The 5th Annual CSR Conclave 2026, hosted by IIT Bombay at the IIT Bombay Research Park (ASPIRE), brought together over 400 attendees, including philanthropists, policymakers, and innovators from across the country. Centred on the theme Fuelling Technology for Nation Building, the Conclave served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on the role of technology, partnerships, and responsible innovation in addressing India’s most pressing challenges.

Over the course of the day, participants engaged in insightful thematic breakout sessions featuring panel discussions and fireside chats across critical themes like Deep Tech, Artificial Intelligence, and Healthcare. The Conclave hosted a Tech Showcase featuring 15 demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies being developed at IIT Bombay. The Institute also unveiled the CSR Catalogue featuring 400 research project collaboration opportunities, and the CSR Impact Stories Brochure, which showcased corporate initiatives and their tangible impact through industry–Institute collaborations.

Inaugural Session and Keynote Address

The Conclave commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Shireesh B. Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, who highlighted the Institute’s commitment to advancing research and innovation that delivers tangible societal impact.

The inaugural address was delivered by esteemed IITB alumnus, Mr. Ashish Bhandari (B.Tech., Electrical Engineering, 1993), MD & CEO, Thermax Limited, who reflected on the transformative potential of industry-academia collaboration and the need for collective action in building technology-driven solutions for national development.

A key highlight of the conclave was the keynote address delivered by IITB Distinguished Alumnus Mr. Rizwan Koita (B.Tech., Electrical Engineering, 1992), Chairperson, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), and Co-founder & Director, Koita Foundation. Drawing upon his extensive experience in healthcare transformation and philanthropy, Mr. Koita shared valuable insights into the role of technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships in creating sustainable impact and addressing some of the country’s most significant developmental challenges.

Building Partnerships for Impact

A central theme that resonated throughout the conclave was the power of partnerships in translating ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Mr. Ravishankar Gedela, CEO, IIT Bombay Development and Relations Foundation (IITB-DRF), presented opportunities for organisations to engage with IIT Bombay through strategic CSR partnerships, research collaborations, and innovation-led initiatives. His presentation highlighted how industry and philanthropy can work alongside academic institutions to accelerate solutions that address societal needs while fostering long-term impact.

The conclave also witnessed the launch of the Annual CSR Catalogue 2026, showcasing 400 research project collaboration opportunities across a diverse portfolio of projects and initiatives, including education, healthcare, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community development. The catalogue serves as a gateway for organisations seeking to partner with IIT Bombay in advancing impactful and scalable programmes that contribute to nation-building.

Fireside Chats

The conclave featured engaging fireside conversations that brought together leaders from industry and academia to share perspectives on emerging opportunities, strategic partnerships, and the evolving role of technology in shaping the future. These intimate discussions offered participants an opportunity to gain deeper insights from experts who are driving transformation across sectors.

1. AI for Manufacturing

– Mr. Sharad Sanghi
Co-founder & CEO, Neysa Networks Pvt. Ltd.

– Prof. Mani Bhushan
Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay

The discussion explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in manufacturing, examining how emerging technologies are driving efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness across industrial ecosystems.

2. Strategic Partnerships for Impact

– Prof. Bakul Rao
Head, Centre for Technology Alternatives for Rural Areas (CTARA), IIT Bombay

– Ms. Swapna Ananth
Director – HR & CSR, Mizuho Global Services India Pvt. Ltd.

The conversation highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships between academic institutions and industry in creating sustainable social impact and enabling meaningful development outcomes.

