The Global University–Industry Collaboration Summit (GUICS 2026), held on 26th March 2026 at gapHQ, Colombo, is a full-day program centered around the theme “Sustainability, University Rankings, and University–Industry Collaboration.” The summit brings together academics, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore how stronger partnerships between universities and industries can contribute to sustainable development and global competitiveness.

The day begins with registration, followed by welcoming remarks delivered by Prof. Chaminda Bandara from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, setting the context for the summit. The keynote lecture is delivered by Dr. Chalaka Fernando, Sustainability Manager at Evolve Facility Management, Canberra, who provides valuable insights into sustainability practices, their influence on university rankings, and the importance of industry collaboration in achieving long-term impact.

Panel discussion : strengthening global university–industry collaboration for sustainable development.

The panel discussion at the Global University–Industry Collaboration Summit 2026 focuses on the theme “Strengthening Global University–Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Development,” bringing together leading academics and industry experts to explore practical strategies for impactful partnerships. Moderated by Prof. G. Yugantha Jayasinghe, the session is designed to foster meaningful dialogue across sectors and generate actionable insights that can enhance collaboration at both local and global levels.

The discussion features a diverse panel, including Emeritus Prof. Ranjith Dissanayake from the University of Peradeniya, who emphasizes engineering entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation; Assoc. Prof. Evangelia Petridou from Mid Sweden University, who brings expertise in policy and governance frameworks; Mr. Sujith Gunawardena, Director of INSEE Ecocycle Lanka, representing the industry perspective on circular economy and environmental innovation; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarintip Tantanee, President of Naresuan University, Thailand, who contributes insights on climate-resilient development and international collaboration. Together, they represent a balanced mix of academia, policy, and industry.

The panel explores key topics such as promoting green innovation, translating research into real-world applications, strengthening governance and policy support, and addressing sustainability challenges through collaborative efforts. It also highlights the importance of building trust, ensuring long-term partnerships, and aligning academic research with industry needs to drive economic and social impact. Through guided and cross-cutting questions, the session aims to identify barriers, share successful practices, and propose solutions for advancing university–industry collaboration in a global context.

Overall, the panel discussion serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic thinking, encouraging participants to rethink how academia and industry can work together more effectively to support sustainable development goals and create lasting societal value.

The summit concludes with closing remarks, summarizing the key insights and encouraging continued collaboration among stakeholders. Overall, GUICS 2026 provides a valuable platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic thinking to advance sustainability through effective university–industry collaboration.