Dai Nippon Printing Co. Opens First India R&D Centre at IIT Hyderabad to Advance EV Power Transfer and API Innovation

• Joint research to focus on wireless power transfer systems for EVs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
• Facility established at IITH Technology Research Park (TRP) to accelerate industry–academia collaboration
• Initiative to drive commercialisation of advanced technologies for India and global markets

Dai Nippon Printing Co. Ltd. (DNP) inaugurated its first Research & Development (R&D) centre in India at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), marking its second overseas R&D base globally. Located at the IITH Technology Research Park (TRP), the centre will focus on advancing joint research in electric mobility and healthcare, while strengthening India–Japan innovation collaboration and accelerating the development and commercialization of next-generation technologies.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries and representatives from academia, industry, and government, including Mr. Muneo Takahashi, Consul General of Japan; Mr. Osamu Nakamura, Senior Managing Director, DNP; and Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH, along with senior representatives from Japanese organisations and partner institutions.

The newly established centre will drive joint research initiatives between IITH and DNP in priority areas such as wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles (EVs) and development of synthesis routes for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)—both critical to sustainable mobility and affordable healthcare.

Located within the IITH TRP, the facility is designed to enable seamless collaboration between academia and industry, combining IITH’s research strengths and talent ecosystem with DNP’s advanced technological capabilities to accelerate innovation and real-world implementation.

Hyderabad’s emergence as a hub for Mobility innovation, Pharmaceuticals, Semiconductors, and Advanced Manufacturing further strengthens the strategic relevance of this collaboration, with potential to expand into Middle East and African markets.

In the mobility domain, the centre will focus on the design, development, and demonstration of wireless power transfer systems for EVs, while in healthcare, it will advance process development and scalable synthesis of APIs, enabling faster translation from research to manufacturing and global deployment.

Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said, "The inauguration of DNP’s R&D centre at IITH marks an important step in strengthening global industry–academia collaboration. This partnership brings together cutting-edge industrial technology and academic research to address critical challenges in mobility and healthcare. It also reinforces the role of IITH as a hub for translational research and innovation aligned with national priorities and global needs.”

Senior Managing Director Osamu Nakamura, DNP said, "As DNP marks its 150th anniversary, establishing this new R&D Centre at IIT Hyderabad is important for us to create future standards. Here, we will learn IIT Hyderabad’s expertise and combine it with DNP’s strengths to create new businesses in India, starting with mobility and healthcare. We look forward to strengthening a long-term partnership and contributing to the growing relationship between India and Japan.”

The collaboration is expected to further promote talent development, knowledge exchange, and joint innovation programs, offering students and researchers opportunities to work on globally relevant technologies, while deepening the India–Japan partnership in research and technology.

With this initiative, IIT Hyderabad continues to expand its Technology Research Park ecosystem, attracting leading global companies and enabling a collaborative environment that bridges research, development, and commercialization.

About DNP:

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), established in 1876, is a leading global company that leverages print-based and advanced material technologies to create innovative solutions across diverse sectors. The company has strong expertise in microfabrication and precision coating technologies, enabling it to serve industries such as electronics, display technologies, optical films, mobility, and healthcare, while contributing to sustainability and global innovation.

About IITH:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17+ years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH has recorded a major leap in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, entering the global Top 400 in Engineering & Technology with a rank of 395, marking a sharp improvement from the 501–550 band in 2025. IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Stanford /Elsevier Global Top 2% Scientists list 2025 across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360+ non-teaching Staff and 5,720+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5470+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1770 Cr (Rs. 245+ Cr funding in 2025-26), 13,300+ Publications, 2,64,400+ Citations, 160 h-index, 730 Patents (250 Patents in 2025, i.e., 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025, making it possibly the best Indian institute in terms of patents filed per faculty in a year), and about 280+ Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

IIT Hyderabad and Mahindra University Collaborate on Critical Minerals, AI in Mining, and Start-up Incubation

• Collaboration to advance research, education, and innovation in Critical Minerals, Mining technologies, and Sustainable industrial processes
• Mahindra University to serve as a SPOKE Institute for IIT Hyderabad’s Centre of Excellence in Critical Minerals
• Focus on Mining 4.0, AI-driven Mining, Autonomous Systems, and Start-up incubation aligned with national priorities

Mahindra University and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term partnership in research, education, training, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on Critical Minerals, Sustainable Mining, and Advanced industrial processes.

The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in Critical Mineral exploration and processing—an area of growing national importance—by combining Mahindra University’s interdisciplinary academic approach with IIT Hyderabad’s strong research ecosystem. The partnership will span frontier domains including Iron ore beneficiation, Coal and mineral processing, Ironmaking and Steelmaking, Mining waste utilisation for infrastructure, extraction of Critical and Rare Earth Minerals, and Process modelling and simulation.

Beyond conventional mining research, the MoU also covers emerging areas such as AI and data analytics in Mining, Mining 4.0, Autonomous systems including Drones and Self-driving vehicles, and Incubation support for Start-ups and Innovators. These efforts are designed to translate advanced research into scalable technologies and skilled human capital for India’s Mineral and Manufacturing sectors.

Under the agreement, Mahindra University will function as a SPOKE institute for a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at IIT Hyderabad, enabling structured collaboration between faculty, researchers, and students of both institutions. The engagement will be operationalised through joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and shared access to laboratories and academic infrastructure.

The Ministry of Mines, GoI, has recognized 7 institutes – 4 IITs and 3 R&D Labs – as Centres of Excellence (CoE) under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and IIT Hyderabad is one among the 4 IITs. The recognition of CoEs is an important step for fulfilling a key objective of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), which is research and technology development in Critical Minerals.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, said that the collaboration directly addresses national priorities related to India’s Critical Mineral mission and promotes sustainable, indigenous technological solutions through research-led education.

Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, noted that India’s transition towards self-reliance in Critical Minerals and resource-efficient industrial processes requires sustained academic collaboration. He said the partnership would expand IITH’s research and training ecosystem, enabling multidisciplinary engagement and the translation of scientific knowledge into real-world technologies and skilled manpower.

The MoU places strong emphasis on capacity building and skill development, with planned initiatives including specialised training programmes for Mining professionals, elective and certificate courses in the Critical Minerals sector, a proposed master’s programme in Minerals and Coal processing, and short-duration programmes for working professionals. The collaboration also envisages seed support and incubation for Start-ups and MSMEs, along with engagement with venture capital firms to support commercialisation of research outcomes.

Designed as a long-term engagement governed by the academic frameworks of both institutions, the partnership seeks to advance knowledge, nurture skilled professionals, and support Atmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening India’s leadership in Critical Minerals and Sustainable industrial technologies.

About Mahindra University:

Mahindra University, Hyderabad (India), is a multidisciplinary, private university with a vision of “Educating future citizens for and of a better world”. It aims to play a significant role in driving globally acclaimed innovation in higher education in the coming years. Mahindra University’s special focus is on generating new knowledge through engagement in cutting-edge research, creating a spirit of research and discovery, experiential learning and entrepreneurship, whilst forging collaborations with industry and global academic institutions. The university is established by the Mahindra Group, one of the largest and most admired multinational federations of companies with presence in over 100 countries and with a turnover of over 25 billion.

