News Category: Institute In News

As the current President of the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA), a consortium of 15 premier Asian universities, IIT Bombay has embraced its leadership role by hosting two significant events in November 2024. These initiatives highlight the institute’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines.

IIT Bombay hosted the AUA Executives’ Meeting 2024 bringing together 39 participants from all member universities in a hybrid format. The meeting, which took place at the IIT Bombay campus, was inaugurated with opening remarks by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, while Prof. Sudarshan Kumar, Dean (International Relations), facilitated discussions.

Key topics on the agenda included updates from AUA Working Groups, reports on ongoing programmes, and a strategic review of policies for the coming year. The meeting underscored IIT Bombay’s pivotal role in driving impactful initiatives within the alliance.

Continuing its leadership, IIT Bombay organized the AUA Youth Forum 2024. Themed “A Fresh Outlook to Drug Discovery and Personalised Medicine,” the programme was spearheaded by Prof. Sandip Kar from the Department of Chemistry and Prof. Abhijit Majumder from the Department of Chemical Engineering, in partnership with the Office of International Relations.

The forum introduced participants to cutting-edge advancements, including organ-on-chip technologies and 3D cell culture systems, and featured an industry visit to explore applications in 3D cell culture and bioprinting. The program brought together 36 student participants from 10 member universities, fostering an environment of cross-disciplinary learning and global exchange.

Through its presidency of AUA, IIT Bombay continues to set a high benchmark for collaboration and innovation, reinforcing its position as a leader in Asia’s academic landscape.

IIT Bombay, the national coordinator for IITs under the La Fédération Gay-Lussac (FGL)-IIT partnership, hosted a two-day event aimed at fostering deeper collaborations in education and research.

FGL, a prominent network of 20 French engineering schools specializing in chemistry and process engineering, sent a delegation of 13 representatives from 11 French universities, led by FGL Vice-President Prof. Jacques Mercadier.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay led the meaningful discussions with 18 representatives from 17 IITs, alongside Dr. Philippe Maurin, Scientific and Academic Cooperation Attaché, based in Mumbai, as well as other IIT Bombay dignitaries.

To learn more about this collaborative initiative, click here.

This event reaffirmed IIT Bombay’s commitment to fostering global partnerships, driving academic excellence, and advancing collaborative research on an international scale. By strengthening ties with FGL, the Institute continues to pave the way for impactful collaborations that benefit students, faculty, and the global academic community.

IIT Bombay signed an MoU with the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, to foster R&D in enhanced hydrocarbon recovery and geologic carbon dioxide storage. The MoU was signed in the presence of:

• Dr. Pallavi Jain Govil, IAS, Director General, DGH
• Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay
• Dr. Kaustav Nag, Additional Director General (Exploration), DGH
• Prof. Sachin Patwardhan, Dean R&D, IIT Bombay
• Prof. Vikram Vishal, Department of Earth Sciences, IIT Bombay

IIT Bombay is proud to lead the charge in advancing energy and decarbonization technologies, reaffirming its position as a hub of innovation and excellence. Collaborating with DGH, the Institute is driving cutting-edge research, fostering collaborative learning, and spearheading pioneering innovations to address critical challenges in sustainable energy. This partnership spotlights IIT Bombay’s ongoing commitment to shaping a greener and a more resilient future for India and the world.

Image Credit: SINE IITB

IIT Bombay’s Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), a trailblazer in India’s incubation ecosystem, is set to transform the startup landscape with its plan to launch a Rs. 100 crore venture capital fund. This bold initiative is designed to fuel the growth of deep tech startups tackling critical challenges of national importance and laying the foundation for India’s innovation-driven future.

With a vision to scale its operations and support 1,000 startups over the next decade, SINE’s venture fund marks a groundbreaking step. This fund will address a significant gap in financing early-stage, deep tech ventures, particularly those requiring longer gestation periods. SINE’s deep understanding of the unique needs of such startups positions it as an ideal catalyst for nurturing transformative ideas.

