Chairman of Bioenergy Development Board S.E. Sudheendra at NIE’s International Conclave on Sustainable Technologies

Mysuru: The National Institute of Engineering (NIE) Mysuru, in collaboration with Fachhochschule Dortmund — University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany and The Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI), jointly organised a two-day International Conclave on Sustainable Technologies (ICST).

The conference was inaugurated on Feb. 19 by S.E. Sudheendra, Chairman of the Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board (KSBDB), who highlighted Karnataka’s pioneering role in bioenergy.

In his address, Sudheendra noted that Karnataka was the first State in the country to design, develop and implement the Karnataka Biofuel Policy – 2009. He further emphasised that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has placed strong importance on sustainability across various sectors, including manufacturing, social services and economic development. He stated that sustainable development fosters social harmony and peace and the bioenergy sector in Karnataka is set to witness significant transformation in the coming months.

The Board has initiated multiple projects to create a conducive environment for the growth of biofuels, particularly in areas such as bio-briquettes, pellets, biodiesel, second-generation (2G) ethanol, compressed biogas and green hydrogen. He revealed that the sector envisions an investment of over 1 trillion dollars.

As part of Invest Karnataka — Global Investors Summit 2025, the Board showcased its achievements and plans, with efforts underway to attract investors for large-scale commercialisation of biofuel initiatives.

Sudheendra also spoke about his interactions with policymakers, subject experts and industry leaders from various countries, aimed at expanding the biofuel value chain in Karnataka.

A high-level meeting is scheduled this week under the leadership of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and the IT & BT Minister, where experts and stakeholders will provide strategic inputs to accelerate biofuel development.

Sudheendra interacted with students and appreciated their exhibits on 17 sustainability factors. He also inaugurated a biofuel stall, showcasing various bioenergy products and programmes.

The event saw the participation of international delegates from Germany, media representatives including KSBDB Managing Director L. Shiv Shankar, DCF B.R. Lohith, project consultant Dr. G.N. Dayananda, Vice-Rector, FHD, Germany Prof. Stephen Weyers, Director of Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Rural Industrialisation, Waradha Dr. Ashutosh A. Murkute, Speaker, Author, Sustainability Researcher, TH-OWL, Lemgo, Germany, Dr. Christoph Harrach, Hon. Secretary, IE India Mysuru Dr. S.A. Mohan Krishan, Hon. President NIE Mysuru Dr. M.S. Ranganath, Conveners, ICST 2005 Prof. Shamsundar Subbarao and Prof. K.R. Prakash, Co-Chair Prof. Imran Jamdar and NIE Principal Prof. Rohini Nagapadma.