The group, built on 80 years of legacy, has more than 3,24,000 employees globally. Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., its flagship company, is a global leader in mobility products and farm solutions and is the world's largest tractor company by volume. It is also India’s #1 tractor company, #1 electric 3-wheeler company, with strong businesses across financial services and IT services worldwide.

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Global Top 2% Scientists World list 2025 released by Stanford University (SU) in collaboration with Elsevier across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360 non-teaching Staff and 5,700+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5260+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1650+ Cr (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e. Rs. 1+ Cr per Faculty, one of the largest per capita funding among IITs), 12,890+ Publications, 2,48,580+ Citations, 154 h-index, 710+ Patents (250 Patents in 2025, making it 0.75 patents per faculty in 2025), and about 335+ Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

Telangana IT Minister Inaugurates Elan & nVision 2026, South India’s Largest Techno-Cultural Fest at IIT Hyderabad

Highlights

• Festival kickoff: Elan & nVision 2026 at IIT Hyderabad marks the 17th edition of South India’s largest student-run techno-cultural festival.
• Scale: Over 30,000 students participate across three days of technology competitions, innovation showcases, and cultural performances.
• Headliners & summit: Shri Mohit Chauhan performs; debut of nVisionX’26 Tech Summit focused on Sustainability and Green Energy.

Elan & nVision 2026, the 17th edition of IIT Hyderabad’s flagship techno-cultural festival and South India’s largest student-run fest, was inaugurated today in the Institute by the Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Government of Telangana, Sri D. Sridhar Babu. The three-day festival, being held from January 9 to 11, 2026 brings together over 30,000 Students, Innovators, Artists, and Young Entrepreneurs from across the country, featuring high-impact technology competitions, innovation showcases, cultural performances and thought-provoking dialogues that reflect IIT Hyderabad’s vibrant student ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Minister Sri D. Sridhar Babu said:

“______________________________”

A Celebration of Technology, Culture and Youthful Innovation, guided by this year’s powerful theme, “The Last Ronin,” Elan & nVision 2026 symbolises resilience, independence and the relentless pursuit of excellence—values that resonate deeply with India’s next generation of innovators and leaders. The theme reflects the spirit of standing strong, forging new paths, and blending creativity with purpose.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, said: “Elan & nVision embodies the spirit of IIT Hyderabad—where technology, creativity and culture come together to shape responsible innovators. The festival provides a platform for students to think beyond classrooms, collaborate across disciplines, and transform ideas into impactful solutions, aligned with our ethos of Inventing and Innovating in Technology for Humanity. This event happening subsequent to Innovation Day, first-ever Inter-IIT UG Innovation Meet (RISE 2026) conducted in our Institute very recently”

 

The inauguration ceremony featured a vibrant cultural programme, including a Kuchipudi dance performance by Nrityangana, Guinness World Records holders, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage alongside contemporary student creativity.

High-Energy Competitions and Star Performances: Elan & nVision 2026 features an extensive lineup of technical competitions and innovation challenges:

• Tech competitions: Robotics contests, Hackathons, Enigma CTF, Design challenges.
• Hands-on workshops: Electric Vehicles, Generative AI, Robotics, and Cybersecurity.
• Outcomes: Engage with emerging technologies and real-world problem-solving for students from IITs and other institutions.

The cultural segment includes competitions in Dance, Music, Drama, Fine Arts and Literature, along with immersive performances by IIT Hyderabad’s student clubs and visiting college teams.

Adding star power to the celebrations, renowned Bollywood playback singer Shri Mohit Chauhan will headline the festival’s musical evenings, along with performances by Mr. Pranav Sharma, Mr. Anuj Rehan, Ms DJ Tasha, Ms. Shreya Baruah, The Deccan Project and Rapper Shivam, offering a dynamic mix of Bollywood, Indie, Electronic and Hip-Hop music.

nVisionX’26: A new tech summit on sustainability

A major highlight this year is the launch of nVisionX’26, a first-of-its-kind technology summit under Elan & nVision, scheduled for January 10, 2026. Focused on “Sustainability and Green Energy,” the summit brings together experts, innovators and young technologists to discuss solutions for Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development—reinforcing IIT Hyderabad’s leadership in socially relevant innovation.

With thousands of participants, cutting-edge competitions, cultural showcases and knowledge-driven dialogues, Elan & nVision 2026 once again positions IIT Hyderabad as a national hub where technology meets creativity, and ideas evolve into impact.

About Elan & nVision

Elan & nVision is the annual techno-cultural festival of IIT Hyderabad, now in its 17th edition, and is widely recognised as South India’s largest student-run festival. The fest uniquely integrates technology (nVision) and culture (Elan), offering platforms across Engineering, Innovation, Arts and Performance. Over the years, it has grown into a landmark event in the Indian collegiate calendar.

For updates, follow Elan & nVision on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.

For more details, visit: https://elan.org.in/

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in Academics, Research, Technology development, and Start-ups in a short span of 17 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first-generation IIT this year), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664th and 270th in the QS World and Asian University Rankings 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Global Top 2% Scientists World list 2025 released by Stanford University (SU) in collaboration with Elsevier across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 340+ full-time Faculty, 360 non-teaching Staff and 5,700+ Students (PG+PhD Students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5260+ R&D Projects worth of Rs. 1650+ Cr (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e. Rs. 1+ Cr per Faculty, one of the largest per capita funding among IITs), 12,890+ Publications, 2,48,580+ Citations, 154 h-index, 710+ Patents (249 Patents in 2025, making it 0.74 patents per faculty), and about 335+ Start-ups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr). 

AI & ML to Power Rajasthan’s Mineral Exploration: State Partners with IIT Hyderabad

• Rajasthan Govt. engages IIT Hyderabad to build AI-driven mineral exploration system. 
• Rajasthan state ties up with IIT-Hyderabad to deploy AI & ML for critical mineral mapping across its 39 districts. 
• IIT-Hyderabad to develop advanced AI mineral prediction platform for Rajasthan in ₹ 8.5+ Cr partnership.

In a major step toward modernising India’s mineral exploration ecosystem, the Government of Rajasthan signed an ₹ 8.5+ Cr MoU with IIT Hyderabad (IITH) during the Pravasi Rajasthani Divas 2025 held at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre. The agreement, finalised in the presence of the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Union Minister of Coal and Mines and Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, aims to develop an AI- and ML-driven predictive system for identifying critical and strategic minerals across the state. The partnership positions Rajasthan among the first states in India to deploy advanced computational geoscience tools for mineral intelligence and exploration planning.

Under this collaboration, IITH will build a comprehensive prediction model that integrates geological, geochemical, geophysical and multispectral satellite datasets from 39 districts to generate AI-based mineral prospectivity maps. The system will help identify potential zones for minerals such as lithium, copper, graphite, zinc, nickel, cobalt, rare earth elements and other critical resources, supporting the state’s long-term mineral development strategy. The project will be executed in four phases over 18 months, with district-wise analytics, data dashboards and decision-support tools delivered to Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET).

Speaking about the initiative, T. Ravikant, Principal Secretary, Department of Mines, Geology & Petroleum, Government of Rajasthan, said: “The state will apply AI and ML for the exploration of critical and strategic minerals under the national programmes of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India. This initiative marks a major advancement in how Rajasthan will identify and utilise its mineral wealth."

On the collaboration with IITH, he added: “A letter of intent has been signed between RSMET and IITH for data exchange and modelling. The project with IITH will be completed in four phases over about 18 months, and its outcome is expected to support a mineral development model and a long-term road map for the state."

