Summary: The Centre of Engineering Education Excellence (CEEE) Program, launched through CSR funding from the Infosys Foundation in partnership with the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), is a transformative initiative aimed at elevating the quality of engineering education in India. Recognizing the pressing need to bridge the skills gap among engineering graduates, particularly from Tier 3 and 4 institutions, the ₹38.35 crore, four-year program (2024–2028) focuses on upskilling faculty members who teach core engineering subjects during formative undergraduate semesters. By leveraging the mentorship of INAE Fellows, domain experts, and senior faculty from premier institutions, the program delivers a blended model of physical and virtual training across five key engineering domains. With a goal to mentor nearly 3,750 faculty members through 125 mentors by its conclusion, CEEE seeks to indirectly impact thousands of engineering students, enhancing their employability and innovation capacity. A robust governance structure ensures accountability and quality, while competitive financial support enables widespread participation. This initiative exemplifies a powerful collaboration between industry and academia, advancing national goals such as Skill India and contributing meaningfully to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Background, Genesis and Details of the CEEE Program

India, despite being one of the fastest-growing economies and currently the fifth largest in the world, faces numerous developmental challenges as it charts its course toward becoming a Viksit Bharat (developed nation) by 2047. Critical sectors like energy, environment, infrastructure, transportation, security, defense, and healthcare require innovative engineering solutions to address pressing national needs. Given India’s demographic advantage – having the largest and youngest population globally — there lies a tremendous opportunity to harness this human capital by equipping it with the right knowledge, skills, and competencies, especially in engineering and technology.

Currently, over one million seats are available for admission into engineering degree programs every year across more than 3,000 institutions approved by statutory bodies like AICTE, UGC, and the Ministry of Education. However, a persistent concern within this ecosystem is the wide disparity in the quality and competence of engineering graduates. While a small percentage of students emerge as highly capable and industry-ready, a large majority often lack the essential technical skills, professional preparedness, and innovation capacity necessary for meaningful contribution to national projects and industrial growth.

A core reason behind this uneven quality of graduates is the variation in the standard of engineering education delivered, particularly in Tier 3 and 4 institutions. Many of these colleges face infrastructural constraints, limited access to contemporary resources, and significant challenges in attracting and retaining highly qualified faculty. It is well recognized that the quality of an educational system is deeply influenced by the quality of its teachers. Enhancing the teaching capabilities of engineering faculty, especially those in foundational and core subjects, is therefore essential to uplifting the overall standard of engineering education in the country.

In this context, the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) — India’s premier engineering body comprising nearly 1000 Fellows from academia, industry, and R&D organizations — identified a critical opportunity to intervene by upskilling and mentoring engineering faculty. Recognizing the need for corporate participation in nation-building, INAE registered under CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) provisions, enabling it to collaborate with the private sector for programs promoting engineering education excellence.

Following extensive discussions and advocacy a proposal to collaborate under CSR provisions was presented to the Founder of Infosys. The proposal received an encouraging response, and the Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Infosys Ltd., agreed to partner with INAE to support strategic educational initiatives.

Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and Infosys Foundation have signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform engineering education in India. Backed by an investment of over INR 38 crore from Infosys Foundation under CSR funds, the initiative named Centre for Engineering Education Excellence in collaboration with prestigious engineering education institutions will focus on upskilling educators and promoting project-based learning for students. Leaders from both organizations emphasized the initiative’s potential to refresh teaching methodologies, and prepare a future-ready engineering workforce in India. The formal press release was released on 19^th December 2024 and link for the same is:

https://www.infosys.com/newsroom/press-releases/2024/collaborate-transform-engineering-education-india.html

The program focuses on faculty engaged in teaching core, fundamental courses during the second, third, and fourth semesters – a critical stage where students acquire essential engineering concepts. The five domains covered under the initiative include:

• Computer Science and Information Technology (including Data Science and AI/ML)
• Electrical, Electronics, and Instrumentation Engineering
• Mechanical, Aerospace, and Energy Engineering
• Materials, Chemical, and Biomedical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering

For each domain, five strategically selected core subjects have been identified. The faculty selected for this program (mentees) will undergo a combination of intensive physical mentorship and virtual training annually. The physical mentorship will be a two-week program conducted during the summer months (May-July), followed by a two to three-week virtual mentorship program till December.

The mentorship pool comprises INAE Fellows, domain experts, Young Associates, and experienced faculty members from reputed Tier 1 engineering institutions across five geographic regions: North, East, Central, West, and South. Each region will be coordinated by a designated Centre Coordinator, responsible for overseeing the mentorship activities and ensuring consistency and quality in content delivery. These mentors will work closely with faculty from Tier 3 and 4 institutions to impart contemporary knowledge, introduce modern teaching aids and assessment practices, and share case studies, practical demonstrations, and new-age learning resources.

A comprehensive governance framework has been established to ensure effective management and execution of the program. The INAE Governing Council will exercise strategic oversight through an Advisory Committee, including industry experts, and a Board of Management, with representation from INAE, AICTE, Infosys Foundation, and other stakeholders. Additionally, a Selection and Evaluation Committee will supervise the identification of mentors and mentees, monitor program progress, and review outcomes. Operational execution will be managed by a dedicated Project Management Team.

The financial structure of the program ensures competitive honorariums for mentors and stipends for mentees to support their participation. Mentors will receive ₹1,76,000 for each mentorship cycle, covering honorariums for physical and virtual sessions and travel allowances. Mentees will be provided upto ₹50,000 during the complete mentorship, including travel, accommodation, food and related expenses.

