August 2-3
Cyber Security Essentials Programme
A Cyber Security Essentials Programme was conducted by Center for Technology Research and Innovation – Digital Governance (CTRI-DG) on August 02-03, 2024. The training programme was attended by 25 members from different departments of Govt of Karnataka.
August 7
95th Governing Body Meeting
95th Governing Body meeting was held.
August 15
Independence Day Celebrations
The Independence Day celebrations started at the football ground, with students, faculty and staff all coming together. The event began with a speech from the Director of IIIT-Bangalore, Prof. Debabrata Das followed by the flag hoisting and everyone singing the National Anthem.
After the Director’s talk, there was a beautiful flute performance and an opening act by the Impulse Club. Different clubs took the stage with activities like a street play, patriotic songs, and a few dance performances. A student shared a heartfelt poem about the importance of the day and everyone joined in to recite the Panch Pran pledge. The event wrapped up with the distribution of sweets to everyone.
August 21
IIIT-Bangalore Hosts Valedictory Function for the First Cohort of K-VLSI Programme
IIIT-Bangalore hosted the valedictory function on August 21 for the first cohort of the Karnataka VLSI (K-VLSI) programme. Seventy-seven students received certificates, marking the successful completion of this rigorous 9-month training designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry in the VLSI domain.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Shri. Priyank Kharge, Hon. Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, IT, BT, and Science & Technology, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary of the Department of IT, BT & ST, Government of Karnataka and Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore. Other notable attendees included Mr. BV Naidu, Chairman of KDEM, Mr. Ashok Mishra, EC Member of IESA, representatives from FutureWiz, the NOIDA-based ed-tech training partner and industry partners from Karnataka.
The K-VLSI programme, supported by the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) and the Semiconductor Fabless Accelerator Lab (SFAL), aims to advance semiconductor technology in India. The initiative provides intensive training and hands-on experience, preparing students for the future of semiconductor technology.
Out of a competitive pool of 521 applicants from various institutes across Karnataka, 120 students were shortlisted, and 77 were selected based on their academic performance and potential. Most of the students hailed from rural areas such as Tiptur, Bellari, Bagalkotte, Chikmagalur, Tumkur and other places of Karnataka showcasing the program’s reach and inclusivity. The selection process involved rigorous assessments and interviews to ensure that the most promising candidates were chosen.
The six-month programme included over 300 hours of specialized training, blending live classes, practical sessions, and internships with leading VLSI firms. The students gained expertise in design systems, verification systems, embedded systems and hands-on experience within the VLSI domain.
August 22
Talk by Prof. Nishanth SastryProf. Nishanth Sastry, Director of Research, University of Surrey spoke on ‘Is Redecentralisation the Answer to Partisanship, Hate Speech, Tracking etc.?’. In his talk, he emphasized that web and social media are plagued by online harms like hate speech and pervasive tracking by ad-driven ecosystems.
August 23
National Space Day at IIIT-Bangalore
IIIT-Bangalore conducted a half-day workshop, ‘Space is the Limit, Powered by Science & Technology’ on the occasion of National Space Day. The workshop featured an exciting lineup of speakers. Mr. S. Chandrashekar, Visiting Professor, NIAS, spoke on “India and the World Space Order”.
Prof. S Chandrashekar emphasized the dual importance of space activities in both economic development and national defense, particularly against threats like China. He highlighted the political significance of space achievements in establishing India as a global power and stressed the need for a balanced approach to investing in economic, military and knowledge-based space initiatives.
Mr. H R Madhusudana, Educator, JN Planetarium spoke on ‘C V Vishveshwara: Sowing the Seeds of Research’. In his talk, he paid tribute to the legendary scientist C V Vishveshwara, highlighting his pioneering work in black hole physics and the impact of his research on modern astrophysics. He also spoke about his contributions as the Founding Director of the Planetarium. He emphasized Vishweshwara’s efforts in inspiring young people to pursue science and research, noting his unique ability to simplify complex scientific concepts through creative cartoons. Vishweshwara was also committed to dispelling superstitions by providing clear and scientific explanations.
Prof. Spenta Wadia, Professor, ICTS-TIFR, Bangalore, on ‘A Brief History of Time’, presented a condensed yet insightful journey through the history of time. Discussed humanity’s early understanding of time. He explained that early humans gauged the passage of a year by observing seasonal changes, such as weather shifts, the appearance of fruits and flowers, animal migration patterns and agricultural cycles like sowing and harvesting.
Mr. Pranit Mehta, Founding Member & VP Business, Galaxeye spoke on ‘Consistency in Satellite Imagery – The Key to Increasing its Adoption’. In his talk, he explored the importance of maintaining consistency in satellite imagery for various applications, from environmental monitoring to urban planning. He also discussed how generative AI has the potential to revolutionize satellite imaging, enhancing its accuracy and reliability. As this technology advances, it will greatly improve the precision of satellite imagery, making it vital for applications like environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management. He also showcased the progress at Galaxeye, indicating that these innovations are leading to a new era of data accuracy and utility in the space industry.
Student Quiz
National Space Day was also celebrated with an exciting quiz event! From 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm on August 23rd, participants had the chance to test their knowledge about space and win some fantastic prizes. Teams of friends gathered to take part, each consisting of 3 to 4 members. The event was a fun and educational experience.
August 29
IIIT-Bangalore Signs MoU with GreenDzine Technologies
IIIT-Bangalore partnered with Greendzine Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a leader in electric mobility solutions. An MoU was signed for a research collaboration to develop and implement the cutting-edge Robotic Picker technology, a project under the aegis of MINRO, which is a CoE funded by the Government of Karnataka.