Welcoming the partnership, Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IITH, who was present during the exchange of the MoU, said: “This collaboration brings IITH into the mainstream of India’s critical mineral and resource intelligence mission. By combining advanced AI/ML techniques with geoscience, we are creating tools that will help India become a global leader in exploration technologies. This MoU aligns with our commitment to build solutions for Atmanirbhar Bharat and strengthen the nation’s technological leadership in mineral exploration for the future along with the ongoing relevant projects of the Institute like Australia-India Critical Minerals Research Hub (AICMRH) Bilateral Project, CoE on Critical Minerals as complete indigenization of manufacturing sector in our country is mainly dependent on availability of all kinds of minerals locally within our country.

This project will be led by Dr. C. Krishna Mohan, Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Critical Mineral Trackers, a startup based at the Technology Research Park at IIT Hyderabad. The initiative is expected to reshape mineral exploration practices in Rajasthan, accelerate the discovery of critical minerals vital for India’s clean energy and manufacturing goals, and create a scalable AI-driven model that can be adopted by other states. With global demand for lithium, rare earth elements, and battery metals rising sharply, officials believe this effort positions both Rajasthan and India strategically within the future mineral supply chain.

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in academics, research, technology development and startups in a short span of 17 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IITH is ranked 7th among Engineering institutes (crossing a first generation IIT), and is ranked 6th in Innovation, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664 and 270 in the QS World and Asian University Ranking 2026, respectively (among the top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty). IITH secured 46 positions by 31 faculties in the Global Top 2% Scientists World list 2025 released by Stanford University (SU) in collaboration with Elsevier across two categories. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)"

With 340 full-time faculty, 360+ non-teaching staff and 5,700+ students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with 5210+ R&D projects worth of Rs. 1640+ Cr (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e. Rs. 1+ Cr per faculty, one of the largest per capita funding among IITs), 12,750+ publications, 2,44,300+ citations, 154 h-index, 630+ patents (210+ Patents in 2024, the largest per capita patents filed among IITs), and about 335+ Startups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

About Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET)

The Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET) is a dedicated entity under the Department of Mines & Geology, Government of Rajasthan, established to promote systematic, scientific, and technology-driven mineral exploration across the state. The Trust is mandated to undertake high-priority exploration of critical, strategic, and deep-seated minerals, support advanced geoscientific studies, and facilitate resource assessment for future mining projects. RSMET plays a key role in strengthening Rajasthan’s mineral sector by funding and coordinating exploration activities, adopting modern techniques such as remote sensing, geophysical surveys, and predictive modelling, and enabling the state to build a long-term roadmap for mineral security and sustainable development.

Granules India Expands R&D Footprint with Two CoEs at IIT Hyderabad for Peptides and Particle Engineering

Granules India Limited today inaugurated two advanced Centres of Excellence at the Technology Research Park of IIT Hyderabad: the Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterization and the Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering.

The inauguration was led by Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director, Granules India, Mrs. Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Limited & Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH

Ascelis Center of Excellence for Peptide Development and Characterization, established under Ascelis Peptides, the CDMO arm of Granules, this Centre will drive the development of cosmetic, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical peptides. It is Ascelis’ first development and characterization facility in India and is equipped for primary, secondary, and tertiary structure characterization. The Center brings advanced analytical and process development capabilities in-house and will work in collaboration with our Swiss-based R&D facility Senn Chemicals, strengthening the group’s integrated global peptide offering and reducing reliance on external partners.

Granules Center of Excellence for Particle Engineering, This Centre will advance polymorph research, material science, and novel drug delivery systems, including amorphous solid dispersions. It replaces earlier external and ad-hoc development with a dedicated research platform that enables first-to-file opportunities, enhances formulation performance, and supports the creation of proprietary technologies for regulated markets.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director, Granules India, said: “Scientific excellence and rigorous research have always shaped our long-term strategy at Granules. The launch of these Centres of Excellence significantly strengthens our capabilities in peptides and advanced material sciences, areas that will define the next wave of pharmaceutical innovation. With specialised infrastructure and deep scientific expertise, we are enhancing our CDMO ambitions, accelerating breakthrough development, and building differentiated technologies that elevate our global competitiveness and deliver meaningful value to our partners and patients worldwide.”

About Granules India Ltd. (BSE: 532482, NSE: GRANULES)

Granules India Limited, incorporated in 1991 is a vertically integrated fast growing Indian pharmaceutical company headquartered at Hyderabad with best-in-class facilities and commitment to operational excellence, quality, and customer service. We are among the few pharmaceutical companies in the world to be present in the manufacturing of entire value chain – from Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Pharmaceutical Formulation Intermediates (PFIs), Finished Dosages (FDs) and Peptides CDMO. Our products are being distributed to over 300+ customers in regulated and semi-regulated markets with a global presence extending to over 80+ countries with offices across India, US and Switzerland. The Company has 11 manufacturing facilities out of which 8 are in India, 2 in the USA and 1 in Switzerland and has regulatory approvals from US FDA, EDQM, EU GMP, COFEPRIS, WHO GMP, TGA, K FDA, DEA, MCC, and HALAL. For more information about Granules India Ltd and its initiatives, please visit www.granulesindia.com

IIT Hyderabad Opens Registrations for Certificate Course in VLSI Chip Design in Collaboration with TCS iON

• Launch of New Program: IIT Hyderabad's Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), in collaboration with TCS iON, has launched a new online certification program titled "VLSI Chip Design."
• Industry-Aligned Initiative: The program aims to bridge the skill gap in the specialized and market- relevant Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) sector within the electronics and semiconductor industries.
• Program Start Date: The 45-hour certification program will commence on October 8, 2025, with enrolments opening soon with affordable fee.

The Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with TCS iON, announces the launch of a new industry-aligned online certification program titled "VLSI Chip Design."

This program marks a significant step in addressing the growing skill gap in the specialized and rapidly evolving domain of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) within the electronics and semiconductor industries. Designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals, the course aims to equip learners with both foundational concepts and advanced competencies essential for future-ready careers. An exclusive highlight of the program is the immersive IITH Bootcamp, which offers hands-on learning in core areas of Analog Chip Design and Digital IC Design.

The comprehensive 45-hour certification program is set to commence on October 8, 2025, with enrolments opening shortly. The program is meticulously designed to provide in-depth knowledge of Analog Chip Design and Digital IC Design. The program is led by esteemed IITH faculty members: Prof. Ashudeb Dutta (EE), Dr. C.H. Gajendranath Chaudhury (EE), Dr. Abhishek Kumar (EE), Dr. Rajesh Kedia (CSE), and Dr. Kapil Jainwal (EE).

Prof. B.S. Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad said "At IIT Hyderabad, we are committed to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands. The launch of this VLSI Chip Design certification program, in collaboration with TCS iON, is a step towards empowering professionals with the skills required to thrive in the fast-evolving semiconductor and electronics sectors. We believe this initiative will contribute significantly to building a strong talent pipeline for India’s growing VLSI and chip design ecosystem."

Prof. Amirtham Rajagopal, Chair of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Hyderabad, said, "This program reflects our commitment at CCE to delivering high-impact, application-oriented learning experiences. By integrating academic rigor with hands-on training through the IITH Bootcamp, we aim to ensure that participants not only gain deep technical knowledge but are also well-prepared to contribute effectively to the VLSI industry from day one."

