IIT Bombay Hosts ICONS 2025

2 Apr 2025

IIT Bombay successfully hosted ICONS 2025, a two-day workshop on Defence Technologies on campus. The theme of the event was ‘Better and Faster Tech for Defence.’ Organized as part of National Science Day 2025, the event brought together leading experts from the armed forces, industry, and academia to discuss cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of defence.

Key speakers included:

  • General Manoj C. Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC (Retd.), Former Chief of the Army Staff, who emphasized the crucial role of technological advancements in modern warfare.
  • Air Chief Marshal Vivek R. Chaudhari, PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC (Retd.), Former Chief of the Air Staff, who highlighted the impact of technology on military operations and national security.
  • Air Vice Marshal Dhananjay V. Khot, AVSM, VM (Retd.), shared insights on military readiness for next-generation warfare.
  • Neelesh Tungar, Whole-Time Director & CEO of Kalyani Strategic Systems, discussed aligning innovation with defence strategies.
  • Prof. Milind D. Atrey, Deputy Director (Academics, Research & Translation), IIT Bombay, showcased the Institute’s robust innovation and translational research ecosystem.

Sessions held during the two days covered a range of critical topics, including:

  • High-performance materials for defence applications, such as advanced propellants, high-energy density materials, ceramics, and AI-driven propellant formulations.
  • Digital technologies in military operations, focusing on AI-driven intelligence gathering, cybersecurity, cognitive warfare, and drone-based intelligence.
  • Smart defence and logistics, exploring IoT-driven smart assets, AI-powered maintenance, and digital twin technology for aviation and defence applications.

The event also featured prototypes and poster presentations by IIT Bombay faculty and startups, showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies. With nearly 200 attendees, ICONS 2025 fostered dynamic discussions, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaborations, paving the way for a more secure and resilient future.

ICONS 2025 reinforces IIT Bombay’s pivotal role in advancing defence technologies through innovation, research, and collaboration. By bringing together experts across sectors, the Institute continues to drive impactful solutions for a stronger, tech-driven national security ecosystem.