Tirupathur: The Science and Technology AI Conference 2025, jointly organised by the Annamalai Foundation (USA), Annamalai Trust (India) and Sacred Heart College, concluded here with participation from over 16,000 delegates including students, academicians, industry leaders and entrepreneurs.

The event, billed as the largest science festival held in Tirupathur, featured 50 companies, 30 CEOs and more than 30 exhibition stalls showcasing innovations. A hackathon held as part of the festival saw students from a Chennai college bag the first prize of Rs 1 lakh.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr M Krishnan, Vice-Chancellor of Thiruvarur Central University, and MLA A Nallathambi. The highlight sessions included discussions on IT industry growth, career development and the role of AI in academia, comparing Indian and foreign education systems.

Padma Shri awardee and former ISRO scientist Dr Mayilsamy Annadurai delivered a motivational address, while ex-ISRO scientist Dr R R Ilangovan spoke on innovation. Senior officials including Karmegam IAS, Dr Sulochana Satish of Central University, Dr Bala M S and industry leader Naveen Kumar also took part in the deliberations.

Perumal Annamalai, founder of the initiative, and co-coordinator Naveen Kumar of GWC Data.AI were lauded for successfully organising the conference with international support. Speakers emphasised the need to host similar technology events in tier-III cities to inspire local talent.