IIT Bombay Celebrates World IP Day with Thought-Provoking Dialogues

IIT Bombay marked World Intellectual Property Day with a special event that spotlighted the critical role of IP in driving innovation, creativity, and economic progress. Held at the Victor Menezes Convention Centre (VMCC), the event brought together thought leaders and scholars to explore the evolving IP landscape and its implications for academia and the digital economy.

Highlights of the event included engaging talks by:

  • Prof. Shishir Kumar Jha (Ashank Desai Centre for Policy Studies, IIT Bombay) on “Copyright and the Emerging Digital Economy”
  • Prof. Karuna Jain (SJMSOM, IIT Bombay) on “The Importance of Intellectual Property in Academic Institutions”

The speakers emphasized how awareness of intellectual property rights is essential for research translation, technology commercialization, and informed policy-making in academic ecosystems.

The event underscored IIT Bombay’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and intellectual rigour. By facilitating meaningful dialogue around intellectual property and its far-reaching impact, the Institute continues to play a vital role in shaping research, policy, and innovation ecosystems in India and beyond.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare Visits National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Japan

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, along with Dr. Yashawant Dev Panwar, Counsellor (Science and Technology) at the Embassy of India, recently visited the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Japan. During the visit, they engaged in fruitful discussions with NIMS President Dr. Kazuhiro Hono, toured cutting-edge laboratories, and explored avenues for future research collaborations.

The visit marks a promising step toward deepening scientific ties between India and Japan and advancing materials science through international cooperation. As one of India’s premier institutions, IIT Bombay continues to expand its global partnerships, fostering innovation and excellence through cross-border research.

AZeotropy 2025: IIT Bombay’s Premier Chemical Engineering Fest Ignites Innovation and Industry Collaboration

Image Courtesy: Chemical Industry Digest

The 19th edition of AZeotropy, IIT Bombay’s flagship chemical engineering symposium brought together students, industry leaders, and academics for a power-packed day of workshops, inspiring talks, panel discussions, and competitive events. Workshops on DWSIM, Ansys, and OpenFOAM jumpstarted the technical learning, followed by motivational sessions from senior professors and industry stalwarts like Mr. S. Bharathan (Director-Refineries, HPCL) and Mr. Maulik Mehta (CEO, Deepak Nitrite). Prof. Genki Yoshikawa’s unique lecture on artificial olfaction, coupled with a live original song, added a special spark to the event.

Panel discussions tackled entrepreneurship and sustainable energy transitions, while a VR workshop offered a virtual refinery tour. Competitive events such as AZEOROVER, Chem-O-Philia, IDP, and CHEMPRENEUR showcased student creativity and technical prowess. The event culminated in a grand prize ceremony, celebrating excellence and teamwork.

AZeotropy 2025 not only demonstrated the vital role of chemical engineering in addressing global challenges but also reinforced IIT Bombay’s position as a vibrant hub for innovation and industry engagement.

Click to read more about AZeotropy 2025 and what’s next for this exciting fest here: Chemical Industry Digest

IIT Bombay and Tohoku University Sign Landmark Agreement to Establish Joint Institute of Excellence

IIT Bombay and Tohoku University, Japan, have signed a joint statement to establish the Tohoku University–IIT Bombay Joint Institute of Excellence (JIE)—a major step forward in advancing academic and research excellence between the two institutions. The collaboration is designed to foster industry-academia co-creation and promote a broad spectrum of joint initiatives.

In a significant milestone for Indo-Japanese academic relations, both institutions also signed an agreement to launch a Dual Doctoral Degree Programme, signalling a transformative new phase in bilateral research engagement.

This partnership is poised to accelerate cutting-edge research, enable student and faculty exchanges, and fuel innovation in several key domains of mutual interest, including sustainable energy, artificial intelligence, materials science, and disaster resilience.

The agreements were formalised during a special ceremony hosted at Tohoku University, attended by senior officials, faculty members, and delegates from both institutions. Distinguished guests included:

  • Mr. Sibi George, Hon. Ambassador of India to Japan
  • Mr. Gakuji Ito, Director-General, Higher Education Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Japan
  • Mr. Kanji Fujiki, Director-General, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Sakura Science Exchange Program
  • Mr. Kazuhiro Aoki, Managing Director, The 77 Bank Ltd
  • Delegates from Tohoku University led by President Prof. T. Tominaga
  • From IIT Bombay: Dr. Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairperson, Board of Governors; Prof. Shireesh B. Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay; Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (ART); Prof. Sudarshan Kumar, Dean (IR); Prof. Suvarn Kulkarni, Dean (AP); Prof. P. Seshu, Convenor, JIE Committee; and Ms. Chandrika Naik, International Relations Office

As part of the ceremony, Prof. Masahiro Yamaguchi shared an overview of the JIE initiative, Prof. Daisuke Komori presented Tohoku University’s ongoing activities, and Prof. P. Seshu spoke about IIT Bombay’s contributions and vision for the collaboration.

