News Category: Institute In News

IIT Bombay paid tribute to one of its founding professors, the late Prof. R.S. Ayyar, by planting a tree in his name in the Civil Engineering Department. Prof. Ayyar, who served as the former Head of the Department and Dean of Academic Programmes, was remembered for his significant contributions to the Institute.

The ceremony was made even more special by the presence of his daughter, Ms. Ranjani Saigal (B. Tech., Civil Engineering, 1981), an alumna of IIT Bombay. Ms. Ranjani was deeply moved by the gesture and said,  “It’s so exciting for me to be here to start out this process of dedicating a few things to my father. He was someone who deeply cared about the department and IITB so much. To have a tree planted in his name, which the horticulturist assures me is a Bakul tree, is truly special. To know that as the tree grows and blesses us with its fragrant flowers…I appreciate the gesture.”

She also mentioned that additional steps are being taken to further honour her father’s legacy. Her mother has generously donated in his name to establish a Chair Professorship and a dedicated conference room at IIT Bombay. The inauguration of these initiatives is set for a future date. The tree planting, however, marked a meaningful beginning to the tribute.

This heartfelt commemoration of Prof. R.S. Ayyar reflects the enduring connection between IIT Bombay and its alumni, who continue to shape the Institute’s legacy. With initiatives like these, IIT Bombay not only celebrates the contributions of its past members but also honours their lasting impact, ensuring that they are never forgotten.

IIT Bombay hosted the Agri sTartup deMo And fuNding (ATMAN 2.0) event at TIH IIT Bombay. The occasion brought together innovators, researchers, and leaders from India’s top institutions working in deep tech R&D and showcased their groundbreaking Agri-IoT translational research.

Several dignitaries attended the event including:

• Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary India DST
• Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director, ART, IIT Bombay
• Dr. Ekta Kapoor, Head FFT Division India DST
• Prof. Leena Vachhani, Professor-In-Charge, TIH IIT Bombay
• Shri Kiran Shesh, CEO TIH IIT Bombay

In his address, Prof. Karandikar highlighted that ATMAN 2.0 marks a significant step in fostering innovation by bridging the gap between laboratories and markets with solutions poised to create a national-level impact.

Seven academic projects have been selected through the pitch fest to receive grants, along with technical development support and lab-to-market guidance, aimed at advancing Agri-tech development and implementation.

The ATMAN 2.0 event at IIT Bombay showcased IIT Bombay’s commitment to driving impactful Agri-tech innovation. By uniting visionary leaders and supporting groundbreaking projects, it reinforced the critical role of research and collaboration in shaping India’s agricultural future.

Image Courtesy: Free Press Journal

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) programme to strengthen R&D in higher education institutions across India. Amongst the 31 Hub universities chosen for the initiative, IIT Bombay and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune were chosen to represent Maharashtra.

The Hub universities were chosen based on their rankings in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and the Institutes of Eminence list. They will mentor Spoke institutes ranked below 200 in the NIRF rankings. The selected Hub universities will mentor three to seven Spoke institutes by fostering collaboration and improving research quality in institutions with limited R&D capabilities. The central government will provide ₹100 crore annually to each Hub university, with 70% earmarked for the Spoke institutes.

Shri Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, emphasized the programme’s goal of elevating the quality of research across central and state public universities. “The Hub institutes will guide the Spoke institutes in their research efforts and may co-supervise PhD students. The aim is to publish research in leading indexed journals,” he explained.

In a significant development for researchers, Shri Karandikar also announced the upcoming launch of the Advanced Research Grant (ARG) under the aegis of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) . This initiative will provide faculty and scientists with grants ranging from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore, disbursed as needed through zero-balance accounts. However, the programme will not extend to PhD students.

The ANRF has allocated ₹13,500 crore over five years to fund advanced research, with the possibility of increased funding if the programme delivers strong results. Success will be measured by improved research output, the establishment of new labs, and an increase in patents filed. “The ultimate goal is for all universities to excel in research, making this model unnecessary in the future,” Shri Karandikar added.

With this initiative, the DST aims to create a robust ecosystem for cutting-edge research, bridging gaps in capability and fostering collaboration among institutions across India.

IIT Bombay’s selection highlights its critical role not only in advancing its own research and innovation but also in supporting institutions across the nation. As a mentor under the PAIR program, IIT Bombay takes pride in contributing to the growth of India’s research ecosystem, sharing its expertise to strengthen other universities. This recognition by the government is both an honour and a reflection of the Institute’s dedication to excellence in education and research, ensuring that the collective potential of the country’s academic community is achieved.

