News Category: Institute In News

IIT Bombay recently celebrated National Space Day with an engaging exhibition that highlighted the wonders of space and the Institute’s contributions to space technology. The event was inaugurated by Deputy Director KV Krishna Rao, who delivered an inspiring address on the importance of space innovation and its potential to transform our understanding of the universe.

The exhibition featured a captivating collection of cosmic imagery, showcasing the beauty and mystery of the universe. These stunning visuals, provided by professional astrophotographers from The Sky Explorers and Krittika – The Astronomy Club of IIT Bombay, offered a glimpse into the grandeur of space and ignited curiosity among visitors.

In addition to the visual feast, the event also showcased various innovative projects from IIT Bombay’s Mars-Rover Team, the Rocket Team, and the Student Satellite Project, reflecting the Institute’s dedication to advancing space exploration and technology.

The National Space Day exhibition not only celebrated the vastness of space but also underscored IIT Bombay’s role in pioneering space research and fostering technological advancements.

IIT Bombay hosted the inaugural Indian Nanoelectronics Users Programme (INUP) on campus. Launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in association with IIT Bombay and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), it expanded in 2021 to include IIT Guwahati, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur, and IIT Madras.

The meet was inaugurated by Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, with notable Guests of Honor including:

• Dr. R. Chidambaram, former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India
• Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice-Chancellor of BITS Pilani and former Director of IIT Delhi

The program has provided access to MeitY-supported semiconductor nanofabrication facilities for academic researchers and, more recently, startup companies nationwide. It also supports industrial training in alignment with the India Semiconductor Mission.

The Users’ Meet, co-organized by the six host institutes, celebrated the program’s accomplishments and discussed its future direction. The event brought together researchers, academicians, and industry professionals who have benefited from INUP.

IIT Bombay’s hosting of the INUP Users’ Meet highlighted the program’s pivotal role in advancing nanoelectronics research and fostering industry-academia partnerships. The event reinforced IIT Bombay’s commitment to driving innovation and supporting India’s semiconductor mission, bridging academic excellence with practical industry applications to fuel technological progress.

IIT Bombay hosted the inaugural Stakeholders Consultation Workshop for the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) upcoming Medtech Mission. The workshop was a significant step towards shaping the future of medical device development in India.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, DST Secretary, and brought together a diverse group of experts from DST, academia, startups, and the healthcare sector.

The session facilitated in-depth discussions on the key components of the Medtech Mission, with participants sharing valuable insights and perspectives. This collaborative effort marks a crucial phase in advancing India’s capabilities in the medical technology sector and aiming to foster innovation in medical device development in the country.

IIT Bombay’s role in hosting this pivotal workshop underscores the Institute’s unwavering commitment to driving impactful collaborations that advance India’s technological frontiers. The Medtech Mission promises to be a catalyst for transformative change, positioning India at the forefront of global medical innovation.

IIT Bombay officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MITRA (Maharashtra Institution for Transformation), Government of Maharashtra, at Varsha, the Chief Minister’s residence in Mumbai.

The ceremony was attended by:

• Hon. Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde
• Hon. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis
• MITRA CEO Mr. Praveen Pardeshi

Representing IIT Bombay were:

• Prof. K. V. Krishna Rao (Acting Director and Deputy Director)
• Prof. Bakul Rao (Chair Professor, CTARA)
• Prof. Upendra Bhandarkar (Associate Dean, R&D)

This MoU marks the start of a strategic partnership where IIT Bombay will serve as a key knowledge partner in Maharashtra’s ambitious transformation efforts. The collaboration to drive the overall sustainable development across the state will focus on supporting policy advocacy, research, innovation, and capacity building, with emphasis on areas such as Data, Monitoring and Evaluation, and GIS. This partnership is crucial to Maharashtra’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2027 and a $3.5 trillion economy by 2047.

This MoU between IIT Bombay and MITRA not only signifies a pivotal collaboration but also underscores IIT Bombay’s commitment to leveraging its expertise for the broader development of Maharashtra and the nation. The Institute’s outreach programs play a crucial role in driving sustainable development, enhancing governance, and fostering economic growth. As IIT Bombay continues to align its strengths with the state’s transformation goals, it reaffirms its position as a vital catalyst in shaping a prosperous and progressive future for Maharashtra and India as a whole.