Program Highlights

1. Signing of MoA between AICTE and INAE – 28^th April 2025.
2. Signing of MoUs between INAE and IIT Kharagpur, Madras, Bombay, Kanpur and Delhi completed.
3. The registration of applicants commenced on 29^th April 2025.
4. Inaugural Program was held on 5^th June 2025 at IITD with Mr NR Narayana Murthy, FNAE as the Chief Guest.
5. As the CEEE program was formally announced by signing of MoA between AICTE and INAE on 28^th April 2025 with the following broad structure:

(i) 2 weeks of physical mentoring in summer (between 15^th May-15^th July).
(ii) 2-3 weeks of online mentoring by 31^st December 2025.

6. The course has been planned to be conducted at five centres as under:

• East Zone (IIT Kharagpur)
• South Zone (IIT Madras)
• West Zone (IIT Bombay)
• Central Zone (IIT Kanpur)
• North Zone (IIT Delhi)

7. The course is being conducted in following Domains in each centre with each having 5 subjects of semester 2 to 5 of undergraduate course:

• Computer Science and Information Technology (including Data Science and AI/ML),
• Electrical, Electronics, and Instrumentation,
• Mechanical, Aerospace, and Energy,
• Materials, Chemical, and Biomedical Engineering
• Civil and Environment Engineering

8. Each centre has 1* Centre Coordinators (total 5), 5* Domain Coordinator for each Domain (total 25) and 25* Mentor for each subject (total 125).
9. The Mentee per domain has been fixed to 250 overall (total 1250).

 Glimpses of Important landmarks of CEEE Program

Inaugural Function: Centre for Engineering Education Excellence (CEEE) -5th June 2025 (Thursday) at IIT Delhi

The Inaugural Function of the CEEE (Centre for Engineering Education Excellence) Program was held on 5th June 2025 at IIT Delhi. CEEE is an historic initiative of INAE and Infosys Foundation targeted towards enhancing the quality of Engineering Education in India in association with All India Council for Technical Education AICTE and top five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This program is being fully funded by Infosys Foundation through CSR funding and being executed by Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) across India divided in five Zones with support of IITs, Kharagpur (East Zone); Bombay (West Zone), Madras (South Zone); Kanpur (Central Zone) and Delhi (North Zone), It is targeted at mentoring of faculty members in Tier III/IV AICTE accredited engineering colleges and institutions. Mr. NR Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys and an eminent Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) was the Chief Guest for the function. A short film on the CEEE program, highlighting its objectives, vision, and the exciting journey ahead was featured during the function along with an enthralling Technical Talk on a very pertinent topic “Some Thoughts on Purposeful College Education” by Prof Surendra Prasad, FNAE, Former Director, IIT Delhi. The function was also graced by Mr JD Patil, President, INAE and Former Whole Time Director – Defence & Smart Technologies, Larsen & Toubro Limited; Prof Indranil Manna, Immediate former President, INAE and National Coordinator, CEEE Program; Prof (Dr) TG Sitharam, FNAE, Chairman, AICTE; Prof Rangan Banerjee, FNAE, Director, IIT Delhi, Prof Santanu Chaudhury, Vice-President, INAE and Ms Manisha Saboo, Vice President, Infosys, Head, Infosys Foundation each of whom delivered an enlightening address during the event.

Chief Guest -Mr NR Narayana Murthy, FNAE, Founder, Infosys Lighting the Lamp

Dignitaries on Dais: Left to Right: Prof Surendra Prasad, FNAE, former Director IIT Delhi; Prof Rangan Banerjee, FNAE, Director, IIT Delhi; Mr JD Patil, FNAE, President, INAE and Former Whole Time Director – Defence & Smart Technologies, Larsen & Toubro Limited; Chief Guest – Mr NR Narayana Murthy, FNAE, Founder, Infosys; Prof Indranil Manna, FNAE, former President, INAE and Vice-Chancellor of the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra; Prof (Dr) TG Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE and Prof Santanu Chaudhury, Vice-President, INAE

Introduction to CEEE Program by Prof Indranil Manna, FNAE, former President, INAE and National Coordinator, CEEE Program

Prof Indranil Manna, FNAE, former President, INAE and National Coordinator, CEEE Program in his address shared his thoughts on the genesis of the CEEE program and its realization. He highlighted that the journey of engineering began with innovations for betterment of the lives of mankind. Engineering is all about finding solutions to societal challenges and human aspirations. He mentioned that India is not only a large country with diversity, but happens to be the most populated and youngest country in the world today. In the early 18^th Century India was known for its wealth as well as wisdom and is striving to be a developed Nation –a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and many of the issues being faced today are of engineering origin which is the translation of fundamental knowledge into applications. Engineering solutions are also never unique and evolves with time. In present times technology covers every facet of our lives. Even entertainment, sporting activities, medical treatment and warfare etc are designed based on latest technological interventions. Engineering education has also changed with adoption of digital platforms and interventions. Many of the challenges require to be addressed and INAE felt it should play a role in this juncture. In recent times, INAE was also faced with different challenges and this gave an impetus to address the entire gamut of engineering by devising a program to train the trainers. It is targeted to bring 4000 engineering teachers under the gamut of this program to change the culture of engineering education in the country, so as to bring them to a level to inspire the next generation of engineering professionals. It was planned that the mentees from lesser endowed engineering colleges and institutions shall be mentored by teachers from top engineering institutions to make this a harbinger of change and transformation. On behalf of CEEE, he expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to Mr NR Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys and to the leadership of Infosys – Mr Salil Parekh, Chairman of Infosys Foundation and his colleagues especially Ms Manisha Saboo, Vice President, Infosys, Head, Infosys Foundation; Prof (Dr) TG Sitharam, Chairman AICTE and the Directors of the five oldest IITs at Kharagpur, Mumbai, Bombay, Kanpur and Delhi for their support in realizing of this program.