Mr. Shaji Varghese, CEO of SINE, described the initiative as a potential “game-changer,” highlighting its goal to unite like-minded investors committed to fostering innovation. “Traditional VC funds often shy away from deep tech startups due to their extended timelines. Our fund will help bridge this gap and drive critical advancements in sectors like ICT, healthcare, and cleantech,” he noted.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, SINE has already supported 245 startups, which have collectively raised $942 million and achieved a valuation of $3.6 billion. The incubator has been instrumental in launching industry-leading ventures, with notable successes such as Gupshup, the first unicorn from an academic incubation ecosystem, and ideaForge, a drone manufacturing company that became a publicly listed entity. ImmunoACT, another spin-off, has pioneered indigenous cancer therapies, showcasing SINE’s impact on high-impact innovation.

Currently, 81 startups are incubated at SINE, which has also facilitated the generation of over 300 intellectual properties across diverse industries. This robust portfolio underscores SINE’s pivotal role in advancing India’s entrepreneurial and technological prowess.

SINE’s influence extends beyond its startups, shaping the entrepreneurial spirit at IIT Bombay. Prof. Milind Atrey, Deputy Director (Academics, Research and Translation), emphasized that SINE entrepreneurs serve as role models for students. He urged students to prioritize entrepreneurship, positioning it as a pathway for societal impact and innovation.

IIT Bombay’s School of Entrepreneurship further strengthens this ecosystem by offering specialized programmes that empower students across disciplines to embrace entrepreneurial opportunities.

In recognition of its 20 years of groundbreaking achievements, SINE is hosting a two-day event titled Innovation Nation: Leveraging India’s Talent and Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Era of Disruptive Technologies. The event aims to spotlight India’s potential as a global innovation hub and inspire the next wave of trailblazing startups.

As SINE embarks on this ambitious journey, its new venture fund reinforces IIT Bombay’s commitment to driving technological progress, nurturing talent, and empowering India’s deep tech ecosystem for decades to come.

Read more about this here:

Indian Express
The Economic Times
Hindustan Times
The Times of India

The Institute’s illustrious alumni have contributed over the past several decades in diverse ways in terms of resources, time and their wisdom. In a very distinctive-of-its-kind donation, the Class of 1969 has added a vibrant chapter to the story of giving back to IIT Bombay.

During their reunion on campus, many of the alumni and their families noticed the bare walls of the Institute’s buildings and the guesthouse where they stayed. Inspired to make a meaningful contribution, 29 alumni members and their families came together to donate 70 paintings—turning blank walls into spaces brimming with life and creativity. In a very touching and heart-warming event held on campus on December 4^th in the Padma Vihar Guest House, the 1969 batch shared the treasures of their artistic talent with the Institute.

This initiative, spearheaded by Mr. Arun Joshi, goes beyond traditional philanthropy. Of the 70 paintings, 56 were created by the family members of the alumni themselves, offering not just art but a piece of their homes to their alma mater. This heartfelt gesture symbolizes a connection between them that will endure forever, as their creations become part of IIT Bombay’s landscape.

In addition, alumni who reside overseas purchased 11 paintings from the online art site Fizdi.com, which the batch recommends as an excellent resource for other alumni inspired to contribute. The batch also donated 3 paintings by other artists.

The Class of 1969 is heartened by the support shown by Dr. Sharad Saraf, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIT Bombay, and Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay. Both Dr. Saraf and Prof. Kedare emphasized the importance taking this initiative further and making the entire IIT Bombay campus more “artful” and aesthetic towards a clean, green and healthy ecosystem. The Class of 1969 also hopes that their endeavour will spark similar efforts from other batches to bring more colour and vibrancy to IIT Bombay’s campus. They further wish for Project Evergreen to consider incorporating art into the design of new hostel spaces for students.

See more donated art by the Class of 1969 here.

