IIT Bombay is spearheading India’s push into generative AI with BharatGen, a pioneering Large Language Model (LLM) initiative that was prominently highlighted by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the AI Summit in Paris. Developed under the Technology Innovation Hub at IIT Bombay and supported by the Department of Science & Technology under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS), BharatGen is creating India-centric foundational models in language, speech, and images.
BharatGen has made rapid strides in AI research and data, focusing on India’s linguistic and cultural diversity. It has already developed over 2 billion parameter text models for Hindi and English, with 5 billion parameter models in progress for 13 Indian languages. The initiative is also advancing text-to-speech and speech generation technologies, including unique speaker style transfer models. Automatic Speech Recognition models have been developed from the ground up, leveraging the foundational work of Bhashini.
With a strong focus on national priorities, BharatGen is driving AI applications across governance, agriculture, legal frameworks, and education. By building a custom India-centric AI stack, it aims to ensure seamless deployment across both the public and private sectors. BharatGen will closely collaborate with the India AI Mission as a national project, adopting a whole-of-government approach to accelerate India’s AI ecosystem.
As IIT Bombay leads the charge in shaping India’s AI future, BharatGen is positioning the nation as a global powerhouse in generative AI.
Watch the video below to see how this initiative is transforming India’s technological landscape.
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IIT Bombay has made an impressive leap in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, strengthening its position as a global leader in engineering and technology education. The Institute now ranks 28th worldwide in the broad category of Engineering & Technology, reflecting its growing international stature and academic excellence.
Highlights from the 2025 rankings:
- Ranked 28th globally in Engineering & Technology
- Ranked 40th globally in Engineering – Mineral and Mining
- Ranked 50th globally in Engineering – Electrical and Electronic
- Employer reputation score: 88.6 — a strong indicator of IIT Bombay’s industry relevance and graduate employability
These achievements are a testament to IIT Bombay’s commitment to cutting-edge research, exceptional faculty, and industry engagement. As global rankings become increasingly competitive, IIT Bombay’s upward trajectory reflects its ability to stay ahead through innovation, academic rigor, and world-class talent.
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IDC IIT Bombay recently hosted the WAVES AFC Masterclasses initiative with a workshop titled “IDEA TO IMPACT – A Stellar Pitch Deck Masterclass,” led by renowned writer-director Ms. Saraswathi Buyyala. The session aimed at empowering emerging storytellers in animation, film, and gaming, with a focus on how technology is transforming the creative landscape.
Participants explored the fundamentals of storytelling, from crafting compelling narratives to developing effective pitches, while also delving into the role of emerging technologies like AI in revolutionizing filmmaking and animation. The workshop emphasized the importance of universal emotions in storytelling and the need for stronger collaboration between India’s film and animation industries.
Ms. Buyyala encouraged students to experiment, collaborate, and start creating mini-series to gain industry exposure. The event concluded with a call to action for students to take Indian stories to the global stage, showcasing the potential of mediums like films, animation, VFX, and games in elevating Indian talent internationally.
For more information on upcoming competitions and initiatives, visit wavesindia.org.
Through initiatives like WAVES 2025, IIT Bombay continues to demonstrate that it is more than just a technology institute. By fostering innovation in fields like animation, film, and storytelling, the Institute highlights its commitment to the humanities and creative industries. IIT Bombay uses technology not only to advance engineering and science but also to promote a well-rounded, interdisciplinary approach that nurtures the next generation of global storytellers and innovators.
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IIT Bombay hosted the much-anticipated SUSTAIN 5.0 event, focusing on renewable energy and sustainability. During his keynote address, Dr. Faruk G. Patel, Chairman and Managing Director of KP Group, spoke about the challenges and opportunities India faces in achieving its ambitious goal of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. He described this target as extraordinary but achievable, emphasizing that innovation will be key to overcoming hurdles.
