IIT Bombay’s Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan Named in the AIM 100’s Most Influential Global Leaders in AI 2024

Image Credit: AIM

As artificial intelligence continues to redefine the boundaries of technological progress, IIT Bombay’s Ganesh Ramakrishnan stands as a pioneering force in this transformative field. Recently named one of Analytics India Mag’s (AIM) “AI Disruptors” in the prestigious AIM 100: The Most Influential Global Leaders in AI 2024, Professor Ramakrishnan’s dedication to AI research has placed him at the forefront of innovation, particularly within India’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem.

Currently serving as the Chair Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay and leading the ambitious BharatGen initiative, Professor Ramakrishnan is spearheading what is recognized as the world’s first government-funded generative AI initiative. BharatGen is remarkable for its use of multilingual and multimodal foundation models tailored to India’s diverse linguistic landscape. Driven by datasets rooted in Indian contexts, BharatGen has created an open-source platform that not only advances AI technology but fosters a nationwide ecosystem for generative AI research.

Professor Ramakrishnan’s influence extends beyond BharatGen through his co-founded venture, bbsAI, which has emerged as a cornerstone for translation engines and AI-powered solutions with an India-centric focus. This venture builds on his impactful work in data-efficient machine learning, natural language processing, and information extraction, encapsulated by open-source initiatives like Project Udaan and Decile, both aimed at bridging linguistic and technological divides across India.

Under his leadership, the BharatGPT consortium has achieved a landmark achievement: the development of multimodal, multilingual AI models that cater to India’s unique socio-cultural dynamics. Professor Ramakrishnan’s projects consistently address critical challenges, from ethical considerations in AI to balancing rapid innovation with responsible oversight—qualities that resonate strongly with AIM’s recognition of him as a disruptor reshaping AI for the public good.

By championing inclusivity, transparency, and practical impact in his work, Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan not only advances AI technology but also exemplifies how responsible innovation can elevate society as a whole. His journey reflects the profound impact of IIT Bombay’s relentless support for its faculty, which provides a dynamic environment that fosters groundbreaking research and encourages faculty to drive meaningful change. As we look to the future of AI, Professor Ramakrishnan’s work inspires a collective vision of technology’s role in fostering growth and empowerment across communities.

 

Professor Pushpak Bhattacharyya Named an “AI Disruptor” in AIM’s 100 Most Influential Global Leaders in AI

Image Credit: AIM

Renowned for his trailblazing work in natural language processing (NLP) and sentiment analysis, Professor Pushpak Bhattacharyya of IIT Bombay has been honoured in AIM’s inaugural “100 Most Influential Global Leaders in AI” under the “AI Disruptor” category. This recognition celebrates his profound contributions to computational linguistics and his ongoing efforts to shape AI’s future, particularly in the context of Indian languages.

Recently appointed by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as chairman of the National Committee on Indian Language Standards, Professor Bhattacharyya has long been a champion of inclusive and culturally sensitive AI. His work, spanning over 350 research papers and several influential books, has paved the way for a new understanding of sentiment analysis, linguistics, and NLP. He has made it his mission to bridge the gap between diverse languages and AI, with a focus on the complexities and beauty of Indian languages.

Reflecting on his journey, Professor Bhattacharyya shared that his passion for AI and language stems from a fascination with the shared sounds and structures across languages. His travels and collection of proverbs from various cultures inspired a career dedicated to exploring how language expresses emotion—a core tenet of his work in sentiment analysis. His pioneering research has not only influenced academic circles but has also informed AI policymaking in India, earning him a revered status in computational linguistics globally.

At IIT Bombay, Professor Bhattacharyya’s work exemplifies the Institute’s commitment to research that bridges cultures and advances technology. His recent accolades underscore IIT Bombay’s dedication to fostering impactful faculty-led innovation, positioning the Institute as a leader in meaningful, culturally attuned AI development.

 

Prof. Souvik Mahapatra Honoured for Groundbreaking Work in Semiconductor Reliability

Professor Mahapatra of IIT Bombay has been invited to a prestigious Synopsys reception at the upcoming IEDM 2024 conference in San Francisco, recognizing his pivotal contributions to semiconductor reliability research. This accolade celebrates Professor Mahapatra’s remarkable achievements over a decade of collaboration with Synopsys, a global leader in Technology CAD and SPICE simulation tools, culminating in the widely adopted “Mahapatra reliability model.”