For Registration and more details : VLSI Chip Design Certificate Programme by IIT Hyderabad

About TCS iON:

TCS iON is a strategic unit of Tata Consultancy Services, focused on empowering individuals and organizations with tech-led education. Leveraging its unique ‘Phygital’ platforms that blend digital and physical learning experiences, TCS iON provides multi-modal, skills-based learning for various stakeholders—including students, schools, universities, corporates, and skilling institutes. For more, visit www.tcsion.com

About CCE – IIT Hyderabad

The Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) aims to conduct training programs for students, academicians, and working professionals across the country. The young and energetic faculty of IIT Hyderabad are dedicated to providing learning opportunities that contribute to the professional growth of participants. With the rapid rise in e-learning, CCE @ IIT Hyderabad continues to stay ahead by offering flexible online programs that accommodate the work schedules of busy professionals.

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in Academics, Research, Technology development and Startups in a short span of 17 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), IITH has bagged at 3rd in Innovation and 8th among Engineering institutes in the last two consecutive years, while it has maintained its rank within the top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH is ranked 664 in QS World University Ranking-2026 (among top 10% of global institutions in citations per faculty) and among the top 10 Engineering Institutes in India. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 331+ full-time Faculty and 5,200+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with ~ 4990+ Projects worth of Rs. 1590+ Cr of R&D funding (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e. Rs. 1+ Cr per faculty), 12,100+ Publications, 2,25,000+ Citations, 560+ Patents (210+ Patents in 2024 and a commitment to “Patent a Day: Mission 365” for 2025 to earn 365 Patents by the end of 2025), and about 320+ Startups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

IIT Hyderabad, Department of Posts, and NRSC (ISRO) Collaborate to Launch DIGIPIN: A National-Scale Geospatial Addressing System for India

• Compactness: Short and efficient codes for ease of use.
• Geographic Precision: Ability to extract exact latitude and longitude coordinates.
• Inclusivity: Coverage for all parts of India, including densely populated and remote regions.
• Privacy: DIGIPIN carries no personal information.
• Future-readiness: Scalable and adaptable for future needs.

In a landmark move to revolutionize India’s addressing infrastructure, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), in collaboration with the Department of Posts and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO, Government of India, has developed DIGIPIN – an open-source, machine-interpretable geospatial addressing system designed to provide precise and standardised digital addresses across the country.

Traditional descriptive addresses in India suffer from a lack of uniformity and machine-readability, causing inefficiencies in postal and logistics operations. DIGIPIN aims to transform this system by introducing a geo-coded, digital public infrastructure (DPI) layer for India’s physical addressing landscape.

DIGIPIN is a compact, intuitive, and human-readable geohash, capable of encoding the latitude and longitude of any point of interest in India, from urban households to remote maritime locations. The system is designed for offline usability, privacy, and robustness, making it suitable for diverse applications including e-commerce, emergency response, and public service delivery.

Dr Shashank Vatedka

 DIGIPIN is the outcome of a dedicated research effort by a team of faculty from the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Hyderabad, Dr Shashank Vatedka, Prof Soumya Jana and Dr Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan, along with Tarandeep Singh, a former MTech (AI) student. Their work has produced a geohashing scheme that encapsulates geographic coordinates into short, intuitive codes, which can be extracted even offline using location-enabled devices.

Prof. Soumya Jana

Dr Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan

Prof. B S Murty, Director of IITH, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “DIGIPIN represents a leap towards the vision of a digitally empowered India. By converting every location into a simple, verifiable, and interoperable digital code, we are laying the foundation for an address infrastructure that can scale with our nation’s growing technological and societal needs. IITH is proud to contribute to this national initiative that blends open-source innovation, geospatial intelligence, and public service and this can be considered a revolution in the field of Navigation.”

Dr. Shashank Vatedka, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH, mentioned that, “DIGIPIN will provide immense convenience to Indian residents and all stakeholders by succinctly and precisely representing a physical address. For instance, it could be represented as a QR code or a barcode and printed on consignments for machine-based routing; DIGIPIN could be easily stored and communicated using digital wallets.

Dr. Lakshmi Prasad Natarajan, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH, mentioned that, “The idea was to make it as easy as possible to automatically assign codes and start using DIGIPIN with as little manual intervention as possible. In many cases, finding one’s DIGIPIN would be possible using only a device with a reasonably good location service (such as a smartphone) and an app equipped with a high-resolution map.”

Dr. Soumya Jana, Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH, mentioned that “The applicability of DIGIPIN could be wider, going beyond the primary use as a digitization technology for conventional addressing. They could be used in scenarios where conventional addresses are inconsistent or not available, such as emergency response services, locating public service centres/utilities such as Health camps, Aadhar enrollment offices, and so on.”

DIGIPIN is a geohashing scheme designed to have the following features:

• The length of the DIGIPIN is designed to be as small as possible in order to provide an efficient digital representation of addresses.
• It contains the geographic location of the address. It is possible to extract the latitude and longitude of the address from the DIGIPIN with low complexity. This can also be done offline.
• All points of interest to India (including maritime regions) are assigned DIGIPIN, and it is possible to assign a unique DIGIPIN to very densely populated areas.
• The format of the DIGIPIN is intuitive and human-readable. An effort was made to infuse a sense of directionality within the format of DIGIPIN.
• Ease of code assignment and usability: A crucial point of consideration was to make it as easy as possible to automatically assign codes and start using DIGIPIN with as little manual intervention as possible. In many cases, finding one’s DIGIPIN would be possible using only a device with a reasonably good location service (such as a smartphone) and an app equipped with a high-resolution map.

DIGIPIN only encodes geographical information and contains no personal details that could lead to privacy violations.

DIGIPIN is designed to be robust to future developments and changes.

IIT Hyderabad and WiSig Network’s 5G Innovations Attain Mainstream Paving the Way for 6G at 3GPP Meetings at Prague

• RAN #108, Prague (Jun 2025): Consortium backs India’s π/2-BPSK extension for stronger 5G coverage and to uplink-heavy apps (HD video, XR, on-device AI) while seeding 6G.
• From Lab to Global Standard: Developed at IIT Hyderabad in 2014 → National program → 3GPP 5G Rel-17 feature now used by operators and vendors worldwide.
• Team India + Global Allies: Led by Prof. Kiran Kuchi, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad, with support from Qualcomm, Apple, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, MediaTek, DOCOMO, AT&T, Reliance Jio, Thales, and others—backed by DoT, MeitY, DST, and TSDSI.
• Next Stop 6G: IITH & WiSig are already advancing OTFDM and Structural MIMO tech in the new 6G Study Item to power future networks and devices.

At 3GPP TSG RAN #108 in Prague, a global  consortium proposed extending India’s π/2-BPSK uplink waveform to further strengthen 5G coverage and unlock uplink-intensive services—such as high-definition video, immersive XR, and on-device AI—while paving the way for 6G.

Originating in 2014 at IIT Hyderabad as a single-institute effort, the waveform progressed into a national program with leading industry and academic partners, became a 3GPP Release 17 standard, and is now a mainstream 5G feature adopted by operators and vendors worldwide.