IIT Bombay is deeply grateful to the Class of 1969 for demonstrating how art can forge timeless connections. This remarkable gesture not only reflects the alumni’s unwavering love and loyalty to their alma mater but also their thoughtful commitment to creating an inspiring and vibrant environment for generations to come.

IIT Bombay commemorated National Education Day, celebrating the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Independent India’s first Education Minister.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Prof. Vasudha Kamat, former Vice-Chancellor of SNDT Women’s University, who emphasized the importance of education in shaping a progressive society.

The ceremony included the presentation of the Research Publication Awards 2023 and Impactful Research Awards to recognize exceptional contributions by IIT Bombay’s faculty:

Research Publication Awards 2023

• Prof. Samir Maji (Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering)
• Prof. Gopal Patil (Department of Civil Engineering)
• Prof. Supratik Chakraborty and Prof. S. Akshay (Department of Computer Science and Engineering)
• Prof. Aswani Yella (Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science)
• Prof. Harish Phuleria (Department of Environmental Science and Engineering)

Impactful Research Awards

• Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan (Department of Computer Science and Engineering)
• Prof. Sahana Murthy and Prof. Sridhar Iyer (Centre for Education Technology)

The celebration also spotlighted the achievements of IIT Bombay’s students. Prof. Pratibha Sharma, Associate Dean (Academic Programmes), introduced the Institute Academic Prizes and invited the awardees to receive their certificates.

This special occasion reinforced IIT Bombay’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and fostering academic and research excellence. By celebrating the accomplishments of its faculty and students, the Institute not only honours the legacy of education in India but also reaffirms its role as a leader in driving innovation and knowledge creation. Events like these inspire the IIT Bombay community to continue contributing meaningfully to the nation’s progress and shaping a brighter future for future generations.

IIT Bombay’s Central Library recently hosted a two-day Conclave on the “Future of Libraries” and the All IIT Librarians Meet 2024.

The event was Inaugurated by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, and brought together librarians from across the country to explore how libraries can adapt to evolving demands in the digital age while remaining essential institutions for societal progress.

In his opening address, Prof. Kedare highlighted libraries’ transformative role and potential as collaborative spaces to inspire students. Other speakers, including Prof. K.V.K. Rao and Prof. Irishi N. N. Namboothiri, addressed key issues such as the balance between physical and digital resources, the integration of advanced technologies like AI, and innovative research dissemination and open access strategies.

With a dynamic program of talks, panel discussions, and interactive activities like online quizzes and roadmap development sessions, the Conclave provided an engaging platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing. The event aligned with International Open Access Week, underscoring libraries’ vital role in educational, research, and cultural development.

For IIT Bombay’s alumni, the Conclave signals the Institute’s forward-thinking approach to evolving educational resources. By fostering collaboration and innovation among IIT librarians, IIT Bombay is committed to supporting future-ready learning environments that meet the needs of the next generation.

The Grid Integration Laboratory (GIL) at IIT Bombay, led by Prof. Zakir H. Rather, recently co-led a groundbreaking study on Security Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED) at the state level—India’s first initiative of this kind. Titled Optimizing Power Dispatch: An Initiative Towards SCED Implementation in Maharashtra, this report was developed in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Load Despatch Centre (MSLDC), with guidance from industry veterans including Mr. Soonee Sushil Kumar, Mr. Debasis De, and Dr. Deb Chattopadhyay, as well as expert insights from the National and Western Regional Load Despatch Centers.

The report was released by Ms. Abha Shukla, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy), and Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, CMD of MSETCL, and highlights critical interventions needed to ensure reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective power delivery for Maharashtra’s growing energy demands.

With this milestone, GIL builds on its longstanding commitment to pioneering sustainable energy research and fostering collaboration across academia and industry. Nestled in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, GIL has long been a pioneering force in sustainable energy research. It provides an inspiring, collaborative environment where academic and industry stakeholders converge to drive India’s progress toward energy efficiency, grid stability, and the electrification of transport. GIL focuses on high-impact research areas including renewable energy grid integration, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and power system dynamics, making it an essential contributor to India’s energy landscape.

