Industrial Workshop on Biomass, Biosolids and Solid Waste Upcycling for Resource Recovery (IWBBS-2026)
22nd - 23rd January, 2026
Venue: BITS Pilani, K K Birla, Goa Campus
About Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani was declared as an Institution Deemed to be a University under section 3 of the UGC Act in the year 1964, one of the earliest to be so recognized. BITS Pilani has pioneered a number of visionary initiatives in higher education and has established an impeccable and formidable reputation nationally for excellence. BITS Pilani offers UG, PG and PhD programs to over 17,000 students across its 5 campuses in Pilani, Goa, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Dubai. The Institute has secured over Rs. 398 crores as external research funding in the last 05 years. State of art facilities have been developed to support cutting edge research, led by students and about 930 faculty members, leading to a Scopus h-index of 156, with 221 patents filed so far, and 41 patents granted. Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani) has been consistently ranked high, by both government and private ranking agencies for its innovative processes and capabilities that have enabled it to impart quality education and emerge as the best private science and engineering Institute in India. In recognition of the high standard that BITS Pilani strives to uphold, the University Grant Commission, in 2018, has declared it as an “Institute of Eminence” (IOE).
About BITS Pilani KK Birla Goa Campus
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus is a premier educational institution, renowned not only for its academic rigor but also for its stunning location. Spread over 180 acres of lush, green terrain, the campus is set against the backdrop of verdant hills and offers breathtaking views of the Zuari River. This unique setting provides an ideal environment for intellectual growth and personal development, blending natural beauty with academic pursuits.
The campus is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure, including spacious, modern laboratories, soundproof classrooms with advanced furnishings, computer labs with high-speed internet access, and an extensive library housing a vast collection of academic resources. In addition to these academic facilities, the campus offers a range of amenities that enhance the student experience, such as separate hostels for boys and girls, a medical center, faculty and staff residences, and a student activity center. For recreation and relaxation, the campus features a playground and a shopping complex, ensuring that students have access to everything they need for a comfortable stay.
True to the institute’s spirit of innovation and creativity, the Goa campus integrates technological advancement with environmental conservation. The development of the infrastructure has maintained a balance between modernization and the preservation of Goa’s natural landscape.
About Department of Chemical Engineering
The Department of Chemical Engineering at BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus was established in 2004. In its early days, it was referred to as the Chemical Engineering Group before it attained Department status in 2009. It offers a strong integrated First Degree academic programme (B. E.) and also a dynamic Higher Degree Programme (M. E.) in Chemical Engineering that reflects the evolution of the Department. Over the years, the academic programme has evolved with a strong core curriculum complemented by electives in the important emerging areas of Chemical Engineering.
The continually evolving programmes emphasize on fundamental theory as well as practical applications in Chemical Engineering, keeping in view the continuous changing scenarios in this discipline. Aligning with the three tier structure of the University, the Department also offers a Doctoral programme leading to a PhD degree.
The faculty in the Department are a mix of highly qualified and experienced people from both academic and industrial background and this helps the students to understand and appreciate knowledge in this discipline and its relevance to Industry. The Department currently has 24 faculty members comprising of :
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Emeritus Professor: 01
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Senior Professor: 01
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Professor: 04
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Associate Professors: 07
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Assistant Professors: 13
The Department has initiated a vigorous research program in several thrust areas through significant funding from Industry and Government funding agencies. Faculty in the Department are engaged in basic research and applied research of interest to industry. The Department till date through constant efforts of its faculty has secured research funding for projects to the tune of over Rs. 10 crores in the last 07 years. Research infrastructure has been created in a few areas with these funded projects and this is a constant ongoing activity. These experimental facilities are well complemented by theoretical modeling and simulation facilities driven by multi-physics / process modelling and simulation software packages.
In a span of 20 years of its existence, the Department of Chemical Engineering has seen remarkable developments in evolving curricula, teaching, laboratory infrastructure and research programmes as well as funded and consultancy projects. It is poised for all round growth in the next few years spurred on through activities driven by its faculty and students.
About IWBBS 2026
The Department of Chemical Engineering and the Advanced Research Centre on Sustainable Energy Technologies (ARCSET), BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus, are jointly organizing a two-day Industrial Workshop on Biomass, Biosolids and Solid Waste Upcycling for Resource Recovery (IWBBS-2026) from 22nd to 23rd January 2026.
This workshop aims to serve as a dynamic platform for industry professionals, researchers, scientists and policymakers to engage in discussions on innovative and sustainable technologies for resource recovery from diverse waste streams. It focuses on the transition towards a circular economy, emphasizing valorization, upcycling, and process integration for environmental and economic sustainability.
The workshop will cover core themes such as
1) Biomass Utilization: Agricultural and forestry residue valorization for fuels and materials
2)Biosolids Treatment: Stabilized sludge management and pollutant removal techniques.
3) Solid Waste Management: Circular economy pathways for efficient resource recovery.
4) AI/ML in Upcycling Systems: Predictive optimization and smart waste valorization models.
5) TEA/LCA Frameworks: Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment for sustainable process design.
6)Technology Scale-up: Industrial adoption and process integration strategies for large-scale implementation.
The workshop will feature expert lectures, industrial case studies, and interactive panel sessions highlighting emerging research, pilot-scale experiences, and future trends in waste-to-resource conversion. Participants will gain insights into the integration of artificial intelligence and data-driven tools in process optimization and assessment frameworks that guide sustainable technology deployment.