Panel Discussions

A major highlight of the conclave was a series of thought-provoking panel discussions featuring leaders from industry, academia, healthcare, technology, and the CSR ecosystem. Together, these conversations examined how innovation, investment, and collaboration can accelerate India’s development journey while ensuring that growth remains inclusive and sustainable. The discussions included:

India’s Deep Tech Moment

Moderator

– Milind Atrey
Deputy Director – Academics, Research and Translation (ART), IIT Bombay

Panellists

– Prof. Aloka Majumdar
Managing Director & Head – Sustainability, HSBC India

– Mr. Amit Sharma
Managing Director & CEO, Tata Consulting Engineers

– Mr. Anupam Nidhi
Group CSR Head, Vedanta Group

– Ms. Apoorva Kapse
Director & Site Lead, Marvell Technology

– Mr. Ashish Bhandari
MD & CEO, Thermax Limited

The discussion explored how strategic partnerships between industry, academia, and CSR stakeholders can strengthen India’s deep-tech ecosystem and accelerate the development of globally relevant innovations.

Tech Sovereignty in a Connected World

Moderator

– Upendra Bhandarkar
Dean – Alumni and Corporate Relations (ACR), IIT Bombay

Panellists

– Mr. Chandan Jha
Circle CEO – Mumbai, Indus Towers

– Ms. Deepa Nagaraj
Senior Vice President & Head – ESG, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem and Communications, Mphasis

– Mr. G.V. Rao
Director – CSR & External Industry Affairs, Volvo Group India

– Mr. Niraj Bhukhanwala
Executive Director, Bhukhanwala Group

The panel examined the importance of technological self-reliance, innovation ecosystems, and strategic capability building in strengthening India’s position in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

Technology for Equitable Growth

Moderator

– Prof. Ashutosh Kumar
Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay

Panellists

– Dr. Akhilesh Sharma
President & Chief Medical Officer, Alkem Laboratories

– Mr. Amit Gupta
Head – Corporate Strategy & Product, Indegene

– Ms. Meera Rajeevan
Chief Operating Officer, VIDYADHAN, Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives

– Dr. Pooja Agrawal
Program Director, BFI Biome Network

The panel focused on how technology can be leveraged to improve access, affordability, and inclusion, particularly across healthcare and social development sectors, ensuring that innovation delivers benefits to communities at scale.

Recognising Contributions and Strengthening Engagement

The conclave also featured a felicitation ceremony recognising valuable contributions to the CSR and social impact ecosystem.

Prof. Upendra Bhandarkar, Dean, Alumni and Corporate Relations (ACR), IIT Bombay, delivered a special address reflecting on the importance of sustained engagement between institutions, industry, alumni, and philanthropic partners in advancing innovation and social progress. Corporates who were felicitated included Alkem Foundation, Bank of America, Google Asia Pacific, Groww Foundation, Honeywell Hometown Solutions India Foundation, HRTI Private Limited, Mphasis F1 Foundation, Optiver, and Tata Trusts.

Lab Tours: Experiencing Innovation First-Hand

Following the afternoon sessions, attendees were invited to explore a selection of IIT Bombay’s cutting-edge research facilities through guided laboratory tours. Attendees experienced IIT Bombay’s larger research and innovation ecosystem through showcases spanning hydrogen technologies, concrete 3D printing, assistive healthcare solutions, affordable diagnostics, immersive technologies, AI-driven systems, sustainable materials, and future-ready skilling initiatives. Delegates were additionally introduced to rural technology and livelihood innovations aimed at improving the quality of life at the grassroots level. These visits offered a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the groundbreaking work underway across diverse domains, and by engaging directly with researchers, faculty members, and innovators, delegates gained valuable insights into how pioneering research is being translated into practical solutions with the potential to create meaningful societal impact. The lab tours served as a powerful reminder of the critical role that academic research and industry collaboration play in driving innovation for nation-building.

Looking Ahead

The 5^th Annual CSR Conclave 2026 reaffirmed the importance of bringing together diverse stakeholders to address complex societal challenges through technology, innovation, and collaboration. The discussions throughout the day highlighted not only the opportunities that lie ahead but also the collective responsibility required to ensure that technological advancement translates into meaningful societal progress.

As India continues to pursue ambitious goals across healthcare, sustainability, education, manufacturing, and deep technology, partnerships between academia, industry, philanthropy, and government will remain critical. The conclave served as a powerful reminder that when expertise, resources, and purpose come together, innovation can become a catalyst for inclusive and lasting nation-building.

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