Bhubaneswar: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar organized the PanllT World of Technology (PIWOT) Satellite Conference on 23 January 2025. The programme was a one-of-its-kind event uniting a diverse group of leaders from industries, academia, and the government sector to foster a collaborative approach between industry and academia. The conference was jointly organised by the lIT Alumni Association, Wheels Global Foundation India, and Confederation of Indian Industries (Cll).
In the inaugural session, Ms. Sujata Roy, President, Wheels Global Foundation India delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significance and objectives of the PIWOT Satellite Conference.
In his address, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar highlighted the transformation of the I1Ts beyond knowledge dissemination or teaching, and knowledge generation or research over the last five decades. He said that, today, the IITs are also involved in knowledge application or directly solving societal problems via multidisciplinary approach, and in wealth generation or developing entrepreneurship.
Speaking on this occasion, Prof. Brahma Deo, MGM Chair Professor, IIT Bhubaneswar discussed the issues and concerns about Industry-Academia collaboration. He stressed that there should be an industry-academia interaction cell at every IIT to bridge the existing gap in this field,
In his address, Dr. Prashant Kumar Hota, Co-Chairman of the CSR & AA Sub Committee and President and group CSR of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd., delved into the aspects of Industry-Academia collaboration in the field of Sustainability. He emphasized the importance of individual respon sibility and human-friendly research to attain sustainability.
S.S. Mohanty, former Chairman, CIl Odisha spoke on the role of IIT in the incubation of start-ups and new business processes.
Sambit Tripathy, Ex-IRS and CMD, Livelihood Alternatives threw light on the need for an Industry-Academia collaboration with Rural Development.
Ratan Agarwal, Vice President, Wheels Global Foundation India also spoke on this occasion.
The inaugural session was followed by different insightful presentations and interactions. Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean, Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy of the Institute presented on the Research Ecosystem at IIT Bhubaneswar. Prof. Saroj Kumar Nayak gave a presentation on the Centres of Excellence (CoE) at IIT Bhubaneswar, which are serving as the catalysts for innovation and growth.
The plenary sessions were followed by a panel discussion on Strengthening Odisha’s Industrial Growth and Rural Development: The Pivotal Role of llT and Wheels Global Foundation India. Suresha G, Executive Director Odisha Asset Operations, Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India Limited, Prashant Biswal, Head CSR, JSW, Pradeep Kapur, IFS, Former Ambassador, Prof. B K. Mishra, Former Director, IIT Goa participated in this discussion. Dr. Soobhankar Pati, CEO, of Research & Entrepreneurship Park, IIT Bhubaneswar moderated the session. Prof. B.K. Mishra and Mr. Suresh Shenoy, Vice Chairman, and Board Member, of Wheels Global Foundation spoke on the theme- Innovate, Integrate and Elevate Technologies. The PIWOT Satellite Conference ended with a group interaction, a feedback session and an award ceremony where prizes were given to three most innovative start-ups, Prof. Ashis Biswas, Associate Dean of Alumni Affairs & International Relations, IIT Bhubaneswar delivered the closing remarks of the inaugural plenary session. Prof. P.K. Sahu, Dean of Alumni Affairs & International Relations, IIT Bhubaneswar proposed a vote of thanks.