Prof. Kiran Kuchi, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad, the driving force behind this success and founder of IIT Hyderabad spin-out WiSig Networks, remarked, “India’s coverage-enhancement technology—created with fellow Indian institutes and global collaborators including Qualcomm, Apple, Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung, MediaTek, DOCOMO, AT&T, Reliance Jio, Thales, and others—has become an integral part of the global standard.”

We gratefully acknowledge the efforts of various organizations of Government of India, i.e. the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and the Standards Development Organisation, Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) for their steadfast support in this regard.

Prof. B S Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, added, “IIT Hyderabad is committed to breakthrough research in the field of Wireless Communications that translates into globally adopted patents and products, propelling India toward Viksit Bharat.”

As the 6G era dawns, IIT Hyderabad and WiSig Networks are already advancing technologies such as the OTFDM waveform and Structural MIMO within the newly approved 6G Study Item. Together with Indian and global partners, we will continue to imagine, invent, and deliver the next generation of communication technologies, networks, and devices.

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, has reached a respectable position in Academics, Research, Technology development and Startups in a short span of 16 years. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), IITH has bagged at 3rd in Innovation and 8th among Engineering institutes in the last two consecutive years, while it has maintained its rank within top 10 Engineering Institutes ever since NIRF was launched. IITH has been striving for excellence with a motto of "Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity (IITH)".

With 325 full-time Faculty and 5,300+ Students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%), IITH has a strong research focus with ~ 4630 Projects worth of Rs. 1510+ Cr of R&D funding (Rs. 335+ Cr funding in 2024-25, i.e., Rs. 1+ Cr per faculty), 11,680+ Publications, 2,15,000+ Citations, 510+ Patents (210+ Patents in 2024 and a commitment to “Patent a Day: Mission 365” for 2025 to earn 365 Patents by the end of 2025), and about 260+ Startups (that have generated 1100+ jobs with a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr).

About WiSig Networks Private Limited:

WiSig Networks, a Startup incubated at IITH, is a leading provider of wireless communications solutions, specialising in cutting-edge technologies such as Massive MIMO, 5G ORAN, NB-IoT SOC solutions, Open RAN and advanced 5G/6G technologies, played a crucial role in the integration and seamless operation of equipment throughout the trials. IIT Hyderabad's extensive indoor and outdoor facilities provided an optimal environment for comprehensive real-world wireless testing. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, WiSig is dedicated to shaping the future of Wireless connectivity. www.wisig.com

Japan's Sharp Semiconductor Innovation, IIT Hyderabad and WiSig Networks Successfully Demonstrated Advanced Beyond 5G and 6G Technologies

• The initiative represents a strong partnership between Japanese and Indian institutions, blending academic research, industrial innovation, and international cooperation to advance global 6G standards.
• SSIC exhibited its advanced SDR technology at MWC25 in Barcelona, reinforcing its role as a leader in future wireless communication platforms.
• The collaboration aims to expand in the year 2026 to support advanced applications such as Fixed Wireless Access, Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk, V2X autonomous navigation, and satellite-compatible NB-IoT smart metering.
• The trials validated the interoperability of SSIC’s customizable Software-Defined Radio (SDR) SoC User Equipment with WiSig’s Open RAN base stations, confirming high-performance wireless connectivity comparable to commercial 5G systems.

Sharp Semiconductor Innovation Corporation (SSIC), The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) and WiSig Networks Private Limited (Startup incubated at IITH), have announced the successful completion of ground-breaking field demonstrations for advanced Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G technologies. This collaboration signifies a major advancement toward Japan and India’s shared vision of a digitally connected future.

The joint demonstrations, conducted at IITH Campus in Hyderabad, India, validated the performance and interoperability of SSIC’s flexible Software-Defined Radio (SDR) System-on-Chip (SoC) User Equipment (UE) and WiSig Networks’ Open RAN (O-RAN) base stations. The experiments showcased the compatibility and effectiveness of advanced communication terminals developed by Sharp Semiconductor Innovation Corporation in Japan.

Leveraging SSIC’s state-of-the-art ASUKA SDR-Box, equipped with a versatile communication SoC designed to support future communications protocols, the trials confirmed high-quality wireless connectivity and performance comparable to existing commercial 5G SoCs.

Prof. Kiran Kuchi, Department of Electrical Engineering, IITH & founder of WiSig Networks (Startup incubated at IITH) and a prominent contributor to 5G and 6G global standards including 3GPP, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: "This initiative bridges academic excellence, industrial innovation, and international collaboration efforts, reinforcing the global partnership of India and Japan in next generation Wireless communications."

Toyofumi Horikawa from SSIC, who is a technical leader of development of the customizable SDR SoC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s outcomes: "The results from tests and experiments carried out at the IITH campus demonstrate the immense potential of customizable SDR SoC platforms in accelerating the development of future wireless technologies. SSIC also exhibited its advanced SDR technology at the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Barcelona. In 2026, we plan to further expand this collaboration for advanced communication protocol testing."

Prof. B S Murty, Director of IITH, remarked, "This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering international collaboration and driving innovation in wireless communication technologies, placing IITH at the forefront of technological breakthroughs."

The partners intend to deepen their collaborative efforts by focusing on advanced use cases such as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MC-PTT), Autonomous navigation (V2X), and Smart metering applications leveraging NB-IoT technology compatible with Satellite communications.

This Indo-Japanese collaboration exemplifies the potential for international partnerships to shape global standards and drive innovation in next-generation Wireless communications.

Deeptech Co. Simpliforge with, Indian Army, Delivers World’s Highest On-Site 3D Printed Structure in Himalayan Range

In a monumental leap for defense infrastructure and construction technology, Simpliforge Creations and IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Indian Army represented by Arun Krishnan (who is also a PhD student at IIT-Hyderabad), have successfully delivered India’s first on-site 3D printed protective military structure at a staggering altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level in Leh under Project PRABAL.

This marks the world’s highest-ever in-situ 3D construction printing feat, accomplished under the extreme high altitude and low oxygen (HALO) conditions.

Under the guidance of Prof. K.V.L. Subramaniam of IIT-Hyderabad, Simpliforge Creations and IIT-Hyderabad Teams developed specialized 3D printing technology capable of operating under extreme environmental conditions. This innovation enabled the construction of a form-optimized protective bunker using locally sourced materials, completed over a total printing time of fourteen hours.

The PRABAL initiative showcases how homegrown technology and academic-industry collaboration can push the boundaries of construction science. The deployment of this 3D printed bunker is not only a first-of-its-kind in India but also sets the stage for rapid, on-site, deployable infrastructure in challenging terrains, further strengthening the country’s defense preparedness.

This groundbreaking project marks a convergence of engineering innovation, military utility, and the Make-in-India spirit—paving the way for future-forward infrastructure solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Simpliforge Creations CEO Dhruv Gandhi stated "Executing this project in the high-altitude, low-oxygen environment of Ladakh was an immense operational challenge—for both our team and our machines. The Robotic printer system was set-up and commissioned in under 24 hours proving its agility & mobility. The reduced oxygen levels affected everything from power systems performance, which were delivering lower energy output than they would on normal plains, to human efficiency. The low humidity and high UV posed challenges in integrity of the built material. Despite these constraints, we were able to meet our production targets and deliver a robust structure within a record timeframe of 5 days.”