The theme of the event was “Rethink the Choices, React to the Changes, Rebuild the Future,” and it brought together industry leaders, academia, and sustainability advocates to discuss crucial environmental issues and the future of renewable energy in India.
The event also featured thought-provoking sessions, such as Prof. K.V.K. Rao’s presentation on the Avoid, Shift, and Improve framework and Mr. Ramamoorthy Sankaranarayanan’s insights on sustainable public transport. In addition, the launch of a recycled paper newsletter and a Carbon Footprint Calculator underscored the event’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
The event concluded with dignitaries lighting solar-powered diyas, symbolizing hope for a greener, more sustainable future.
SUSTAIN 5.0 at IIT Bombay successfully highlighted the critical role of innovation in achieving India’s renewable energy goals. With key insights from experts, the event reinforced the urgency of sustainable solutions and the importance of collaboration in driving India’s green future.
Prof. Koen Lamberts, President, University of Sheffield (UoS), UK, along with senior representatives from the university, visited IIT Bombay. They met with IIT Bombay leadership including Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, Deputy Directors Prof. Milind Atrey and Prof. K.V.K Rao, and Prof. Sudarshan Kumar, Dean, International Relations.
The University of Sheffield is one of IIT Bombay’s key partners. With a focus on continuing to strengthen their ongoing partnership, both institutions explored dual-degree programmes at the PhD and Master’s levels, enhancing joint research collaborations across various disciplines, and organizing summer schools to promote academic exchanges.
The delegation participated in a research workshop with faculty members from the Department of Energy Science and Technology and the Department of Electrical Engineering. The workshop focused on Power Electronics, Energy Storage & Conversion, and Process Engineering Modelling & Simulations. The workshop also explored opportunities for both Institutes to enhance their existing collaborations, which, in turn, would strengthen the mobility of both the students and faculty.
The visit reaffirmed the strong academic ties between IIT Bombay and the University of Sheffield, paving the way for deeper collaboration in research, education, and student exchange. As both institutions work towards expanding joint initiatives, this partnership continues to foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and global academic excellence.
GISE Hub, IIT Bombay, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish the Applied Public Health Practice Fellowship Programme with Confluence The SANGAM Foundation and the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), with additional support from the India Takemi Fellows.
The fellowship programme will be hosted at IIT Bombay and MUHS and empower Fellows with advanced skills in health systems research, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking. It will also facilitate interdisciplinary mentorship and foster impactful collaborations across institutions and regions. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to not only strengthening health systems but also fostering a culture of innovation and long-term, sustainable impact, paving the way for transformative partnerships that will shape the future of public health.
The Tripartite MOU was signed by:
- Prof. Sachin Patwardhan, Dean (Research and Development)
- Mr. Ameya Pratap Singh, Director R&D of Confluence The SANGAM Foundation
- Dr. Rajendra Shivaji Bangal, Registrar of MUHS
Also present during the occasion were:
- Ms. Sujata Saunik, the Hon’ble Chief Secretary of Government of Maharashtra
- Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay
- The Hon’ble Lt. Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar (Retd), PVSM, AVSM, VSM, Vice-Chancellor of MUHS
- Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (Academics, Research and Translation), IIT Bombay
- Prof. K. V. Krishna Rao, Deputy Director, (Finance, Infrastructure and Administration), IIT Bombay
- Prof. Vedagiri, Dean (Infrastructure, Planning, and Support), IIT Bombay
- Prof. Sarthak Gaurav, SJMSOM & PI GISE Hub, IIT Bombay
- Faculty and functionaries from other Centres and Departments of IIT Bombay
This partnership between IIT Bombay, Confluence The SANGAM Foundation, and Maharashtra University of Health Sciences marks a significant step toward enhancing public health research and practice. The fellowship programme is poised to equip future leaders with the expertise needed to transform health systems by fostering cross-institutional collaboration. With a shared commitment to innovation and evidence-based policymaking, this initiative promises to leave a lasting impact on both the academic and healthcare landscapes, and empowering fellows to drive meaningful change in communities across India.