Image Credit: Representational Photo from Indian Express

In a bid to tackle Thane’s growing traffic challenges and prepare for future growth, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has teamed up with IIT Bombay’s Geospatial Information Science and Engineering (GISE) Hub. The collaboration focuses on overhauling the city’s traffic management strategy, aiming to create an efficient and sustainable transportation system through 2030.

The revised traffic plan, a year-long project, will utilize advanced geospatial technologies and data-driven models from IIT Bombay to predict future traffic trends and design actionable solutions. This scientific approach will be instrumental in addressing issues like congestion at key intersections such as Teen Haath Naka and improving overall mobility across the city. Additionally, the plan will integrate future mobility solutions, including cycle tracks, pedestrian zones, and water transport options using Thane Creek, making the city’s infrastructure more inclusive and eco-friendly.

The initiative will also reassess the original 2018 transport plan, which focused on major infrastructure projects like metro rail systems, suburban railway stations, and coastal roads. With the city’s rapid growth, the revision aims to address current realities and improve connectivity across different modes of transport. This will be achieved through a close collaboration between TMC, IIT Bombay, and various departments, including traffic police, Metro authorities, and environmental experts.

By involving public feedback and expert insights, this collaboration promises to provide a comprehensive, future-ready traffic management solution that will not only reduce congestion but also enhance the quality of life for Thane’s residents. Through this partnership, IIT Bombay continues to play a crucial role in shaping sustainable urban solutions and driving technological advancements that benefit society at large.

This collaboration between IIT Bombay and the Thane Municipal Corporation exemplifies how academic institutions can play a pivotal role in addressing urban challenges. By leveraging cutting-edge research and innovative solutions, IIT Bombay is helping shape the future of urban mobility in Thane. As the city continues to grow, such initiatives will be key in ensuring that infrastructure and transportation systems evolve in a way that promotes sustainability, accessibility, and improved quality of life for all residents. Through this partnership, IIT Bombay reaffirms its commitment to advancing research that drives social progress and enhances urban living for communities across India.

The Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management, IIT Bombay, hosted the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Business Analytics & Management Sciences (BAMS) and the 57th Annual Convention of the Operational Research Society of India (ORSI).

Over 700 global delegates participated in this prestigious event. They included distinguished academicians, industry leaders, and policymakers, who discussed transformative trends in digital transformation, artificial intelligence and business analytics.

The conference showcased keynote addresses, panel discussions, and an exhibition of cutting-edge AI and analytics tools, providing a forward-looking view of technology and innovation.

The exceptional lineup of dignitaries from diverse sectors, offered attendees a wealth of perspectives and insights. The gathering of such a distinguished group of professionals from various industries was a truly remarkable achievement, highlighting the event’s significance and breadth.

They included:

• Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay
• Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director, IIT Bombay
• Chief Guest, Mr. Harish Mehta, Co-Founder and First Chairman of NASSCOM
• Prof. Manoj K. Tiwari, Director, IIM Mumbai
• Shri. Nitin Chugh, Deputy MD and Head, Digital Banking & Transformation, SBI
• Mr. B. Thiagarajan, Managing Director, Blue Star Ltd.
• Ms. Lakshmi Gopalan, Managing Director, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
• Mr. Rakesh Sony, Group Corporate Director, The Times Group
• Mr. Aashish Kshetry, Vice President – Information Technology, Asian Paints
• Mr. Ashish Khushu, Chief Technology Officer, L&T Technology Services
• Mr. Sudhakar VR, Team Lead, Analytics, Digital Business, BPCL
• Ms. Farhana Haque, Senior Director and Cloud Leader – Strategic Solutions, Microsoft
• Mr. Arun Saravanakumar, Head Supply Chain and Director of Operations, L’Oréal India
• Mr. Akshay Sukhwal, Vice President, Hitachi Systems India Pvt. Ltd.
• Mr. Kunal Pande, National Co-Head – Digital Risk and Cyber, National Leader – Digital Trust for Financial Services Sector, KPMG in India
• Ms. Ruchi Solanki, Head of Alexa – Artificial Generative Intelligence for Asia Pacific and Middle East, Amazon
• Prof. Kalyanmoy Deb, Koenig Endowed Chair Professor, Michigan State University, USA
• Mr. Mukesh Ranjan Das, Executive Director (HR), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
• Dr. Sunil Luthra, Director, AICTE
• …and many other distinguished guests who contributed to the success of this landmark event.

The contributions of the speakers and the lively exchange of ideas among participants created an invaluable platform for cross-disciplinary discussions and practical insights.

