SMARTCOR 2026, a landmark conference jointly organized by ICT-IOC Bhubaneswar and the AMPP Bengal Chapter, in association with the Mining, Minerals, Metals & Materials Society of India (4MSI), CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar, and IIT Bhubaneswar, commenced on July 10, 2026, at the CSIR-IMMT campus in Bhubaneswar.

The two-day conference brought together eminent researchers, academicians, industry professionals, and policymakers to deliberate on emerging challenges and opportunities in corrosion science, strategic materials, mineral resources, and advanced coating technologies.

The inaugural session was led by Dr. Tapan K. Rout, who welcomed the distinguished guests and dignitaries. The event was attended by Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar; Dr. Anupam Agnihotri, Former Director, JNARDDC, Nagpur; Mr. Sambit Tripathy, Former IRS Officer, Odisha; Mr. Sujoy Chaudhary, Chairman, AMPP Bengal Chapter; and Dr. Suresh Chandra Khattoi, President, 4MSI.

The conference chairman, Dr. Suvankar Pati of IIT Bhubaneswar, and the convener, Dr. Smrutirekha Mishra of ICT Bhubaneswar, also addressed the gathering. Several renowned leaders from the paints, coatings, corrosion, steel, aluminium, engineering, and mineral industries participated in the event.

Organizers highlighted that SMARTCOR 2026 provides a unique platform for collaboration between academia, research organizations, and industry, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange in strategic materials and protective coating technologies.

Recognized as the first conference of its kind in Odisha dedicated to the role of strategic materials, minerals, corrosion, and protective coatings (paints), SMARTCOR 2026 was conceived and organized by a team led by Dr. Tapan K. Rout, Vice Chairman of the AMPP Bengal Chapter and 4MSI, marking a significant milestone in advancing research and industrial collaboration in the field.