IIT Bombay held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Academic Science Block 1 (ASB-1), a state-of-the-art facility that will house the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical Engineering. Designed with a basement, ground floor, and 10 upper floors, ASB-1 will feature world-class research laboratories equipped with cutting-edge instruments, fostering advanced scientific exploration in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
The event was attended by several IIT Bombay dignitaries including:
- Prof. Shireesh Kedare – Director, IIT Bombay
- Prof. K.V. Krishna. Rao – Deputy Director (Finance, Infrastructure, and Administration), IIT Bombay
- Prof. Devang Khakhar – Former Director, IIT Bombay
- Prof. Subhasis Chaudhuri – Former Director, IIT Bombay
- Deans and Associate Deans
- Heads of the Departments – Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
- Faculty members and students
- Distinguished guests
The ASB-1 project represents a major milestone in enhancing IIT Bombay’s research ecosystem. With cutting-edge laboratories and world-class facilities, it reinforces the Institute’s dedication to advancing scientific discovery, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and shaping the future of innovation on a global scale.
In a significant step towards advancing India’s leadership in next-generation telecommunications, IIT Bombay and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) have signed an agreement to develop an Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links.
This collaboration, initiated under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) 6G Call for Proposal by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, aims to accelerate research in the 6G ecosystem. The project aligns with the nation’s 2030 vision for 6G, built on the pillars of affordability, sustainability, and ubiquity.
The chipset will enable high-bandwidth free-space coherent optical links, addressing critical challenges in last-mile connectivity, rural access, and difficult terrains where fibre deployment is impractical. Additionally, it will support uninterrupted high-speed communication via satellite networks, further bridging the digital divide.
The agreement was signed in the presence of:
- Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT
- Dr. Pankaj Kumar Dalela, C-DOT Director
- Ms. Shikha Srivastava, C-DOT Director
- Prof. Shalabh Gupta, Principal Investigator from IIT Bombay
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay emphasized the strategic importance of indigenously developed technologies in catering to India’s diverse communication needs and reaffirmed their commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Bharat 6G.
IIT Bombay’s Prof. Shalabh Gupta expressed gratitude for the collaboration and highlighted IIT Bombay’s efforts in strengthening India’s telecom research capabilities and infrastructure.
This landmark partnership strengthens India’s position in global 6G innovation and spotlights IIT Bombay’s pivotal role in driving cutting-edge research and indigenous technology development. As always, IIT Bombay continues to be a catalyst for breakthrough advancements that shape the future of telecommunications. By collaborating with national research bodies like C-DOT, the Institute reaffirms its commitment to solving real-world challenges, fostering innovation, and contributing to India’s self-reliance in critical technologies.
The Grid Integration Lab, IIT Bombay, under the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, successfully conducted a two-day national workshop on “RE Integration Challenges: Key Learnings and Way Forward for the Indian Power Sector.” The event brought together over 200 industry professionals, government stakeholders, and researchers from more than 100 organizations to discuss critical challenges and opportunities in renewable energy (RE) integration.
Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, inaugurated the workshop, which was coordinated by IITB’s Prof. Zakir Rather.
Following the welcome address, Prof. Sachin Patwardhan, Dean (R&D), IIT Bombay, outlined key R&D initiatives undertaken by the Institute in the renewable energy domain.
Keynote addresses were delivered by:
- Shri Lalit Bohra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Government of India
- Shri Manu Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary, New & Renewable Energy Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Both shared insights on policy measures and the evolving landscape of RE integration in India.
Over two days, the workshop featured thought-provoking sessions and panel discussions on industry challenges in integrating renewables, grid operation complexities, regulatory and policy frameworks, and emerging technologies in the RE sector.
With a strong emphasis on collaborative learning and innovative solutions, the event reinforced IIT Bombay’s leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions for the country.
