Portland Chapter Steps Up: From Words to Action

When Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, and Prof. Ravindra Gudi, Dean ACR, visited Portland in November last year, it was a momentous occasion because it coincided with the first anniversary of the Portland chapter of IITBHF.

During his address, Prof. Kedare issued two key challenges to the community:

• Increase alumni participation in giving
• Focus on semiconductors as a strategic area for collaboration, particularly through the Institute’s Semi-X initiative

IIT Bombay is delighted that the Portland chapter has risen to both calls with enthusiasm and purpose. In a significant step forward, alumni participation in the 2024 IITBHF annual fund drive has grown from fewer than 10 to 33 donors—a commendable leap that reflects a deepening commitment to the Institute.

On the semiconductor front, the chapter has been equally active. Spearheaded by Mr. Nitin Sarangdhar (B.Tech., Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 1980), a member of the Semi-X executive team, several local alumni have begun engaging in Semi-X activities through webinars and collaborative projects. This has been made possible with the strong support of senior leaders from Intel, Qorvo, Microsoft, Siemens, ASML, Apple, Nvidia, including Mr. Sunil Shenoy (B.Tech., Electrical Engineering, 1980), Mr. Piyush Sinha (B.Tech., Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, 2000), Mr. Shakul Tandon (Material Science and Engineering, 2000), Mr. Kaizad Mistry (B.Tech., Electrical Engineering, 1984), and others from the Portland tech ecosystem.

The chapter celebrated its first anniversary last month with a gathering of 40 alumni. As part of the celebration, Mr. Sarangdhar provided an update on Semi-X and issued a fresh call to action for deeper engagement.

The energy and initiative of the Portland chapter are inspiring and a testament to what can be achieved when alumni come together with purpose. IIT Bombay looks forward to seeing even more from this vibrant community in the months ahead.

The Portland chapter’s achievements are a powerful reminder of the enduring relationship between IIT Bombay and its alumni—a partnership built on shared values, mutual respect, and a common drive to shape the future. As alumni take the lead in championing key initiatives like Semi-X and deepening the culture of giving, they not only strengthen the global IITB community but also reaffirm the Institute’s legacy of excellence and impact.