Mr JD Patil, FNAE, President, INAE and Former Whole Time Director – Defence & Smart Technologies, Larsen & Toubro Limited delivering Presidential Address

Mr JD Patil, President, INAE in the Presidential Address highlighted some of INAE’s contributions to enhance the quality of engineering education in the country and spoke regarding the erstwhile joint schemes with AICTE especially the Distinguished Visiting Professors scheme, Travel Grant scheme and Teachers Research Fellowship scheme and mentioned that efforts to revive some of these schemes now that INAE is on the way to financial autonomy. He further spoke that INAE is a member of International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences (CAETS); a premier non-governmental international organization comprising of 33 Member academies contributing to the advancement of science & technology and sustainable economic growth and participates in the Annual meetings. He brought out Prof Indranil Manna, former President, INAE is Chair of the CAETS Engineering Education Working Group working on revision of curriculum and the contributions made by INAE in this regard are well appreciated. He briefed regarding some of the flagship events of INAE viz the Engineers Conclave, National Frontiers of engineering symposium and Annual Convention all of which bring a large number of engineers together and have deep impact. This year, it is also planned to conduct a Technology Conclave which shall be a platform for Members and Fellows to come together and debate on a specific theme. INAE is an organization dedicated to the cause of engineering and he had no words to express his gratitude to Infosys Foundation and to Mr Natrayana Murthy himself and the entire staff of Infosys Foundation to stand behind INAE at this time, and create a historic initiative which shall make an enormous start, beginning from the first batch and shall hopefully become a spiralling movement to go forward in making India as a Viksit Bharat.

Chief Guest, Mr NR Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys delivering Distinguished Address

The Chief Guest -Mr NR Narayana Murthy, FNAE delivered a thought provoking address on “The Importance of Quality in Engineering Education and Research for India” which covered pertinent issues to enhance the quality of engineering education in the country. He highlighted that the CEEE initiative organized by the premier educational institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology, is about learning the best from everybody in the globe to become #1 in STEM areas in the world. It is not just a training program. It is a national mission. It is a step towards transforming how engineering is taught, learned, used, improved and lived in institutions across the country that serve as the backbone of India’s higher education landscape. He remarked that we are in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution – a time of rapid change driven by AI, IOT, quantum computing, and biotechnology and therefore engineers must be future-ready, equipped not just with technical knowledge, but also with adaptability and lifelong learning habits. Engineering education must evolve to include emerging technologies, sustainability, and social impact. Through this initiative, IITs will provide their expertise to uplift institutions across the country by building bridges of knowledge, mentorship, and collaboration. He was pleased to note that this program is more than just a faculty development initiative. It is a nation-building exercise. IITs have set the stage, but the true change will have to come from the mentees when they return to their institutions not only with new skills, but with a renewed purpose. The address was well received and enthused the august gathering. The function was also attended by about 400 participants in person and 500 online through live streaming on YouTube who are distinguished Fellows of INAE; invitees; eminent faculty from IITs and other engineering colleges and institutions, faculty enrolled as mentees under the CEEE Program from across the country; research scholars and students. Positive response has been received from the mentors, mentees and all stakeholders in the program.

Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), established in 1987 as a Society under the Societies Registration Act 1860, is an autonomous Professional Body and comprises India’s most distinguished engineers, engineer-scientists and technologists from academia, industry, R&D, and strategic sectors covering the entire spectrum of engineering disciplines. INAE has played a vital role in engineering policy-making, launching initiatives, promoting engineering education, forecasting technologies, and mentoring the engineering ecosystem. INAE recognized that though over 1 million students enter engineering colleges every year across more than 3000 institutions, yet, many engineering colleges & institutions, which are lesser endowed need to be enhanced, to keep pace with evolving global standards and modern pedagogy and mentorship.  INAE therefore took cognizance of the need to bring world-class opportunities to Indian engineering educators and envisioned a structured mentorship program, designed to transform teaching and learning in core engineering domains. Towards this, INAE reached out to Infosys Foundation—a name synonymous with nation-building through education and social impact to launch the Centre for Engineering Education Excellence (CEEE) program for Engineering Teachers through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for which an MoU was signed between Infosys Foundation and INAE on December 16, 2024 and the program has since commenced.

The CEEE program aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by enhancing the pedagogical skills of faculty teaching fundamental engineering subjects and promoting modern teaching practices, resource development and active mentoring at the first stage by INAE Fellows and eminent faculty of IITs viz IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur and IIT Delhi as Regional CEEE Centres has commenced in an efficient and planned manner. The mentoring of engineering teachers is being carried out in five major domains viz Computer Science and Information Technology; Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation; Mechanical, Aerospace and Energy; Materials/Chemical/Biotechnology and Civil and Environment Engineering.  The key highlights of the program are focused on core engineering domains; hybrid format (on-site and virtual mentoring modes) and aspiring to provide training to emerging and developing educational institutions in the first phase of three years’ duration. With a strong governance framework, phased implementation, and comprehensive funding, this initiative will foster innovation in pedagogy, elevate teaching standards nationwide, and enhance the quality of engineering graduates and thereby the technological progress of India. INAE is indebted to Infosys Foundation signing an MoU and allocating CSR funds for the Program and deeply acknowledges the support of AICTE and commitment of the directors of the five IITs as Regional CEEE Centres to take this initiative forward.

Group Photograph of Dignitaries on Dais: Left to Right: Prof Surendra Prasad, FNAE, former Director IIT Delhi; Prof Rangan Banerjee, FNAE, Director, IIT Delhi; Chief Guest- Mr NR Narayana Murthy, FNAE, Founder, Infosys; Prof Indranil Manna, FNAE, former President, INAE and Vice-Chancellor of the Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra; Prof (Dr) TG Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE; Ms Manisha Saboo, Vice President, Infosys, Head, Infosys Foundation and Prof Santanu Chaudhury, Vice-President, INAE

Group Photographs of Dignitaries and INAE Fellows at the Inaugural Function

National Technology Day Celebrations by INAE Bhubaneswar Chapter

To commemorate the National Technology Day Celebrations, the following four distinguished lectures were delivered between 17^th May to 23^rd May 2025 by eminent speakers from INAE Fellowship These lectures were held in hybrid mode.

