News Category: Institute In News

The PIWOT—World of Technology conclave, organized by PanIIT Alumni India, brought together global IIT alumni, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators for a three-day event at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Focusing on technological advancement, sustainability, and social progress, PIWOT served as a platform to drive cutting-edge innovation and foster collaborations that shape the future.

A key highlight of the event was the address by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who lauded the role of IIT Bombay in developing transformative technology solutions. He specifically highlighted the Institute’s collaboration with the state on an ambitious drone project, stating, “We are collaborating closely with IIT Bombay on many aspects, but our Drone Project whereby a central command and control system of all drones will be created.. like a Drone Port.. to cover the entire state, is one project on which we are working with IIT Bombay, and this project will shape the Drone usage in the state of Maharashtra.”

IIT Bombay continues to pioneer cutting-edge R&D and drive CSR-led innovations, reinforcing its commitment to developing transformative technological solutions that address critical challenges and shape the future of Maharashtra and the nation.

IIT Bombay marked India’s 76th Republic Day with a grand celebration at the Gymkhana grounds. The event began with the unfurling of the National Flag by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, accompanied by a salute from the IIT Bombay security staff and NCC cadets.

In his address to the IIT Bombay community, Prof. Kedare extended his warm wishes, emphasizing the significance of the day in the nation’s history. The celebration also included the presentation of certificates to the winners of the essay writing competition held during Vigilance Awareness Week 2024.

The Institute also honoured the dedicated personnel who contribute to the safety and well-being of the campus by felicitating the security officers, guards, and NCC cadets.

The vibrant celebrations were further enriched by spirited performances from students of Aman Day Care Centre, Campus School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, IIT Bombay, and NSS, reflecting the true essence of Republic Day with their enthusiasm and fervour.

As the celebrations concluded, the sense of unity and pride within the IIT Bombay community was palpable. The day’s events served as a reminder of the values that bind us together—patriotism, service, and the spirit of progress. With students, staff, and faculty coming together in joyful harmony, the 76th Republic Day at IIT Bombay was a heartfelt celebration of the nation’s journey and the Institute’s continued commitment to shaping a brighter future for all.

Reconnect, Relive, and Celebrate: Don’t Miss Your Reunion at IIT Bombay!

Attention Alumni: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Reconnect with your Alma Mater and your Batchmates!

IIT Bombay is buzzing with excitement as we gear up for a series of momentous alumni reunions in the coming months!

Calling alumni from the class 1964!

This is an urgent call to all alumni from these batches to seize this opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate your shared journey!

Each event promises to be a unique occasion filled with nostalgia and camaraderie. With festivities kicking off soon, it’s time to rally your batchmates and register for your reunion today!

Details for each of the reunions are given below!

Register soon!

Diamond Jubilee Reunion – Class of 1964

Dates and Time: Sun, Feb 23, 2025, 1 PM IST – Tue, Feb 25, 2025, 10 AM, IST

Venue: IIT Bombay, Main Gate Rd, IIT Area, Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

REGISTRATION

Click on the following links to register for the event:

• US: https://www.iitbombay.org/e/class-of-1964-diamond-jubilee-reunion-usd
• India: https://www.iitbombay.org/e/class-of-1964-diamond-jubilee-reunion-inr

These reunions are more than just events; they are a celebration of the enduring bonds formed at IIT Bombay. As alumni come together to share stories, rekindle friendships, and inspire one another, we are reminded of the strength of our community.

Alumni – don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect and create new memories! Your presence will make all the difference!

The Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Bombay proudly celebrated the success of its Course on Wheels (CoW), an immersive program that linked academic knowledge with real-world industrial experience. In 2024, 30 students embarked on a 2,000 km journey across western India, visiting key industries in refineries, petrochemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Supported by industry leaders like DCM Shriram, Reliance Industries, and Nirma Chemicals, students gained invaluable hands-on experience through site visits, expert interactions, and guided projects.

Course on Wheels exemplifies IIT Bombay’s commitment to diverse learning methods, blending academic theory with hands-on industry experience. This approach, along with other innovative pedagogies, ensures that students gain both practical skills and deep insights, preparing them for real-world challenges.

IIT Bombay’s alumni have made waves across industries, building groundbreaking companies and driving innovation globally. Now, we want your support to guide the next generation of tech pioneers at your alma mater.

Project Titanium is transforming cutting-edge research into successful startups, and we need your expertise to take these ventures to the next level.

We invite you to step up as a business cofounder or mentor to guide our first cohort of IP innovators. With your proven experience, leadership, and insight, you can shape the future of deep-tech ventures emerging from IIT Bombay, and drive real-world impact in the process.

Click here for more details on Project Titanium.

How to Get Involved: If you’re a visionary entrepreneur or seasoned industry leader ready to leave a legacy of innovation, Project Titanium wants you. Join this exciting journey by filling out the following form where you can specify whether you’d like to become a cofounder or mentor, share your expertise, and indicate the areas you’re passionate about working in. 

Click here for the form.

For further inquiries, please contact Jayshree Nayak, Program Director | Titanium at:

Email: jayshree.nayak@sineiitb.org
Phone: +91 99875 90839

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.