By fostering dialogue between academia and industry, IWBBS-2026 seeks to accelerate the translation of research into practical solutions, driving India’s journey towards net-zero and resource-efficient development.
Thrust Areas
Biomass Utilization
Biosolids Treatment
Solid Waste Management
AI/ML in Upcycling Systems
TEA/LCA Frameworks
Technology Scale-up
FLYER
Speakers
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jain
( Former Director CPPRI and KNHPI)
Technical Expert, United nations Industrial Development Organizations (UNIDO)
Dr. Suneel Pandey
Director, Circular Economy and Waste Management Division,
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Prof. Vinu Ravikrishnan
Chemical Engineering Department, IIT Madras
Prof. Kalpit Shah
Deputy Head of Research and Innovation,
Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, RMIT University
Dr. Vanita Prasad
Founder & Director, CTO,
REVY Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Dr. Amit Bansiwal
Chief Scientist and Co-Chair, CSIR NEERI
Mr. Chandan Goswami
Chief Executive Officer-Compressed Biogas Business,
Jakson Green
Dr. Parveen Saini
Sr. Principal Scientist and Professor AcSIR,
CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL),
New Delhi
Dr. Sanjay P Kamble
Chief Principal Scientist,
Chemical Engineering & Process Development Division CSIR- National Chemical Laboratory, Pune
Prof. Srikanth Mutnuri
Department of Biological Sciences
Birla Institute of Technology & Science,
Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
Prof. Pratik N Sheth
Chemical Engineering Department
Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan
Important Dates
Online Registration: Until 15th December 2025
Fee Structure
Scientist & Faculty participants (from India): INR 7000
Industry Participants (from India): INR 10,000
Industry Exhibition Stall (from India): INR 50,000
Others (from India): INR 5000
Sponsorship Options
Platinum Sponsor: ₹ 1,00,000 - ₹2,00,000
Gold Sponsor: ₹50,000 - ₹1,00,000
Silver Sponsor: ₹25,000 - ₹50,000
Payment Guidelines
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Organising Committee
Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao
Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, Chief Patron
Prof. Suman Kundu
Director,
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, Patron
Prof. Sampatrao Dagu Manjare
Head of Department ,
Chemical Engineering,
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, Coordinator
Prof. Abhishek Sharma
Department of Chemical Engineering,
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, Convener
Prof. Mrunalini Gaydhane
Department of Chemical Engineering,
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, Co-Convener
Members of Organising Committee
Prof. Bibek Uprety
Prof. Riju De
Prof. Samarshi Chakraborty
Sponsors
To be updated soon
Accommodation
IWBBS does not provide any campus accommodation. Participant has to arrange accommodation at their own. However, you can explore the possible options here.
Travel Information
Venue: BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, Goa
How to reach the venue:
Being a popular tourist destination and a haven for relaxation, Goa offers superb connectivity to major cities throughout the country. Nesting in the lap of verdant hills, overlooking the Zuari River, BITS, Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus is spread over an area of 180 acres. The location of campus is unique in the respect of scenic beauty and panoramic view of picturesque surrounding encompassing Zuari River, hillocks, waterways, forests and landscape.
Note: BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus is on the side of a bypass road to NH17B and regular buses will not go via Campus, so avoid taking a local/ city bus.
Accessing BITS Pilani Goa Campus is facilitated through diverse transportation options, guaranteeing convenience for both attendees and visitors.
Air Travel
Goa boasts two airports, namely Goa International Airport (Dabolim), situated approximately 5 km away and Manohar International Airport (Mopa), which is roughly at a distance of 55 km from BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa campus, the venue for the symposium. Goa International Airport, being the closest, is extensively connected to major cities across India, providing a time-efficient air travel option. One can find regular flights to this tropical paradise from cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Chennai. The fastest way to reach Goa is often by taking a flight from Mumbai or Bengaluru, with the journey typically lasting around an hour. Air India is recognized as the national carrier. However, travelers can choose among various airlines, including SpiceJet, IndiGo, Air Asia, Akasa Air and Vistara. Upon arrival, pre-paid taxis are readily available to reach the Campus.
Pre-paid Taxi service at the Airports
Pre-paid Taxi counters are available at the airport arrival area.
Goa International Airport (Dabolim) to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 500/- ($6)
Manohar International Airport (Mopa) to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 4,000/- ($50)
One can also avail the ‘Goa Miles’ cab service via the Government certified transportation portal: https://www.goamiles.com.
Note: The rates may vary accordingly and can be higher if not pre-paid. The above rates and information are representative and approximate. Organizers are not responsible for any deviation in prices and information mentioned above.
Rail Travel
Those inclined towards rail travel can commute by train and arrive at Karmali Railway Station, located about 20 km, Madgaon railway station, which is 22 km away or Vasco railway station which is 10 km from BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus. These railway stations have established connections to major cities in the region.
Karmali Railway Station to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 2,000/- ($25)
Madgaon Railway Station to BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus: ~Rs. 2,500/- ($30)
Note: The above rates and information are representative and approximate. Organizers are not responsible for any deviation in prices and information mentioned above.
Road Travel
The campus is easily reachable by road, with well-maintained highways and road networks linking it to neighboring towns and cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad etc.
For more Information
Contact:
1. Prof. Abhishek Sharma (Convener)
Email ID: abhisheksharma@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in
Contact number: 0832-2580904
2. Prof. Mrunalini Gaydhane (Co-convener)
Email ID: mrunalinig@goa.bits-pilani.ac.in
Contact number: 0832-2580489
3. Chemical Office Contact No.: 0832-2580130
