The University of Engineering & Management (UEM), Kolkata’s Microsoft Student Society joined forces with the Kolkata International Blockchain Association (KIBA) to successfully organize CHAINSPHERE, a two-day immersive event focused on blockchain, AI, and Web3 advancements. Held online on January 22 and in-person on January 24, 2026, the program attracted eager students, emerging tech talents, and sector experts, seamlessly linking academic concepts to practical industry innovations.
The opening online session highlighted a lively No-Code AI Contest, allowing attendees to build creative AI applications using intuitive platforms that require minimal programming knowledge. This format underscored how accessible tools are democratizing innovation and enabling wider involvement in solving everyday problems through technology.
The in-person day featured an in-depth blockchain hands-on workshop paired with a dynamic quiz, offering participants direct experience with foundational principles, decentralized systems, and the broader Web3 landscape—while spotlighting promising professional paths in these fast-growing areas.
A standout moment came from the chief guest and keynote speaker, Kalyanjit Hatibaruah, Chairman of Flugelsoft Group and an advisory member of KIBA. Bringing over 25 years of insight across blockchain, Web3, AI, and digital shifts, he shared forward-thinking views on tech trajectories, emerging prospects, and effective career strategies. His background also includes roles as visiting faculty at New Delhi Institute of Management, mentoring at IIT Madras (Nirmaan) and IIM Kozhikode, plus engagements with hubs like T-Hub, STPI, and India Accelerator, along with judging national hackathons.
Insights from industry practitioners further enriched the discussions: Rittik Das (Founder, FilmFinance.App), Sweta Karar (Blockchain Engineer, Hacken), and Soumik Bakshi (AI Engineer, Payram) provided grounded takes on implementing blockchain solutions, pushing AI boundaries, and applying these technologies across varied sectors.
Prince Choudhury, President of KIBA, accompanied by Vice President Mukoot Ali, addressed the gathering and reinforced the association’s commitment to collaborations with universities, businesses, and policymakers to establish Kolkata as a prominent blockchain center in India.
The seamless execution owed much to the dedicated Microsoft Student Society team at UEM Kolkata, including Snehasish Das, Dipanjali Dutta, Praneet Singh, and Priyanshu Mitra.
Overall, CHAINSPHERE demonstrated the impact of educational and industry partnerships in equipping young minds with forward-looking expertise and fueling enthusiasm to drive India’s tech evolution.
