Munish Sood
Mandi
The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi celebrated its 17th Foundation Day with a strong emphasis on innovation, research excellence, and its evolving role in nation-building through advanced technologies.
The event brought together leading figures from academia, industry, and global research institutions, underlining the growing importance of artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies in shaping India’s future.
Focus on Research and Expansion
Highlighting the institute’s research momentum, Director Laxmidhar Behera revealed that IIT Mandi has secured research projects worth over ₹120 crore in the past three years. He also announced an ambitious ₹700 crore investment aimed at strategic infrastructure expansion, signalling the institute’s push toward becoming a global hub for cutting-edge research.
Behera noted that the institution continues to evolve as a research-intensive university, focusing on areas such as quantum technology, semiconductor systems, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary engineering.
Global Voices Emphasize India’s Tech Future
The celebration was attended by prominent dignitaries including Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chief Guest and Co-Founder of Infosys, and Oussama Khatib, Distinguished Guest and Director of the Stanford Robotics Lab.
In his keynote address, Gopalakrishnan described the coming decades as a defining phase for India’s global leadership in innovation. He stressed that institutions like IIT Mandi will play a pivotal role in building a “product nation” by nurturing talent, advancing translational research, and fostering entrepreneurship.
Khatib praised the institute’s unique blend of academic excellence and natural surroundings, stating that the campus has the potential to evolve into a globally recognised innovation hub comparable to Silicon Valley, particularly in robotics and advanced engineering.
Strong Academic Legacy and Leadership Presence
The event also witnessed the presence of noted academicians including Timothy Gonsalves, Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, and Vinay Kumar Pathak, reflecting the institute’s strong academic network and collaborative outlook.
Key Research Milestones
Over the past few years, IIT Mandi has recorded significant achievements:
• ₹120 crore funding across 177 research projects
• More than 200 consultancy projects worth ₹17 crore
• Development of advanced research facilities in AI, robotics, and quantum technology
• Establishment of interdisciplinary research centres and global collaborations
• Strengthened innovation ecosystem through incubation and fellowship programs
Honouring Excellence
Students, faculty, and staff were felicitated for their outstanding contributions across academics, research, and sports. The celebrations underscored IIT Mandi’s growing stature in India’s higher education ecosystem and its commitment to fostering innovation-driven growth.
Vision for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’
Aligned with the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, IIT Mandi reaffirmed its focus on developing future-ready leaders and advancing deep-tech solutions. With sustained investment in research and infrastructure, the institute aims to contribute significantly to India’s journey toward technological self-reliance and global competitiveness.