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IIT Bombay commemorated India’s 78^th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, with a ceremony held near the iconic arch in front of the Nandan Nilekani Main Building. The event began at 9:00 a.m. with the hoisting of the National Flag by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay. The ceremony was honoured by the presence of the Chief Guest and distinguished alumnus Mr. Deepak Satwalekar (B.Tech. (Hons.), Mechanical Engineering, 1971).

In his address, Prof. Kedare extended warm greetings to the IIT Bombay community, reflecting on the Institute’s recent achievements and milestones. He also highlighted the significance of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ celebrating 78 years of India’s progressive independence.

The campus was adorned with tricolour lights, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The event featured a vibrant student cultural program and a tree plantation drive, both symbolizing growth and unity. The event also showcased the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, encouraging campus residents to display the national flag at home and take selfies at a special booth near the hoisting arch.

Prof. Kedare and Mr. Satwalekar honoured Shri Prem Bahadur Gangabir Pun, Sr., a multi-skilled assistant from the Department of Civil Engineering, for his 40 years of dedicated service to the Institute.

The ceremony, which was well-attended by faculty, staff, and students, was broadcast live on the Institute’s YouTube channel.

In a significant stride towards enhancing collaboration between academia and government, Ms. Sujata Saunik, the newly-appointed Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, visited IIT Bombay to explore avenues of partnership between the state government and the institute. The visit focused on leveraging IIT Bombay’s expertise across various domains to bolster government initiatives and capacity-building efforts.

Ms. Saunik engaged in detailed discussions with Prof. KVK Rao, Deputy Director (Finance and External Affairs) of IIT Bombay, and faculty members representing diverse departments on integrating technological advancements into state government programs. The discussions spanned critical sectors such as infrastructure development, housing, transportation, water management, healthcare, skill development, climate change adaptation, and disaster management.

A pivotal highlight of the meeting was the proposed collaboration through the SANGAM Fellowship, to be anchored by the Global Initiative for Sustainable Energy (GISE) Hub at IIT Bombay. This initiative underscores a strategic effort to empower government agencies with cutting-edge technological solutions and innovative approaches developed at the institute.

The fruitful deliberations culminated in a mutual agreement to forge a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IIT Bombay and the Office of the Chief Secretary in the future. This MOU is poised to serve as a framework for collaborative projects that will directly contribute to the socio-economic development of Maharashtra and the nation at large.

The visit by Chief Secretary Ms. Sujata Saunik to IIT Bombay marks a significant step forward in fostering synergies between academic research and governmental policy implementation, aiming to address contemporary challenges and propel Maharashtra towards a sustainable and technologically advanced future.

IIT Bombay documented the journey of WiSE (Women in Science and Engineering) at the Institute since its launch in May 2023. This initiative plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality by empowering young girls from rural India to explore STEM fields.

Supported by the IEEE CAS Circuits & Systems Society, WiSE invited 10th-grade girls from rural India to experience a week of hands-on learning and mentorship each year. WiSE connected participants with “Winspirers” – extraordinary women role models from various fields – and engaged them in BMP (Break-Make-Program it) activities using lab-developed kits. From constructing light bulbs to FM radios, drones, and autonomous rovers, the initiative sparked interest in STEM careers and fostered aspirations for higher education.

The video below showcases the impact of WiSE, highlighting the commitment of approximately 40 IIT Bombay student volunteers and demonstrating how the program has positively influenced girls from rural areas in Gujarat, Daman, Diu, and Goa.

As a pioneer in educational initiatives promoting gender inclusivity and empowerment, IIT Bombay remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of women leaders in STEM.

We invite you to explore the inspiring journey of WiSE with IIT Bombay below.

Click the link here: WiSE2024 – YouTube

IIT Bombay celebrated Van Mahotsav, an annual green initiative where the entire campus community—staff, faculty, students, and residents—unites to plant saplings. This year, the event took place on Sunday, July 28, at 10 am along the Lake Side Road near the Jal Vihar guest house.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Abhijit Bangar, Additional Municipal Commissioner of the BMC, emphasized the importance of planting indigenous species and preserving mature trees during construction activities. He inspired the students to foster a greener and more sustainable environment.