1. 17th May 2025 (Saturday) from 1530 hrs. to 1730 hrs. – Lecture by AK Tyagi, FNAE, Dean and Senior Professor, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai; Former Director, Chemistry Group & Bio-Science Group, BARC on “Sustainable Development: Role of Nuclear Science and Technology.”
Venue:  SOA University, Bhubaneswar.

National Technology Day-2025, Invited Guests at SOA University, Bhubaneswar

Vote of Thanks by Prof. Renu Sharma, SOA University

2. 19th May 2025 (Monday) from 1530 hrs. to 1730 hrs. – Lecture by Kota Harinarayana, FNAE, Chairman, BOG, IIT (BHU); Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad; Former Project Director and Chief Designer, Light Combat Aircraft on “Application of AI in Aircraft Design”.

 Venue: IMMT Bhubaneswar

Prof. Damodar Acharya, Chairman, INAE Bhubaneswar Chapter honouring Dr. Kota Harinarayana

National Technology Day-2025, Invited Guests at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar

3.  21st May 2025 (Wednesday) from 1530 hrs. to 1730 hrs. – Lecture by Dr. V Narayanan, FNAE, Chairman, Space Commission, Secretary, Dept of Space & Chairman, ISRO, Bangalore on “Indian Space Program – Pride of the Nation”.
Venue: NISER, Bhubaneswar

 

Honouring Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

4.   23rd May 2025 (Friday) from 1530 hrs. to 1730 hrs. – Lecture by Dr. Binay Kumar Das, FNAE, Director-General, Electronics & Communication System, DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India on Futuristic Defence Technologies: Can India Become World Leader?
Venue: IIT Bhubaneswar

Invited Guests and Audience at IIT Bhubaneswar

Prof. D. Acharya, Chairman, INAE Bhubaneswar Chapter honouring Dr. Binay Kumar Das, Director General Electronics and Communication System DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India

National Technology Day-2025 Celebrated at IIT Bhubaneswar, Odisha

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TECHNOTSAV – 2025

One Day Workshop on “AI and Robotics”

Cambridge Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), had planned to host National Technology Day 2025 as TECHNOTSAV 2025 through a one-day workshop on “AI and Robotics” on 11th May 2025. The preparation talks began in late March, and regular review meetings were conducted every Friday starting from 4th April 2025. These meetings helped streamline event logistics, speaker arrangements, student participation, and evaluation processes. The organizing committee held regular planning meetings and successfully executed the event on May 11, 2025.

The key objectives of TECHNOTSAV 2025 were to celebrate National Technology Day by promoting awareness and innovation in the domain of AI and Robotics, to provide a competitive platform for engineering students to showcase their research and project ideas, to facilitate technical knowledge-sharing through expert talks by industry and academic leaders, and to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and technological creativity among students. The event aimed to inspire the next generation of technologists by exposing them to current trends, challenges, and opportunities in emerging technologies.

The event provided a dynamic platform to explore and share the latest developments in AI and Robotics, encouraging innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Students from various engineering colleges across Karnataka actively took part in the event, which aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world technological applications. In total, 300 students attended the workshop sessions and gained valuable insights into the current trends and practical uses of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

The event saw active participation through more than 60 idea submissions from colleges across the state. After a rigorous review process, 10 teams were shortlisted for the Idea Presentation, and 25 teams were selected for the Poster Presentation. These sessions offered participants the opportunity to present their innovations, interact with subject matter experts, and receive constructive feedback. TECHNOTSAV 2025 proved to be a meaningful and enriching experience for all attendees, reinforcing Cambridge Institute of Technology’s mission to cultivate innovation-driven learning and excellence in technical education.

Inaugural Session

The event commenced at 9:45 AM with the formal inauguration.

• Dr. G. Indumathi, Principal of Cambridge Institute of Technology, delivered the welcome address.
• Dr. V. K. Aatre, Former Head of DRDO and Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri, graced the event as the Chief Guest and delivered an inspiring keynote speech.
• Prof. Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, Executive Council of INAE Bangalore Chapter, and Prof. K. J. Vinoy, Secretary of INAE Bangalore Chapter, were present as Guests of Honour.
• Mr. Nitin Mohan, CEO of Cambridge Institute of Technology, was also present during the morning session and encouraged student innovators.
• Shri. D. K. Mohan, Chairman of Cambridge Group of Institutions, attended the valedictory function and shared motivational insights.

 Expert Talks

Three expert sessions were conducted during the workshop by renowned speakers from academia and industry. These sessions offered participants deep insights into the practical applications and emerging trends in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, enriching the audience with real-world use cases, research advancements, and futuristic visions. The sessions played a vital role in bridging theoretical knowledge with hands-on innovation and industry relevance.

 Expert Talk Sessions at TECHNOTSAV 2025

SL.NO	Time	Speaker	Topic
1	10:30 – 11:15 AM	Mr. Mathew Joseph, Director and Head of CIMB bank AI Labs	Reinventing Enterprises with Artificial Intelligence
2	11:30 – 12:30 PM	Prof. Suresh Sundaram, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab, IISC, Bangalore	Recent Trends in AI-Driven Autonomous Vehicles
3	12:30 – 01:15 PM	Dr. Antony Louis Piriyakumar, Dean (R & D), Cambridge Institute of Technology	Robocup

Student Participation

The event received 60 presentations from engineering colleges across Karnataka. Based on evaluation, 10 teams were shortlisted for Idea Presentations and 25 teams for Poster Presentations.

