The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT Ropar) marked its 18th anniversary with a series of significant introductions in the fields of research, technology, and entrepreneurship, fortifying its role in India’s innovation landscape. This celebration took place in the institute’s auditorium this Tuesday, under the theme ‘Accelerating R&D, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in the Country.’ The ceremony featured a keynote from Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, the esteemed Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, who underscored the pivotal role of educational institutions like IIT Ropar in advancing India towards self-reliance. He highlighted the institute’s commitment to high-quality research and entrepreneurial spirit.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar, in his welcome speech, reflected on the institute’s evolution from its inception in 2008 to becoming a research-intensive university that significantly impacts national development. He emphasized the institute’s efforts in publishing influential research, securing patents, and nurturing startups that address practical challenges.
The event also included insights from Prof. M.K. Surappa, former Director of IIT Ropar and ex-Vice-Chancellor of Anna University, who commended the institute’s growth trajectory in research leadership. Dr. Pushpendra P. Singh, Dean of Corporate Alumni Placement and Strategy (CAPS) and Project Director, ANNAM AI, delivered the vote of thanks.
Highlighting new advancements, the institute introduced the Indus HPC, a sophisticated High Performance Computing facility expected to boost computational research in various domains including engineering and artificial intelligence. The inauguration of Shaurya Sthal, a tribute area for the nation’s armed forces, reflects the institute’s patriotic spirit. Additionally, the launch of the Nalanda chatbot and digital platforms like a Publications Dashboard and Digital Archive aims to enhance transparency and accessibility to the institute’s research outputs.
Further demonstrating its commitment to innovation, IIT Ropar announced significant investment commitments towards its Research and Development and Innovation Fund (RDIF) from various partners, indicating a strong confidence in the institute’s commercialization and research capabilities.
The Foundation Day also celebrated the academic community’s achievements with an awards ceremony for faculty and staff, acknowledging their dedication and contributions to the institution’s success.
In an exciting development for entrepreneurship, the institute disbursed seed grants of ₹1,00,000 each to six student-led startups under its Student Entrepreneurship Support Programme, showcasing the diverse and innovative potential of its students.
About IIT Ropar: Since its establishment in 2008 in Rupnagar, Punjab, IIT Ropar has emerged as a beacon of excellence within the IIT system. The institute boasts a 525-acre eco-friendly campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, fostering a balanced environment for both academic excellence and comprehensive student development. Offering a range of programs across various disciplines, IIT Ropar continues to expand its horizons with initiatives like ANNAM AI and the Technology Innovation Hub AWaDH, further contributing to national and global priorities. In collaboration with the Indian Army, the institute has also initiated an M.Tech in Defence Technology, aiming to synergize technical expertise with defense innovations.