Prof KVL Subramaniam – IIT Hyderabad said, "One of the most critical aspects of this project was the development of specially engineered materials tailored to perform in extreme environmental conditions. Operating at high altitudes with low oxygen levels, low humidity and significant thermal variations required not just structural innovation, but also material science at its finest. Our team at IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Simpliforge Creations, designed a concrete mix that could be 3D printed on-site while offering superior mechanical performance, durability, and resilience. Before deployment, we conducted vigorous testing at IIT Hyderabad’s advanced facilities, including comprehensive studies on local sand and aggregates sourced from the region, rheology of mix. Understanding the material behaviour under simulated environmental stresses allowed us to optimize the mix design for on-site usage. This material innovation was fundamental to achieving the desired strength and structural integrity within such a challenging context."

Arun Krishnan commented, "Project Prabal was conceptualized and initiated during my M.Tech program at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. Several teams and companies had attempted to bring 3D printed construction to the high-altitude terrain of Leh, but the extreme conditions of Ladakh proved to be a formidable challenge. It was the unmatched synergy between Simpliforge Creations and IIT Hyderabad that finally made it possible. Their technical depth, adaptability, and relentless focus on innovation enabled the successful execution of Project PRABAL. Together, we didn’t just build a structure—we proved that indigenous, cutting-edge technology can overcome even the harshest operational environments and deliver tangible impact for our armed forces. The printed structure has undergone rigorous trials."

Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, MD - Simpliforge Creations said, “we've been pushing the boundaries of additive construction since 2022—from building India’s first 3D printed bridge, to the world’s first 3D printed place of worship, and the Indian Army’s first in-situ 3D printed medical facility using locally available material. Each project has been a leap forward, and this bunker in Ladakh marks a crucial milestone in our journey towards extra-terrestrial”.

“Looking ahead, we envision commercialising this technology for remote terrain applications and extending this beyond Earth—towards space habitats on the Moon and Mars. Printing in the extreme, open conditions of Ladakh has given us vital insights and validation for operating in extra terrestrial environments. It’s more than construction—this is a stepping stone on our journey into space deep tech. added Mr Hari

CGDT of IIT Hyderabad and Goa Shipyard Ink MoU to Revolutionize Shipbuilding With AI and Digital Twin Technologies

• CGDT of IIT Hyderabad and Goa Shipyard Limited Forge Alliance to Transform Shipbuilding with AI & Digital Twin Technologies
• The collaboration will position India at the forefront of AI-driven maritime innovation.

The Centre for Geospatial AI and Digital Twins (CGDT) of IIT Hyderabad (IITH) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) have signed a ground breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revolutionize shipbuilding through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twin technologies. This strategic collaboration, undertaken in association with Neer Interactive Solutions Pvt Ltd and Andhra Mahila Sabha (AMS) Arts & Science College, will leverage the expertise of CGDT of IITH to enhance efficiency, security and sustainability in maritime operations.

Representative Image

The partnership will drive innovation by optimizing vessel design, strengthening shipyard security, and implementing advanced 360-degree surveillance solutions powered by Geospatial AI and Object Detection AI. By integrating Generative AI and Digital Twin technologies, this initiative aims to set new global standards in India's shipbuilding sector.

Prof BS Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad emphasized the significance of safety in industrial operations, stating, “While Digital Twin technology is redefining industrial operations, yet safety remains an underexplored area. Through CGDT-IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Neer Interactive and Andhra Mahila Sabha, we are pioneering a holistic Geospatial AI model with 360- degree maritime security solutions. This initiative is the first of its kind in India and across Asia.”

Shri BK Upadhyay, CMD GSL expressed his happiness on the collaboration between GSL and IITH in improving maritime safety through digital technologies.

Sri Dittakavi Chakrapani, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, AMS, highlighted the urgency of safety in shipbuilding, saying, “Manufacturing and shipbuilding safety cannot be delayed. This partnership brings cutting-edge geospatial digital twin technology to industries that need it most. We commend GSL for its visionary leadership in driving this transformation.”

Sri Jai Sankar Aluru, CEO, Neer Interactive Solutions underscored the transformative impact of Digital Twin technology, noting, “Digital Twins are reshaping industrial processes, and when integrated with Geospatial AI and Object Detection AI, their impact is even more significant. At CGDT, we have cultivated an ecosystem blending expertise from law enforcement veterans, leading faculty, and top researchers to create validated, future-ready AI solutions for the maritime sector.”

A Landmark Advancement for India's Maritime Industry

Led by Prof BS Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, Shri. B.K. Upadhyay, CMD, GSL, Cmde. A. Vasudevan (Retd.), GM(TS), GSL, Sri Jai Sankar Aluru, CEO, Neer Interactive Solutions, and Sri Dittakavi Chakrapani, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, AMS, this collaboration marks a major milestone in India’s AI-driven shipbuilding journey. By integrating Geospatial AI, Digital Twin, and Industry 4.0 technologies, this alliance is set to redefine ship design, manufacturing, and security standards— positioning India at the forefront of global maritime innovation.

IIT Hyderabad and Marvell Launches World's First Data Acceleration and Offload Research Facility at IIT Hyderabad

• The facility aims to provide access to Marvell’s DPUs, switches, CXL processors, and NICs, accelerating advancements in AI, Networking, and Security.
• Research shows up to one-third of AI/ML processing time is spent waiting for network access—this initiative aims to tackle that inefficiency.

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has inaugurated the Marvell® Data Acceleration and Offload Research Facility at IITH in collaboration with Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRVL), a leader in data infrastructure Semiconductor solutions. This pioneering center is dedicated to advancing Network, Storage, and Security technologies, aiming to enhance the performance of accelerated data infrastructure.

The Marvell Data Acceleration and Offload Research Facility, the first of its kind globally, offers students, researchers, and industry professionals access to state-of-the-art Marvell technologies. These include Data Processor Units (DPUs), Switches, Compute Express Link (CXL) Processors, and Network Interface controllers (NICs). These resources are essential for accelerating Data security, Movement, Management, and processing across AI clusters, Cloud environments, and Networks. Industry research indicates that up to one-third of AI/ML processing time is spent waiting for network access and this initiative aims to tackle that inefficiency. A key feature of the facility is the availability of Marvell’s comprehensive software solution frameworks, optimized for developing solutions that leverage Integrated packet processing, Cryptography, and AI/ML accelerators within Marvell silicon.

The establishment of the Marvell Data Acceleration and Offload Research Facility follows the successful MLNetSec Workshop co-hosted by IITH and Marvell at the 26th International Conference on Distributed Computing and Networking (ICDCN) earlier this year. The workshop addressed key challenges in AI, Networking, and Cryptography, underscoring the importance of accelerated compute solutions in both academic and industrial research.

IITH and Marvell are committed to ongoing collaboration through joint courses, hands- on training, and research initiatives leveraging the facility's advanced infrastructure. Plans include hosting specialized workshops, conferences, and training sessions to foster innovation and empower future tech leaders in developing solutions for the evolving landscape of data infrastructure.

Prof. BS Murty, Director, IITH congratulated the team and emphasized that this partnership aligns with IITH's commitment to advancing technological research and education, positioning the institute at the forefront of accelerated infrastructure development.

Cary Ussery, Senior Vice President at Marvell, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: "The partnership between Marvell and IIT Hyderabad exemplifies the impact of academia-industry collaboration. By providing access to cutting-edge technologies, this initiative accelerates advancements in AI, Networking, and Storage, empowering the next generation of tech leaders to drive breakthroughs in data infrastructure."