Idea Presentation Judging Panel

The panel comprised distinguished professors from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, bringing extensive expertise in engineering and research:

1. Dr. K. Raghavendra, IISc Benagaluru
2. Dr. Gopal Hegde, IISc Bengaluru
3. Dr. Ananda Theerthan, IISc Bengaluru
4. Dr. Harish Barshilia, Chief Scientist, NAL

Poster Presentation Judging Panel

Led by Heads of Departments from Cambridge Institute of Technology (CIT), this panel represented diverse engineering disciplines:

1. Dr. Shreekanth M Prabhu – Head of Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
2. Dr. Shiva Panchakshari T G – Head of Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
3. Dr. Suma S P – Head of Mathematics
4. Dr. Suneel Kulkarni – Head of Mechanical Engineering
5. Dr. Shankar B. S – Head of Civil Engineering

 Awards and Recognitions

1. Idea Presentation Winners – Ten teams from different institutions were shortlisted for the Idea Presentation competition. Out of these, four teams gave outstanding presentations and were selected as winners, receiving top prizes and cash awards.

SL. NO	PRIZE	Team ID	Institution
1	1st	TNSV16	Cambridge Institute of Technology – ECE
2	2nd	TNSV39	SJBIT
3	3rd	TNSV06	Cambridge Institute of Technology – AIML
4	3rd	TNSV18	New Horizon

2. Best Poster Presentation Winners – Twenty-five teams from different colleges were shortlisted for the Poster Presentation competition. Out of these, five teams gave excellent presentations and were selected as the best poster presentation winners, as listed below.

 

Sl.no	Team ID	Institution
1	TNSV32	MSRIT
2	TNSV41	Cambridge Institute of Technology – ME
3	TNSV29	New Horizon College of Engineering
4	TNSV03	Cambridge Institute of Technology – CSE
5	TNSV08	Cambridge Institute of Technology – CSE/ISE

Valedictory Session

The valedictory session began at 4:10 PM, presided over by Shri. D. K. Mohan, Chairman of Cambridge Group of Institutions. He addressed the gathering and congratulated all the participants and winners. The judges offered insightful feedback and appreciated the creative ideas and technical presentations showcased by the students. The session concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by the organizing committee.

Photos of the Event:

39th Foundation Day of Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) Celebrations on 20th April 2025 at IIT Delhi

Each year, among other calendar events, INAE celebrates its Foundation Day on 20th of April as a landmark day to rededicate itself to the professed goals with an aim to promote excellence in Engineering and Technology (E&T) in the country. The 39th INAE Foundation Day celebration was held on 20th April 2025 (Sunday) at IIT Delhi. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Quantum Technology”. Mr JD Patil, President, INAE delivered an inspiring Welcome Address wherein he highlighted the importance of the Foundation Day celebrations of INAE and summarized the technical events held on this occasion in the past few years. Dr. L. Venkata Subramaniam, Head, IBM Quantum India and Prof. Susmita Sur-Kolay, FNAE, Visiting Professor, Dept of Computer Science, Ashoka University and former Professor (HAG), Advanced Computing and Microelectronics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata eminent expert in the chosen field delivered technical talks on “Quantum Decade: India’s” and “Design Automation for Quantum Computing Systems” respectively. Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered an enlightening Key-Note Address.  INAE released the Inaugural issue of INAE TechFrontier, launched on April 20, 2025, during INAE’s 39th Foundation Day celebrations at IIT Delhi and this quarterly e-magazine is envisioned as a platform to showcase the technological accomplishments of newly elected Fellows, Young Associates, and Members. The event was attended by over 150 delegates from the Fellowship and other invitees from IIT Delhi and other engineering institutions, Government Departments and Organizations.

The video recording of the proceedings of the event may be viewed at the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxFothBpSBc

Glimpses of INAE Foundation Day Celebrations 2025

Mr JD Patil, President, INAE Delivering Welcome Address Felicitation of Dr Abhay Karandikar, Secretary ,DST

Felicitation of Prof Susmita Sur-Kolay and Dr L Subramaniam by Mr JD Patil, President, INAE

Backdrop of the Foundation Day 2025 Celebrations at IIT Delhi

National Science Day Lecture 2025 organized by INAE Kolkata Chapter

With an overarching aim of promoting scientific awareness, and inspire young minds to pursue careers in science and technology, Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) Kolkata Chapter, in association with the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College (RKMVCC, Autonomous), organized the National Science Day Lecture on March 7, 2025 at Department of Zoology of RKMVCC, Rahara, Kolkata-700118, to commemorate the Raman Effect by Prof. C.V. Raman.

The Science Day lecture was delivered by Prof. Tanya Das, ICMR Emeritus Scientist and former Dean R&D at the Bose Institute Kolkata. Prof. Sankar Kumar Pal (National Science Chair, Govt. of India; President, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata; Distinguished Scientist and Former Director, ISI; Founder President, INAE Kolkata Chapter) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. From the INAE side, Prof. Malay K. Kundu (Indian Statistical Institute & Chairman, INAE Kolkata Chapter), Prof. Debatosh Guha (Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics, University of Calcutta), and Prof. Ranjan Ganguly (Jadavpur University, & Secretary, INAE Kolkata Chapter) were also present.

At the very outset, Swami Kamalasthananda, Principal Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, welcomed the participants, the invited speaker and the INAE Fellows to the event. He also expressed his earnest gratitude to the distinguished speakers and guests. Prof. S.K. Pal delivered a brief, but inspiring lecture to the students with interesting anecdotes, emphasizing the strong legacy of RKMVCC in imparting quality science education. Prof. M. K. Kundu gave the audience an overview of INAE and the activities of INAE Kolkata Chapter in promoting STEM awareness.

Approximately 150 participants, including faculty, technical staff, and students from RKMVCC attended the celebration that spanned over the entire day. The program was also streamed live through a link provided at the INAE portal. From RKMVCC’s side, the whole event was coordinated by Dr. Ajoy Mallik and Dr. Arunava Mukherjee.