Distinguished dignitaries from IIT Bombay who attended the event included:

• Prof. Milind Atrey – Deputy Director for Academic and Infrastructural Affairs
• Prof. K.V.K. Rao – Deputy Director for Finance and External Affairs
• Prof. K.P. Kaliappan – Dean of Strategy
• Prof. Vedagiri Perumal – Dean of Infrastructure, Planning, and Support (IPS)
• Prof. Anurag Garg – Associate Dean of IPS – 3
• Prof. Venkata Santosh Kumar Delhi – Associate Dean of IPS – 1

They joined the faculty, staff, students, and the teachers and students of Kendriya Vidyalaya and Campus School in planting 400 saplings.

Cultural performances by students from Campus School and Kendriya Vidyalaya, celebrating the importance of trees, added a lively touch to the event. Organized by the Horticulture section of the Estate Office, IIT Bombay, this initiative underscores the commitment to nurturing the campus’s greenery, especially amidst ongoing redevelopment and expansion.

The Van Mahotsav celebration extended beyond the IIT Bombay campus. The student team of Abhyudaya organized the Green Earth Campaign, a tree plantation drive in Marol, Mumbai, on the same day. With the help of local volunteers, they planted 1,500 saplings of 56 varieties, aiming to promote environmental sustainability, enhance biodiversity, and combat climate change.

IIT Bombay is dedicated to sustainable development, adopting green practices to create an environmentally friendly campus and instill a sense of environmental responsibility among residents. Under the office of the Dean of Infrastructure, Planning, and Support (IPS), several initiatives are ongoing, including:

Environmental Impact:

• Environmental Education
• Environmental Research
• Awareness Programs
• Approaches towards zero carbon emissions (sustainable transport and mobility, water conservation and wastewater recycling, solid waste treatment and recycling, energy conservation, renewable power and net-zero goals, sustainable infrastructure development, road cleaning)
• Creation and maintenance of green cover and landscaping
• Biodiversity management
• Handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials and wastes

Social Impact:

• Equity and well-being of campus residents
• Improved housekeeping activities

For more details on IIT Bombay’s new sustainability policy, visit: IIT Bombay Sustainability Policy

The celebration of Van Mahotsav at IIT Bombay not only reinforces the Institute’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and enhance our natural surroundings. Through active participation in such initiatives, the IIT Bombay community demonstrates the power of unity in fostering a greener future. As the saplings grow and flourish, so does the spirit of conservation and environmental stewardship among all who are part of this vibrant campus. This year’s Van Mahotsav is a testament to the enduring dedication of IIT Bombay towards creating a sustainable and ecologically balanced world for generations to come.

In a transformative educational initiative, IIT Bombay recently brought its renowned school outreach programme, TechTrends, to the enthusiastic students of Filix School of Education in Purulia, West Bengal. Aimed at grades 9-11, this intensive 6-day programme immersed students from Para, a rural village in West Bengal, into the forefront of technological advancements across various disciplines.

TechTrends, meticulously designed to ignite curiosity and foster foundational knowledge, covered a wide array of cutting-edge topics including AI/ML, GIS/GPS, IoT, Robotics, Climate Science, Electric Mobility, Graphic Design, and Animation Design. The programme featured engaging lectures by internationally acclaimed faculty members and hands-on sessions in IIT Bombay’s state-of-the-art laboratories, providing a hands-on learning experience.

For the students of Filix School, many of whom were experiencing such advanced technologies for the first time, TechTrends was more than just an educational endeavour—it was a transformative journey. Expressing their enthusiasm, students described the programme as “a great and enriching experience” that “ignited a spark” in their minds. It was hailed as “totally new and one of the best experiences” they had ever encountered.

Reflecting on the success of TechTrends at Filix School, IIT Bombay will continue to invite students from grades 10-12 and school groups to participate in future editions of the programme. For the Institute, nurturing young innovators and equipping them with cutting-edge skills isn’t just a mission—it’s a commitment to empowering the next generation and contributing to the nation’s development through technology and education.