Renowned for his expertise, Professor Mahapatra has been instrumental in developing methodologies that allow the semiconductor industry to effectively characterize and optimize reliability across advanced technologies, including 3D NAND memory, planar MOSFETs, FDSOI, FinFET, and GAA structures. His work addresses the vital need for durable, high-performance devices in today’s increasingly complex tech landscape.

Under Professor Mahapatra’s leadership, IIT Bombay’s semiconductor research has reached new heights. His model, the result of this longstanding Synopsys collaboration, exemplifies his pioneering approach to reliability and is widely utilized across the semiconductor sector for its accuracy and impact.

The Synopsys reception will bring together more than a hundred experts from industry and academia to honour Professor Mahapatra’s invaluable contributions, underscoring IIT Bombay’s commitment to groundbreaking research that shapes the future of technology.

 

Prof. Deepankar Choudhury Delivers the Prestigious Prof. Jai Krishna Memorial Lecture at IEI’s National Convention

In a testament to his exceptional contributions to civil engineering, Prof. Deepankar Choudhury of IIT Bombay was invited to deliver the prestigious Prof. Jai Krishna Memorial Lecture, a recognition that highlights the institute’s commitment to fostering excellence in the field. The lecture was held during the inaugural session of the 39th National Convention of Civil Engineers, organized by The Institution of Engineers (India) [IEI] in Kochi.

Established in 2016 to commemorate the legacy of Padma Bhushan Prof. Jai Krishna, a former President of IEI and the Founding President of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), this honorary lecture recognizes exceptional scholars who have made significant contributions to the field of engineering. Prof. Jai Krishna, an internationally acclaimed earthquake engineer, played a pivotal role in shaping earthquake engineering practices in India and was instrumental in developing the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) codes for the discipline.

 

Each year, the IEI selects a prominent figure in engineering to deliver this esteemed lecture, and Prof. Choudhury joins a prestigious list of past speakers who have contributed to the rich tradition of this memorial lecture. During the event, the Guest of Honour and Chairman of the AICTE, Prof. T. G. Sitharam, presented Prof. Choudhury with the commemorative plaque, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to civil engineering.

This recognition not only highlights Prof. Choudhury’s accomplishments but also underscores IIT Bombay’s commitment to fostering an environment where faculty members can thrive. By encouraging and celebrating scholarly excellence, IIT Bombay plays a crucial role in nurturing its faculty, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to national and global engineering challenges. As the Institute continues to produce thought leaders like Prof. Choudhury, it reaffirms its status as a torch-bearer of innovation and expertise in the engineering domain.

 

IITB’s Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan Spearheads Insights at Mission Karmayogi

As part of India’s Mission Karmayogi initiative, IIT Bombay’s own Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan was recently invited by the Government of India to speak at the esteemed “Samuhik Charcha” event. Hosted by the Department of Science and Technology, the event was part of the National Learning Week (NLW) organised by India DST. Launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 19, 2024, NLW is dedicated to advancing civil servant capabilities to foster national development.

Prof. Ramakrishnan, a leader in data science and AI from IIT Bombay, shared insights on Large Language Models (LLMs) and the transformative potential of BharatGen—a pioneering LLM initiative under DST’s National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS). His presentation highlighted how data-efficient machine learning can drive impactful change, particularly in governance and public service.

This event, attended by Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and senior officials from various scientific ministries, underscored data science and technology’s critical role in governance. Joining Prof. Ramakrishnan was Dr. Sharad Sharma of iSPIRT Foundation, who spoke on the emerging landscape of Digital Public Infrastructure. Their combined expertise underscored the influence of India’s academic and research institutions, such as IIT Bombay, in guiding the nation’s technological future.

Other important attendees included:

–  Dr. Rajesh Sudhir Gokhale, Secretary Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
–  Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences
–  Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman, Capacity Building Commission (CBC)
–  Senior officers from DST
–  Representatives from several other scientific ministries
–  Officials from Autonomous Institutions and National Research Labs (who participated online)

IIT Bombay is proud to be at the forefront of national initiatives that shape India’s future through innovation, research, and expertise. The invitation extended to Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan reflects the critical role our faculty plays in advancing knowledge and driving impactful change. As we continue to collaborate on initiatives like Mission Karmayogi, IIT Bombay remains committed to fostering a community that not only excels in academia but also contributes to India’s growth and development.

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