The event’s hallmark was the Science Day Lecture by Prof. Tanya Das, titled “Cancer Stem Cell: The Pivotal Piece of Cancer Puzzle.” Through her talk, which lasted for a little more than an hour, she painted the grim reality of the rapid global upsurge in cancer cases, and the current challenges and shortcomings of the conventional chemotherapy followed by surgery in some special cases.

Her captivating lecture presented a new understanding of breast cancer development and relapse. Through a highly lucid, yet content-rich presentation, Prof. Das explained how her research could efficiently target breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), making the drug resistant cells insensitive to chemotherapy. The talk explained how the study by her group not only identified CSCs as the ‘pivotal piece’ – missing which deciphering the ‘cancer puzzle’ can never be successful, but also offered a combinatorial treatment strategy with conventional chemotherapeutics for improving recurrence-free survival of breast cancer patients.

In the Q&A session, students and the other participants, including the INAE fellows engaged in a thoughtful discussions and brainstorming. The speaker appreciated the highly intelligent and significant questions posed by the students as she shared her valuable insights on a roadmap for a panacea to this deadly disease.

The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Ranjan Ganguly on behalf of INAE Kolkata Chapter. The speakers and the INAE fellows engaged in informal discussion with the students, faculty and the Principal of RKMVCC after the program while the INAE team was given a tour of the small, yet beautiful campus at the end of the program. Overall, the program was highly appreciated by the students, the INAE Fellows and the speakers.

Glimpses of the National Science Day Lecture held on March 7, 2025 at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara.

Inaugural session -Inaugural speech by Prof SK Pal Address by Prof Malay K. Kundu

Science day lecture by Prof. Tanya Das Felicitation of the speaker

Post-lecture interaction at the office of the Principal followed by a campus tour

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National Science Day Lecture 2025 organized by INAE Bangalore Chapter

VISHWA 2025

MVJ College of Engineering, Bangalore, collaborated with INAE-BC, organized VISHWA-2025, a one-day workshop on “Innovations for a Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Future on Earth and Beyond” on February 28, 2025 (National Science Day) at MVJ College of Engineering, Bangalore. The workshop was graced by eminent personalities like Dr. V K Aatre, Former Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri and Secretary, DRDO; Dr. B N Suresh, Chairman, Board of Governors, MVJCE, Bangalore & Founding Director and Chancellor, IIST, Thiruvananthapuram; Dr. S Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, INAE, Bangalore Chapter & Senior Professor, IISc; Mr M Sankaran, Director, UR Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, Bangalore; Dr. Bala Govindasamy, Executive Member, Earth Commission, Future Earth, & Professor, Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, IISc.

The Science Day Celebrations began with a warm welcome address by Dr. Ajayan K.R., Principal, who expressed gratitude to the esteemed guests and highlighted the significance of the event. He emphasized India’s scientific achievements, particularly in space exploration, and the need to foster innovation among the youth. He also urged attendees to actively participate in discussions on pressing global challenges like climate change and sustainability.

The Opening Address was delivered by Dr. B N Suresh, who emphasized the role of engineering innovations in tackling sustainability challenges. He highlighted the significance of National Science Day, emphasizing its importance in promoting scientific awareness and innovation, inspiring young minds to explore the transformative power of science and technology in addressing global challenges, and providing solutions to societal problems. He encouraged attendees to strive for groundbreaking discoveries that could one day earn global recognition, including a Nobel Prize.

Dr. S Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of INAE, Bangalore Chapter, stressed the need for a transformative approach to the education system, emphasizing that education should focus on nurturing knowledge, critical thinking, and innovation rather than merely assessing students through exams. He underscored the importance of aligning the education system with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to equip students with the skills and awareness necessary to drive sustainable progress and societal development.

The three distinguished lectures were delivered by esteemed experts who have made significant contributions to the fields of science, engineering, and sustainability:

Dr. V K Aatre, Former Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri and Secretary, DRDO delivered distinguished lecture on “Science and Technology – Historical, Philosophical, and Societal Perspectives” provided an insightful exploration of the evolution of science and its profound influence on human civilization. He traced the historical development of scientific thought, illustrating how breakthroughs in fundamental sciences have shaped societies over time. He emphasized the philosophical foundations of scientific progress, stressing the importance of curiosity, scepticism, and ethical responsibility in research. Discussing the societal impact, he highlighted how science has transformed industries, governance, and daily life, particularly in India’s rapid technological growth. He urged young scientists to engage in problem-solving and innovation that address real-world issues, from climate change to healthcare. Dr. Aatre also discussed the role of interdisciplinary research in fostering groundbreaking discoveries and emphasized that scientific knowledge should be used for the betterment of humanity. His thought-provoking address left the audience with a deeper appreciation of science as a force for progress and a call to use it responsibly.

Dr. Bala Govindasamy, Professor, Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, IISc.  delivered a distinguished lecture on “Should We Engineer the Sky to Reverse Climate Change?” He particularly shed light on Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) as a potential strategy to mitigate global warming. He explained the mechanisms of stratospheric aerosol injection and marine cloud brightening, highlighting their potential to cool the planet by reflecting sunlight. However, he also addressed the risks associated with geoengineering, including unintended climate shifts, disruptions in global weather patterns, and ethical dilemmas. He stressed that while SRM could be a short-term measure to curb rising temperatures, it must not replace efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Citing scientific studies, he underscored the uncertainties in long-term impacts, emphasizing the need for rigorous research before large-scale deployment. He advocated for a balanced approach, integrating emission reduction strategies with carefully monitored climate intervention technologies. His talk sparked discussions on the feasibility, risks, and ethics of manipulating Earth’s climate.

