynote and invited lectures, technical sessions, technical exhibition, poster session covering advanced biomaterials, nanomaterials, tissue-regeneration strategies for orthopaedic, dental, ophthalmic, cardiac, diseases and disorders etc innovative materials and manufacturing of biomedical devices, translational approaches, and AI/ML applications in biomaterial design and others. Distinguished speakers from the USA, UK, Japan, Romania, Singapore, Malaysia and India are participating in the event for an impactful knowledge exchange, networking and research collaboration.
The inaugural session witnessed the presence of Chief Guest Prof. T. S. Sampath Kumar (IIT Madras), Guest of Honour Dr. Luminita Simion (St. Spiridon University Hospital, Romania), Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao (Director, NIT Rourkela), Prof. Rohan Dhiman (Registrar, NIT Rourkela), and Prof. Devendra Verma (Head, BM Department).
Speaking at the opening, Prof. Krishna Pramanik, Chairperson of the conference delivered welcome address and highlighted the growing importance of tissue engineering in addressing grafting challenges. She emphasized that novel & smart biomaterials and tissue engineering approach are central to modern therapeutic innovations for regeneration of defect tissue and organs and manufacturing medical device. Prof. Devendra Verma noted that the concept of tissue engineering, formally introduced in 1983, and is now one of the most transformative areas of modern science. He shared that the department has launched a new project to develop a ‘Handheld Bioprinter’ (a portable device capable of printing living cells and biomaterials directly onto wounds or damaged tissue to support healing). Prof. Rohan Dhiman also expressed appreciation for the department’s progressive research pursuits and highlighted the importance of such innovations in addressing lifestyle-linked health issues.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, stated that disorders of the vertebral column remain one of the most challenging clinical problems, as disc regeneration has not yet been achieved anywhere in the world. He urged scientists and young researchers to explore advanced tissue engineering solutions that could one day make spinal disc repair and regeneration a reality, emphasizing that breakthroughs in this area would significantly benefit patients suffering from chronic spinal conditions.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Sampath Kumar, highlighted the global need for advanced biomaterials that can support tissue repair and improve the performance of medical devices, particularly orthopaedic applications. Attending the event virtually, Guest of Honour Dr. Luminita Simion remarked that tissue and organ failure remain critical global health concerns and noted that advancements in regenerative medicine and biomaterials are paving the way for more effective and personalized therapeutic solutions.
The conference is convened by Prof. A. Thirugnanam and Prof. Amit Biswas as convenors, with Prof. Sudip Dasgupta and Prof. Sujit Ku. Bhutia serving as Co-convenors.
During the three-day event, attendees will deliberate on various themes, including advanced biomaterials for orthopaedic, dental, cardiovascular, neural, and cancer applications, advanced manufacturing technique for medical devices, along with regulatory, ethical, and IPR-related aspects of biomaterial, engineered tissue substitutes and medical devices.