The Colombo Conference

25

26

27

March 2026

The 3rd International Conference on

University-Industry Collaborations for Sustainable Development (ICSD 2026)

"Smart Academia-Industry Partnerships for a Sustainable Future "

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WELCOME to

ICSD

2026

Building upon the tremendous success of our inaugural event, ICSD on March 2024, we are delighted to announce the third International Conference on University-Industry Collaborations for Sustainable Development which is set to take place this March 2026. The inauguration ceremony and the technical sessions will be held at gapHQ, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka, from 25th – 27th March 2026.

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Vision

To create a global platform that inspires and empowers University-Industry collaborations, driving sustainable solutions, innovative technologies, and entrepreneurial strategies for sustainable development

Mission

To facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnerships among academia, industry, and policymakers. By integrating cutting-edge research, practical insights, and visionary thinking, the conference seeks to enhance university curricula, strengthen business links, and catalyze the development of innovative sustainable solutions that promote environmental and socio-economic.

International projects funded by the European Commission ERASMUS+ scheme

The Colombo Conference stands as a remarkable success story, born from the visionary support of the FOUNTAIN project and the SECRA grants. The FOUNTAIN initiative, with its mission to address the challenges of University-Industry Partnerships in Asian universities, has played a pivotal role in bridging gaps in research, innovation, and collaboration. By fostering a center for excellence in invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship, FOUNTAIN has empowered universities, industries, and research institutions to align their goals, particularly in agro-industries. Through need assessments in Thailand and Sri Lanka, it has enhanced university curricula, established communities of practice, and nurtured business start-ups, providing fertile ground for the Colombo Conference’s ambitious goals of sustainable development and transformative innovation.

SECRA is an international project funded by the European Commission ERASMUS+ scheme. SECRA demonstrates European added value through its transnational character aimed at a sustainable systemic impact. Together, FOUNTAIN and SECRA have laid the foundation for ICSD 2025 to become a beacon of progress, where academics, industry leaders, and innovators converge to shape a sustainable and collaborative future. Their unwavering support has made the Colombo Conference a shining example of how strategic investments in education and innovation can drive meaningful change.

Paper Publishing

Abstract / Full Paper Submission is now open

The selected, leading papers of the Colombo 3rd International Conference (ICSD 2026) will be published by Springer Nature under the book series Proceedings in Technology Transfer. All other accepted papers will be published in a special volume of proceedings with an international standard book number (ISSN).

The Abstracts e-book will be made available on the day of the conference

International Pitching Competition - IPC 2024

The most exciting event of The Colombo Conference 2024!

Are you ready to showcase your entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas?

Join us for the International Pitching Competition organized by the University of Peradeniya as a session of the Colombo Conference 2024 (The First International Conference on University-industry Collaborations for Sustainable Development -ICSD 2024)

Conference Co-Chairs

Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake

PROFESSOR

University of Peradeniya
Sri Lanka

Prof. G. Yugantha Jayasinghe

PROFESSOR

University of Ruhuna
Sri Lanka

Mr. Ravi Nissanka

CHAIRMAN

Industrial Development Board
Sri Lanka

Dr. Ravi Liyanage

CO-FOUNDER, CHAIRMAN , CEO

Raigam Group
Sri Lanka

Prof. G. Sujeeva Stunga

PROFESSOR

RMIT University
Australia

Prof. Dilanthi Amaratunga

PROFESSOR

Loughborough University
United Kingdom

Prof. Irene Lill

PROFESSOR

Tallinn University of Technology
Estonia

Prof. Artūras Kaklauskas

PROFESSOR

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Lithuania

Mr. Sujith Gunawardena

DIRECTOR

Insee Ecocycle Lanka
Sri Lanka

Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayaka

PROFESSOR

Sabaragamuwa University Sri Lanka

Prof. M.H.J.P. Gunarathna

PROFESSOR

Rajarata University
Sri Lanka

Prof. Lasith Gunawardena

PROFESSOR

University of Sri Jayawardanapura
Sri Lanka

Assoc. Prof. Jörgen Sparf

PROFESSOR

Mid Sweden University
Sweden

Asst.Prof.Dr. Sujinda Sriwattana

PROFESSOR

Chiang Mai University
Thailand

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarintip Tantanee

PROFESSOR

Naresuan University
Thailand

Dr. Valsson Varghese

KDK College of Engineering, Nagpur
India

Themes

Important Dates

Partner Universities

In Collaboration with

Technical Partners