In the afternoon, Shri M. Sankaran, Director, UR Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO delivered a distinguished lecture on “Sustained Spirit of Innovation in Space: ISRO – For a Sustainable Future on Earth and Beyond”. He provided an overview of India’s space missions and their contributions to environmental monitoring, disaster management, and agricultural advancements. He highlighted ISRO’s innovations in remote sensing, satellite-based weather forecasting, and geospatial data analysis, which help optimize resource management. He recounted the importance of sustainable space exploration, focusing on reusable launch technologies and low-impact satellite systems. Discussing the future, he outlined ISRO’s plans for deep-space exploration, lunar resource utilization, and green propulsion systems. He encouraged students to pursue careers in space research, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in space and sustainability sciences. His session displayed how space technology is not just about exploration but also about solving pressing challenges on Earth.

Students’ Oral and Poster Presentations

Student teams both from MVJCE and outside have actively participated in oral and poster presentations, highlighting their research across three broad themes:

1. Climate Tech and Innovation
2. Cyber Systems and Sustainability
3. Clean Energy Systems

The students showcased innovative ideas through oral and poster presentations, addressing sustainability, clean energy, and climate resilience. Projects ranged from AI-driven microgrid optimization, solar-powered environmental monitoring, and sustainable aviation fuel to carbon sequestration and advanced wastewater treatment technologies. These innovative solutions highlight the potential of young engineers in tackling global environmental challenges through technology and innovation. The best presentations were recognized for their technical depth, innovation, and impact. The first-prize winners in both oral and poster presentations were awarded a cash prize of ₹10,000, while the second-prize winners in both oral and poster presentations received a cash prize of ₹5,000. Two second prizes were awarded in both categories. The presentations were judged by INAE fellows and distinguished professors from IISc and MVJCE.

Oral Presentation Winners
First Prize	Title: Harnessing Graphitic Carbon Nitride Photocatalyst to Treat Textile Industrial Effluent Institution: MSRIT, Bangalore Participants: Raveena SK, Tejaswar Reddy, Shrinivas Magar Theme: Climate Tech and Innovations
Second Prize	Title: Eco-Pure: Algae-Based Bio-Membranes for Sustainable Water Filtration Institution: Amal Jyothi College of Engineering Participants: Noufal S, Deon Roji, MuhammedFiam K M S, Fathima Naslim Theme: Clean Energy System
Second Prize	Title: Electric Powered Propeller Institution: MVJCE, Bangalore Participants: Bhuvana S, N Manikandan, Rahul Parappa Ganiger, Shreyas B A Theme: Clean Energy System
Poster Presentation Winners
First Prize	Title: Designing and Development of a Pressure Transducer-Based Equipment with a Well Cap for Measurement of Heads in Autoflow Wells Institution: Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamil Nadu Participants: Siva Surya, Shruthi R, Subhashree S Theme: Cyber System and Sustainability
Second Prize	Title: Solar-Powered Atmospheric/Industrial CO₂ to Graphene Converter Institution: MVJCE Participant: Siddaling Nagavimath Theme: Clean Energy System
Second Prize	Title: Improvised Sewage Treatment Plant (STP): Harnessing Cyber Systems for Sustainable Water Management Institution: MVJCE Participants: T E Shyam, Aastha Uniyal Theme: Cyber System and Sustainability

In addition to the student presentations, an expo was organized on the sidelines, providing a platform for students to showcase their working prototypes and innovative models. The exhibition featured cutting-edge projects spanning various areas. The prototypes reflected the scientific rigor, creativity, and problem-solving skills of MVJCE students, demonstrating their ability to apply engineering principles to real-world challenges.

The event concluded with Prof. B N Raghunandan, Dean (Retd.) of IISc and Member of the BoG at MVJCE, summarizing the key takeaway points, followed by the prize and certificate distribution. Dr. M Brindha, Coordinator of VISHWA-2025 and Dean of Affiliation & Accreditation at MVJCE, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the INAE- Bangalore chapter, distinguished speakers, guests, participants, and organizers.

VISHWA 2025 successfully fostered intellectual exchange, research collaboration, and innovation-driven discussions on climate resilience, sustainability, and future technologies. The event reaffirmed the critical role of engineers and scientists in shaping a sustainable future for Earth and beyond.

Dr. B N Suresh, Chairman, BOG, MVJCE delivering inaugural address

Dr VK Aatre, Former Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri and Secretary, DRDO delivering distinguished lecture on “Science and Technology – Historical, Philosophical, and Societal Perspectives.”

Dr. S Gopalakrishnan, Chairman, INAE, Bangalore chapter felicitating Dr VK Aatre, Former Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri and Secretary, DRDO

Dr. Bala Govindasamy, Professor, Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, IISc. delivering a distinguished lecture on “Should We Engineer the Sky to Reverse Climate Change?”

Shri M. Sankaran, Director, UR Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO delivering a distinguished lecture on “Sustained Spirit of Innovation in Space: ISRO – For a Sustainable Future on Earth and Beyond.”

Shivani Jadhav and team presenting their idea on Mitigating Mobile Tower Radiation: Regulations, Strategies and Environmental Impact

Student Team presenting their idea on ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): A Pathway to Cleaner Aviation’

Judges- Eminent Professors from IISc., and MVJCE are interacting with the students during poster presentations

National Engineers Day 2024 Celebrations by INAE Headquarters – Online Distinguished Lectures focused on the theme “Engineering Innovations in Medicine: Pioneering Advances at the Intersection of Technology and Healthcare”.

National Engineers Day is celebrated all over the nation on 15^th September every year to honour the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr M Visvesvaraya and to highlight the pivotal role of engineering and technology in national development. To commemorate this occasion, Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) celebrated National Engineers Day on 15^th September 2024 (Sunday) morning in virtual mode. The online event comprising distinguished lectures focused on the theme “Engineering Innovations in Medicine: Pioneering Advances at the Intersection of Technology and Healthcare”. The celebration commenced with a Welcome Address by Prof Indranil Manna, President, INAE, who emphasized the importance of engineering innovations in transforming healthcare. Following this, Dr SK Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), President, National Academy of Medical Sciences and the Chief Guest of the event delivered the Opening Remarks. His insightful talk, particularly on Personalized Medicine, addressed key topics such as “Polygenic Risk Assessment DT4H, HGP2” and “Organ Regeneration Banking,” inspiring attendees with the potential of these advanced medical technologies.