Prasun Kapoor, Associate Vice President of Custom Compute and Storage at Marvell, added: "As cloud and AI infrastructure grow in complexity and scale, the need for innovation in technologies managing data flow between Servers, Processors, and Devices becomes paramount. Technologies such as DPUs, NICs, and interconnects will play a significant role in the evolution of AI. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and witnessing the outcomes of this initiative."

Prof. Antony Franklin, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IITH, highlighted the facility's potential: "This research facility enables our students and researchers to engage with advanced technologies. It also establishes a platform for interdisciplinary research in emerging fields like AI/ML, Accelerated computing, Advanced encryption algorithms, and Network acceleration, paving the way for the next generation of technological innovation."

Dr. Praveen Tammana, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IITH, noted: "The research facility will enable Marvell and IITH to conduct cutting-edge research and bridge the skill gap at the intersection of AI, Systems, Security, and Networks."

About Marvell:

To deliver the data infrastructure technology that connects the world, they’re building solutions on the most powerful foundation: their partnerships with their customers. Trusted by the world’s leading technology companies for over 25 years, they move, store, process and secure the world’s data with Semiconductor solutions designed for their customers’ current needs and future ambitions. Through a process of deep collaboration and transparency, they’re ultimately changing the way tomorrow’s enterprise, cloud, automotive, and carrier architectures transform—for the better.

About IIT Hyderabad:

IITH, established in 2008, as one of the second Generation IITs, has reached a respectable position in both academics, research, technology development and startups in the short span of 16 years. In the Indian National Ranking (NIRF), IITH is placed 3rd in Innovation (for both 2023 & 2024) and 8th among Engineering institutes in India (since 2019, except 2022).

It has 325+ full-time faculty, 5,350+ students (PG+PhD students accounting for about 60%). The institute has a strong research focus with Rs. 1400+ Cr of R&D funding (Rs. 250 Cr funding in 2023- 24), 11,500+ publications, 460+ Patents (210 patents in 2024), and about 260+ startups (that have generated 1100+ jobs and a revenue of Rs. 1500+ Cr). Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest updates.

L&T Technology Services and IIT Hyderabad Collaborate to Drive Advancements in ADAS and C2VX Communication

L&T Technology Services Limited (LTTS) and the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) have announced a strategic partnership to drive advancements in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C2VX) communication. This collaboration is aimed at fostering industry and academia advancement in these domains, which are crucial for the development of autonomous vehicles and connected vehicle ecosystems.

The partnership will focus on research and application of ADAS and C2VX technologies, with a particular emphasis on elevating road safety, efficiency, and the overall driving experience. It seeks to harness the combined expertise of both entities to drive innovation and bring about transformative developments in connected vehicle ecosystems.

ADAS technologies are designed to automate, adapt, and enhance vehicle systems for safety and better driving. They include features such as collision avoidance, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control². On the other hand, C2VX communication is a key component of the intelligent transportation system, enabling vehicles to communicate with each other and everything around them for enhanced road safety and autonomous driving.

This partnership represents a significant leap in the automotive landscape by bringing cutting-edge technologies across these domains. It provides an opportunity for students at IIT Hyderabad to immerse in real-world industry projects, equipping them with practical experience and expertise in developing pioneering solutions within the ADAS and C2VX domains.

Dr. Rajalakshmi P, Professor and Head of Department (Electrical Engineering) at IIT Hyderabad, expressed confidence that the partnership will provide invaluable exposure to cutting-edge technologies, preparing students to excel in shaping a safer and more intelligent mobility industry[^10^]. Alind Saxena, Executive Director & President – Mobility & Tech at L&T Technology Services, also highlighted LTTS's successful track record of offering high-end engineering solutions to global automotive OEMs and the aim to pioneer transformative solutions that will elevate the safety and efficiency standards of connected vehicles.

iTIC Incubator at IIT Hyderabad Partners with Hexagon to Open Up Precision Center Metrology Lab

iTIC Incubator recently signed an MoU with Hexagon Capability Center India to establish Precision Centre Metrology Lab.

The Lab will cater to prototyping and part fabrication requirements while offering skill development courses designed to empower and equip budding entrepreneurs.

iTIC Incubator, a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) situated at IIT Hyderabad (IITH), recently signed an MoU with Hexagon Capability Center India (Hexagon’s R&D Center in India), the single largest R&D hub of the technology major Hexagon AB. The Precision Lab aims to provide access to precision measurement tools and upskilling courses for students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and startups.

As part of this partnership, Hexagon has set up a Precision Center Metrology Lab at iTIC Incubator, IITH campus. This facility will serve as a platform, enabling students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and startups to gain invaluable hands-on experience under the guidance of Hexagon's subject matter experts. The centrepiece of this lab will be the Precision Coordinate Measurement Machine, which is a high-precision instrument designed to elevate the standards of inspection capabilities.

The Precision Center Metrology Lab is set to be a game-changer, particularly for startups and organizations incubated at IITH. It will cater to their prototyping and part fabrication requirements while offering skill development courses designed to empower and equip these budding entrepreneurs. The cutting-edge machinery will also be instrumental in reverse engineering activities for research purposes.

The lab's resources will not be limited to just the academic community; it will also be accessible to external startups and organizations, promoting a collaborative environment where innovation and progress are boundless.

Hexagon has been steadfast in its commitment to fostering educational excellence. Over the years, it has consistently contributed to enhancing educational infrastructure, providing training programs, and developing facilities through partnerships with academic institutions, colleges, universities, and government agencies.

Expressing his joy at the start of this Lab, Prof B S Murty, Director IITH, commented, “Providing the necessary facilities to the aspiring entrepreneurs and startups to take their idea from Lab to Market is one of the key priorities of IITH and Academia-Industry collaboration is a crucial part of it. We hope that this facility at iTIC incubator will act as a catalyst for more such collaborations to come.’’

Commenting on the launch, Mr Navaneet Mishra, Senior Vice President and Head of Hexagon’s R&D Center India, said, “India has a thriving market in hardware manufacturing that often doesn’t get as much visibility as software does. Engineers need smart ways to test ideas, prototype faster, and do better inspections. With this Lab, we will power their passion with our technology and expertise. When more engineers gain easy access to cutting-edge technologies, devices and methodologies, they will build products that are faster to market with world-class quality. Hexagon’s partnership with iTIC, IIT Hyderabad will enable a broader impact in the overall ecosystem."

About iTIC Incubator at IIT Hyderabad:

iTIC is a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. iTIC is a Not-For-Profit Society that focuses on creating a supportive and nourishing environment for budding entrepreneurs in the field of technology. The focus areas of the iTIC incubator are deep tech sectors such as Healthcare, AI/ML, Quantum Computing, AR/VR, Cybersecurity, Robotics, IoT, Industry 4.0, Blockchain, Electronics, Advanced materials, Drones, Biotechnology, etc. iTIC aims to help entrepreneurs leverage a premier quality research and startup ecosystem with the goal of building a comprehensive platform to practice innovation and entrepreneurship so that these entrepreneurial ideas can be turned into sustainable, scalable, profit-making business ventures. iTIC provides support to startups such as Mentoring, Financial Aid, IP Support, Networking, and access to Dedicated office/ Coworking space, Software, IITH Technological Infrastructure, and Makerlab. Since its inception in 2015, iTIC has supported 130+ startups through Pre-incubation, Incubation, and Acceleration programs and has directly sanctioned more than INR 8 crores to startups. So far, the iTIC startups have generated over INR 1200 crores of revenues and created 1000+ jobs.