This conference not only highlighted the cutting-edge advancements in AI and analytics but also underscored IIT Bombay’s commitment to fostering innovation and facilitating meaningful cross-disciplinary collaboration. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, IIT Bombay continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology, research, and industry. The event stands as a testament to the institute’s dedication to creating an environment where ideas thrive and transformative solutions are born.

IIT Bombay and Tohoku University, Japan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the IIT Bombay-Tohoku University Joint Academic & Research programme, marking a significant step in advancing global academic collaboration.

This initiative will offer collaborative Master’s and PhD programmes, providing students with unique opportunities for dual mentorship, access to world-class resources, and immersion in the academic ecosystems of two prestigious institutions.

While the collaboration will begin with a dual degree initiative focused on research, both institutes are open to the possibility of evolving into a Joint Institute over time, contingent upon approval from the senate and government. Both IIT Bombay and Tohoku University are enthusiastic about launching this partnership promptly, driven by a shared commitment to advancing innovative academic and research initiatives that address pressing global issues.

This collaboration between IIT Bombay and Tohoku University represents a major milestone in fostering international academic partnerships. By combining the strengths of two world-renowned institutions, the program offers students a unique platform to engage in cutting-edge research and benefit from a truly global educational experience. It highlights IIT Bombay’s commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders and researchers, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

IIT Bombay has once again propelled itself to the forefront of innovation and sustainability with the successful in-space test of the first green propulsion system for spacecraft, developed by its alumni and faculty. This groundbreaking achievement was realized by Manastu Space, a space tech startup led by alumni Mr. Tushar Jadhav (B.Tech., Aerospace Engineering, 2014) and Mr. Ashtesh Kumar (B.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, 2017).

The historic firing of the green propulsion system took place onboard PSLV C60 on December 31, 2024, at 8:50 PM in Lucknow. This innovation marks a significant step forward in developing environmentally friendly and efficient spacecraft technologies.

The success of this mission was bolstered by the pivotal contributions of IIT Bombay faculty members:

• Prof. Jayesh Bellare (Department of Chemical Engineering)
• Prof. Parag Bhargava (MEMS)
• Prof. Amol Gokhale (Department of Mechanical Engineering)

Their expertise and collaboration with the alumni-led team spotlight the Institute’s deep commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and impactful entrepreneurship.

This achievement exemplifies how IIT Bombay’s alumni and faculty continue to make strides in addressing global challenges, solidifying the Institute’s legacy as a hub of innovation and excellence in science and technology.

IIT Bombay and TU Dortmund, Germany, have formalized an academic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Representing the leadership of both institutions, the agreement was exchanged by Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (Academics, Research and Translation), IIT Bombay, and Prof. Dr. Tessa Flatten, Vice President, TU Dortmund.

The collaboration aims to strengthen academic and research ties, with a particular focus on fostering student mobility, especially for PhD scholars. This partnership is already showing promise, following a productive meeting between faculty members from IIT Bombay’s Desai Sethi School of Entrepreneurship and TU Dortmund’s School of Entrepreneurship.

Prof. Atrey emphasized the significance of the initiative, noting that it paves the way for dynamic academic exchanges and joint research opportunities, reinforcing the commitment of both institutions to advancing global education and innovation.

This partnership marks the beginning of a promising journey, fostering innovation and academic excellence through global collaboration. By leveraging the strengths of both institutions, IIT Bombay and TU Dortmund are set to create impactful opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty alike.

IIT Bombay has commenced a year-long celebration to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the revered tribal leader and freedom fighter whose legacy of courage and advocacy for tribal rights continues to inspire.

The inaugural event held on campus began with floral tributes to iconic Indian figures including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The Chief Guest at the occasion, Mr. Ganesh Bhorkhade, Registrar of IIT Bombay, underscored the importance of collective effort in achieving societal progress. The Guest of Honour, Prof. Nand Kishore, Dean (Administrative Affairs), highlighted Bhagwan Munda’s enduring values of resilience and his pivotal role in India’s history.

Members of IIT Bombay’s SC/ST Welfare Association (MKS) played an integral role in the event. The General Secretary Mr. Vilas Belekar, President Mr. Ramesh Gaikwad, and Mr. Sanjay Bhuyal shared insights on Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s fight for tribal rights and his significant contributions to social justice.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. B.S. Pagare, setting the stage for a year dedicated to honouring the remarkable legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

The year-long celebration at IIT Bombay is not just a tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s extraordinary legacy but also a call to reflect on the values of equality, resilience, and justice that he championed. Through these events, the Institute seeks to inspire the next generation of students to honour and uphold the ideals of inclusion and social progress, fostering a deeper understanding of the contributions of tribal communities to India’s rich heritage.