News Category: Institute In News

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.

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