To know more, please visit https://itic.iith.ac.in

About HCCI:

Hexagon’s R&D Center in India Hexagon’s R&D Center in India is the single largest R&D hub for the company globally. Over 2,000 talented engineers and developers create innovation from this center that powers Hexagon's products and solutions.

It was established with Hexagon’s acquisition of Intergraph, the first IT MNC in Hyderabad and has now grown to deliver innovations and create solutions for all business lines of Hexagon, including Asset Lifecycle Intelligence, Safety Infrastructure, and Geospatial, Geosystems, Mining, Manufacturing Intelligence and Autonomous Solutions. It also hosts a few dedicated services teams for global implementation of Hexagon's products.

To know more, please visit https://www.hexagon-cci.com

About IIT Hyderabad:

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) is one of the eight IITs established by the Government of India in 2008. In a short span of 15 years, the institute has become one of the top-ranked institutions in the country and has received global recognition. It has 300+ full-time faculty, 4,800+ students, 18 Departments + 1 Centre for Interdisciplinary Programs, nearly 300+ state-of-the-art Research Facilities, and five research and entrepreneurship centres. The institute has a strong research focus with approx. Rs 900+ crores of sanctioned research funding, with PG+PhD students accounting for about 60% of total student strength. IITH has more than 9500+ research publications with 1,42,000+ Citations, 190+ Published Patents, 3,700+ sponsored/consultancy projects with 500+ running projects, and about 135+ startups that have generated 1000+ jobs and a revenue of Rs. 1200+ Cr. Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Koo, and YouTube for the latest updates.

Researchers at IIT Hyderabad Developing Urban Flood Information System (UFIS) To Minimise Food Effects in Hyderabad

UFIS Highlights:

• Envisions a future where urban flooding is a manageable challenge for the city of Hyderabad.
• Proposes an end-to-end flood information system integrating meteorology, hydrology and stakeholder-relevant aspects.
• Efforts have been made to understand the climatological aspects of rainfall and flood drivers, as well as the utilization of different types of rainfall products.
• Introduces data collection platforms with an emphasis on citizen's involvement via SnapFlood™ and Twitter (SnapFlood)™.
• Releases VarshaMitra, a mascot, illustrating the data collection aspect.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) are embarking on an innovative journey to address the longstanding challenge of urban flooding in Hyderabad. The team, led by Dr Satish Kumar Regonda, is developing an Urban Flood Information System (UFIS) to minimize the effects of floods in the city of Hyderabad. The focus in setting up UFIS is the collection of flood-relevant data, understanding of the collected data, employing modeling techniques to simulate as well as forecast rainfall amounts, flood depths and its extent, and development of products as per the needs of policymakers and stakeholders. The absence of key input data, for example, rainfall at finer intervals, flood flow measurements, etc., hinders flood modelling efforts. Therefore, one of the preliminary tasks for setting a reliable UFIS is to have a medium through which flood-related data can be collected. In this regard, SnapFlood™ was envisioned to provide a platform for the citizens to provide flood-relevant information data, which may become an integral part of the UFIS data in the future. Efforts are also directed to social media platforms such as Twitter to yield flood information. In fact, one of the first works for the city of Hyderabad, which used the Twitter platform to identify flood hotspots, was presented at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference in the year 2021.

Research scholars from Dr Satish's research group, Rainfall-runoff Analysis modeling and Forecasting Tools (RAFT) have worked in multiple dimensions to address the aspect of urban floods in Hyderabad. Mohammed Azharuddin focused on climatological aspects of rainfall and understanding of weather patterns that bring rain to Hyderabad. Ponukumati Padmini examined alternate rainfall products for their utility in flood-relevant applications for the city of Hyderabad. Many works are in the pipeline, including weather, hydrology and hydraulic modeling at an urban scale, as well as real-time flood information dissemination through social media platforms. Further, as the UFIS project gains momentum, efforts are extended to developing different components of the UFIS. Thus, the research efforts are dedicated to improving the city's resilience to floods and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. This research exemplifies the institution's commitment to innovation and societal impact.

Complementing the team efforts, Prof B S Murty, Director IITH, said, "The UFIS project is a testament to our commitment to address real-world challenges through cutting-edge research. By bringing together experts from various domains and collaborating with government agencies, we aim to create a transformative solution that will benefit not only Hyderabad but also serve as a model for other flood-prone cities in the country."

Elaborating on the aim of the study, Dr Satish Kumar Regonda, Lead Researcher and Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering & Climate Change, IITH, said, "As a child, I used to like rain, and when it rains a significant amount, no school on that day, who does not like it? I do like rain now, too, and I do realize that its consequences are huge, particularly when it rains heavily. Rain that brings floods puts the city at a standstill, causing damages of different types, including human losses. This highlights the need to develop systems such as UFIS, which makes cities to be flood resilient via integrating meteorological, hydrological and stakeholders’ relevant aspects and develops products which may enhance flood awareness."

Video Abstract:

 

Salient Features of the Research:

• Weather Forecasting and Stakeholder Collaboration: The UFIS project is a multifaceted effort that aims at the collection of flood-relevant data, understanding of the collected data, employing of modeling techniques to simulate as well as forecast rainfall amounts, flood depths and its extent, and development of products as per the needs of policymakers and stakeholders. In this regard, RAFT emphasizes the involvement of citizens in data collection and collaborations with various academic institutes, organizations, and agencies¹. as they are critical to building a robust system to provide reliable and accurate rain- and flood-related information.
• Towards a Resilient City: The UFIS's goal is to provide reliable and accurate rain and flood forecasts and then deliver flood-relevant information in advance at different locations within the city. This proactive approach aims to empower stakeholders to make informed decisions and enhance the city's resilience to floods. By harnessing modeling techniques, including that work in data-scarce environments and collaborating with government agencies, IITH envisions a future where urban flooding becomes a more manageable challenge.

Published and Presented works:

• Mohammed, A., S. K. Regonda and N.R. Kopparthi, Climatological features of high temporal resolution rainfall over the Hyderabad city, India, Urban Climate, 42, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2022.101118.
• Ponukumati, P., A. Mohammed, and S. Regonda, 2023: Insights on Satellite-Based IMERG Precipitation Estimates at Multiple Space and Time Scales for a Developing Urban Region in India. J. Hydrometeor., 24, 977–996, https://doi.org/10.1175/JHM-D-22-0160.1.
• Mohammed, A., & Regonda, S. K. (2023). Synoptic circulation patterns of urban floods for the city of Hyderabad. International Journal of Climatology, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.8250.
• Ponukumati, P., Azharuddin, M. and Regonda, S., 2021, December. Urban Flood Vulnerability Mapping using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for the city of Hyderabad, India. In AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts (Vol. 2021, pp. H35ZC-10). https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021AGUFM.H35ZC.10P/abstract

¹Abbreviations: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and its divisions such as Enforcement Vigilance and Disaster Management (EVDM) wing, Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) Hyderabad, Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS), Telangana State Irrigation Department, Central Water Commission (CWC), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), National Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMWRF) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)