Thereafter, Prof Suman Chakraborty, FNAE, Institute Chair Professor, Sir JC Bose National Fellow, Former Dean R&D and Head, School of Medical Science & Technology, IIT Kharagpur made a presentation on “Community Transformation via Democratized Diagnostic Technologies for the Underserved.” He showcased his innovative development of ultra-low-cost diagnostic technologies aimed at enhancing disease detection in resource-limited settings. His work includes nucleic acid-based rapid tests and smartphone-based screenings, which empower community health workers and marginalized women, fostering socio-economic transformation and promoting gender parity. Prof Rohit Srivastava, FNAE, Himanshu Patel Chair Professor in Applied Biosciences and Former Head of Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay then spoke on “Affordable Healthcare Technologies for India”. He shared insights from his research on biosensors and point-of-care diagnostic technologies designed for rural and maternal healthcare. Prof Srivastava highlighted four commercialized devices: the SYNC Bluetooth integrated glucometer for diabetes management, UChek for routine urine analysis, ToucHb for non-invasive haemoglobin detection, and CareMother, a smartphone platform connecting doctors and pregnant women to monitor high-risk pregnancies in rural areas.

The session was concluded with closing remarks and expression of gratitude to all speakers and participants, reiterating the significance of engineering in advancing healthcare solutions. The event successfully brought together leading experts to discuss the transformative impact of engineering innovations in the healthcare sector. The insights shared during the session underscored the importance of collaboration between engineering and medical fields to address healthcare challenges in India, particularly for underserved populations. National Engineers Day 2024 was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the commitment of engineers to enhance the quality of life through technology. The event was well attended online and appreciated by all participants and delegates.

National Technology Day Celebrations by INAE – Panel Discussion on “AI/ML: Imperatives, Opportunities and Threats” held on 11^th May 2024 (Saturday) in virtual mode.

To commemorate the National Technology Day a Panel Discussion on “AI/ML: Imperatives, Opportunities and Threats” was held on 11^th May 2024 (Saturday) in virtual mode. The following Panelists participated viz Dr Manish Gupta, Director, Google Research India, Bengaluru; Dr Anand Deshpande, Founder Chairman and Managing Director, Persistent Systems, Pune; Dr Rohini Srivathsa, Chief Technical Officer, Microsoft India and South Asia; Mr R. Chandrashekhar, Former Secretary, Department of  IT and Dept of Telecom; Former President, NASSCOM, Chairperson, Centre for Digital Future; Dr Shubhashis Gangopadhyay, Vice Chairperson, Centre for The Digital Future (CDF) & Founding Dean of Indian School of Public Policy, Economics, Law & Economics, Policy Praxis Lab and  Prof Vineeth N Balasubramanian, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Hyderabad . Prof. Indranil Manna, President, INAE and Vice-Chancellor, BIT, Mesra delivered the Welcome Address.  The event was moderated by Prof. UB Desai, Vice-President, INAE, Professor Emeritus and Former Director, IIT Hyderabad. The event was well attended and appreciated by the participants and delegates.

38^th INAE Foundation Day Celebrations held on April 22, 2024 at New Delhi

Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) was founded on 20^th April 1987 to promote excellence in Engineering and Technology (E&T) in the country. INAE celebrates this landmark as its Foundation Day each year to rededicate itself to the professed goals. Accordingly, INAE celebrated its 38^th Foundation Day on 22^nd April 2024 in virtual/hybrid mode. Dr. Anil Kakodkar, FNAE, Chancellor, HBNI, Mumbai; Former President, INAE, and Former Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary to Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy Mumbai was the Chief Guest at the said INAE Function. The celebrations commenced with the delivering of the Welcome Address by Prof. Indranil Manna, President, INAE and Vice Chancellor, Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Mesra, Ranchi wherein he highlighted the importance of the occasion and gave an overview of the major activities and achievements of the Academy during the last one year. This was followed by the Address by Vice-Presidents of INAE viz Prof. UB Desai, FNAE, Professor Emeritus, IIT Hyderabad, Former Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad; Prof. Sivaji Chakravorti, FNAE, Professor, Electrical Engineering Department, Jadavpur University, Kolkata and former Director, NIT Calicut and Mr. JD Patil, FNAE, Member of Executive Committee of Management & Advisor (Defence & Smart Technologies) to L&T Chairman & MD, Larsen & Toubro Limited – Defense, Mumbai who touched upon the important milestones in their concerned areas of responsibilities.

Former Presidents Dr BN Suresh and Dr Sanak Mishra also addressed the online audience with pertinent ideas on the way forward. The Address by Chief Guest, Dr Anil Kakodkar, Chancellor, HBNI, Mumbai; Former President, INAE; and Former Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary to Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy was enlightening and informative. He elucidated that the Academy has made its presence felt on the national/international domain and is making strides on the road to fiscal and functional autonomy in line with directives and concerted efforts are ongoing to see that the Academy continues to make a mark in promoting the growth and cause of engineering and technology by furtherance of meaningful activities in line with the objectives. The function was a grand success.

National Science Day 2024 Talk by Prof Uday B Desai, Vice President INAE and Former Director IIT Hyderabad on “Innovations, Entrepreneurship and Creating an Ecosystem” was held on February 28, 2024 in virtual mode. This talk took a 40,000 feet view of how innovations and development in technology are shaping the future of society. The talk also delved into how innovations have historically evolved and what it takes to create an innovations ecosystem. It explored the current evolution of innovations through technologies like artificial intelligence, cyber physical systems, smart mobility, 6G communication, and some more. Then a brief mention of about how an innovative ecosystem can spur deep tech entrepreneurship was made. By and large the talk revolved around digital technologies, which are all pervasive and will remain so for the foreseeable future.