Earlier, in March 2025, IIT Bombay hosted a week-long Global Immersion Program for students from Tohoku University. The students described their experience as enriching and inspiring, offering glowing feedback on their engagement with the institute.

IIT Bombay’s partnership with Tohoku University marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter in global academic cooperation. By establishing the Joint Institute of Excellence and the Dual Doctoral Degree Program, the Institute reaffirms its commitment to building impactful international alliances that advance knowledge, foster innovation, and deepen cultural and educational ties between India and Japan.

Faculty Accolades – May 2025

IIT Bombay Partners with Steel Industry to Drive Sustainable Innovation

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IIT Bombay has entered into a long-term partnership with the All India Induction Furnace Association and the Sustainable Steel Manufacturers Association to advance sustainable and high-quality steel production.

Under the MoU signed by the two entities, IIT Bombay’s faculty and research teams will work closely with member industries, many based in Jalna, Marathwada, to address real-world technical challenges, improve production processes, and co-create innovative solutions. The collaboration supports India’s target of producing 300 million tons of steel by 2030 and aligns with national priorities like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

As one of the country’s premier engineering institutions, IIT Bombay continues to play a pivotal role in bridging academia and industry to drive innovation, sustainability, and self-reliance across critical sectors.

Read the full story here: Times of India

IIT Bombay Hosts Delegation from University of Warwick

IIT Bombay hosted a delegation from the University of Warwick, UK, led by Professor Virinder Kalra, Incoming Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for South/Central Asia and the Middle East. The visiting delegation engaged in high-level discussions with the Institute’s leadership and explored several key research centres and initiatives, including the IIT Bombay Monash Research Academy, the Koita Centre for Digital Health, the Centre for Machine Intelligence and Data Science, the IITB Nanofabrication Facility, the Centre for Semiconductor Technologies, and the IITB Green Energy and Sustainability Hub.

The visit provided the Warwick team with a comprehensive view of IIT Bombay’s interdisciplinary research ecosystem and its strengths in innovation and applied science. It marks a promising step toward deepening academic and research collaborations between the two institutions.

This visit underscores IIT Bombay’s growing role as a global research and academic hub, actively engaging with leading institutions worldwide to tackle pressing challenges through innovation and collaboration. By fostering such strategic partnerships, IIT Bombay continues to expand its global footprint, enriching its ecosystem with diverse perspectives while driving impactful solutions for society.

IIT Bombay and KSEB Collaborate on Vehicle-to-Grid Pilot

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The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is partnering with IIT Bombay on a pioneering pilot project to integrate Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology into the state’s power system. As solar energy adoption grows, this initiative aims to enhance grid stability by using electric vehicles as decentralized energy storage units. The project is expected to ease peak-time demand and accelerate the shift to clean energy in Kerala.

Do you want to know more on What is V2G Technology?, Pilot Project Overview, Why V2G Technology?, Financial Incentives for V2G, Implementation Challenges?

Then click here: Adda24/7 Current Affairs

This collaboration reflects IIT Bombay’s ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable, technology-driven solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge research and real-world implementation, the Institute continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s clean energy future, one innovation at a time.

IIT Bombay Named Hub Institution under National PAIR Programme

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IIT Bombay has been named a Hub Institution under the prestigious Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The Institute will spearhead cutting-edge research across three key thematic areas—Industry 4.0, Energy and Sustainability, and Advanced Materials.

Under this initiative, IIT Bombay will lead a Hub-and-Spoke model connecting seven other academic institutions, fostering joint research, shared infrastructure, and faculty and student mobility. The Institute’s research network will drive innovation in fields such as AI-powered agriculture, green hydrogen, electric mobility, photonic and energy materials, and advanced ceramics.

With its deep research capabilities, strong academic leadership, and collaborative ecosystem, IIT Bombay is set to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s scientific and technological future.

For more on this story, please read here: MSN / Free Press Journal / Times of India / Hindustan Times

IIT Bombay Study Flags Cancer and Climate Risks from Pune-Mumbai Expressway Emissions

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A new study by IIT Bombay, published in Nature’s Clean Air journal, reveals alarming levels of cancer-causing pollutants in the Kamshet tunnel along the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. The research found that older diesel vehicles, making up just 21% of the traffic, are responsible for the majority of emissions, dominated by heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These not only raise cancer risk but also significantly contribute to atmospheric warming due to their strong light-absorbing properties. The study highlights an urgent need for cleaner fuels and stricter emission controls.

Click to read the full story: Times of India

Once again, IIT Bombay leads critical research at the intersection of public health and environmental sustainability, exemplifying its deep commitment to national and global impact.