The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, is set to host a three-day national conference-cum-workshop titled “AI-Driven Innovations in Drug Discovery and Agriculture (AI-D2A 2025)” from November 12 to 14, 2025, at the BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator in Kathua. The event is being jointly organised under the aegis of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, BIRAC-BioNEST Incubator and CSIR-Jigyasa, with support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. Dr P C Panchariya, Director, CSIR-CEERI, Pilani, Rajasthan, will inaugurate the event as the chief guest.

According to organisers, over 75 participants from across the country are expected to attend the conference, which will feature keynote talks, technical sessions, interactive discussions and hands-on workshops. The sessions will focus on the use of Artificial Intelligence tools to accelerate drug discovery, enhance crop productivity and develop data-driven agricultural models. To ensure broader outreach, the entire event will be live-streamed on social media platforms, enabling students, startups and farmers from different regions to benefit from the deliberations. While reviewing the arrangements, Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu, said, “The event aims to foster collaboration among scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. This is the era of Artificial Intelligence. AI-based tools are now becoming an integral part of drug discovery and agricultural practices, especially for skill development and capacity building of all stakeholders,” he said. “The event presents a unique opportunity for participants to learn and benefit from the latest AI-driven approaches being adopted globally,” he added.

Earlier, the organisers shared that AI-D2A 2025 will offer a dual experience, conceptual sessions on AI applications in biological research, along with practical training modules demonstrating how machine learning can assist in molecular design, compound screening and agri-data analytics. The event will also highlight ongoing initiatives at the BIRAC-BioNEST incubator, Kathua. The incubator serves as a hub for biotech startups, promoting innovation-led entrepreneurship and helping translate research into commercial ventures in areas such as agriculture, natural products and industrial biotechnology.