This SCED study was made possible through the strong support of MSLDC’s Executive Director, Mr. Shashank Jewalikar, and core teams from both IIT Bombay and MSLDC. The initiative represents a major step forward in optimizing power dispatch and highlights the transformative potential of SCED in ensuring sustainable power management for Maharashtra.

You can access the full report here.

Collaborations like these underscore IIT Bombay’s pivotal role in advancing India’s energy future. By fostering strategic partnerships and empowering faculty with resources to lead pioneering research, IIT Bombay, and its Grid Integration Lab drive impactful solutions that set new benchmarks in sustainable energy. Together, they continue to strengthen the nation’s commitment to a resilient and economically efficient power sector.

IIT Bombay is delighted to announce the Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) and Chapter Service Awards for 2024!

Our recipients for the DSA this year are:

• Mr. Rajindra Harcharan Singh (B.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, 1988)
• Mr. Sandeep Asthana (B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, 1990)
• Mr. Sudhir Jayram Nikam (B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, 1993)

Our recipients for the CSA this year are:

• Mr. Rajesh Soy (B.Tech., Computer Science and Engineering, 1993; M.Tech., Computer Science and Engineering, 1997 -Chapter: Seattle, USA)
• Mr. Ranjan Ojha (B.Tech., Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science, 1998 -Chapter: Chicago, USA)
• Ms. Shweta Bhandari (B.Tech., Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science, 2002- Chapter: Greater New York, USA)
• Mr. Sagar Shah (Dual Degree, Chemical Engineering, 2008- Chapter: Greater New York, USA)
• Ms. Sita Mahalakshmi Durvasula (EMBA, SJMSOM, 2016- Chapter: Hyderabad, India)
• Mr. Sunay Wagle (M.Tech., Mechanical Engineering, 2017 – Chapter: Pune, India

The DSA was established in 1999 and honours the significant contributions of our alumni to their alma mater while the CSA honours select alumni for their sustained contribution to various alumni chapters’ progress. The CSA awardees work tirelessly to forge strong connections between the Institute and its alumni community.

Both the DSA and CSA awardees are chosen from nominations submitted by various stakeholders, including our alumni and faculty.  Both these awards are presented every year on IIT Bombay’s Alumni Day, to be held this year on December 29, 2024.

The ongoing support and dedication of IIT Bombay’s alumni have been pivotal in strengthening the Institute’s legacy of excellence and innovation. These awards represent a celebration of the deep bonds and lasting impact our alumni continue to make both within and beyond our campus community. As we honour these outstanding individuals on Alumni Day, IIT Bombay extends heartfelt gratitude to all its alumni for their contributions, reinforcing the spirit of community and collaboration that defines our alma mater.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the DSA and CSA for the ongoing and invaluable service to IIT Bombay!

IIT Bombay celebrated a momentous occasion with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new wing of Kendriya Vidyalaya on campus. The event was led by IIT Bombay’s Director, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, marking an exciting step toward enhancing educational infrastructure for future generations.

This project has been made possible through the generous contributions of KV IIT Powai alumni, Mr. Prashant Sharma, Mr. Himanshu Sharma, and trustees of the Smt. Durga Devi Sharma Charitable Trust, along with Mr. Narottam Sharma and Mr. Chandan Sharma from the Sharma Foundation. The new wing is dedicated to their grandfather, Pandit Chandrabhan Bhuramal Sharma, a freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in IIT Bombay’s early years by helping the institute acquire its land in 1957.

The new wing will provide much-needed learning spaces for students, continuing the legacy of educational excellence at IIT Bombay.

As IIT Bombay continues to grow and evolve, this new wing will stand as a symbol of the Institute’s commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a future of limitless possibilities. This initiative not only honours a legacy of service and contribution and with every brick laid, IIT Bombay moves closer to shaping a brighter tomorrow for our students and the nation.