January 3
Orientation session for term 2 Research Students
An orientation session was conducted for research students of Term 2 at IIIT-Bangalore. The session was led by Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, Prof. Chandrashekar Ramanathan, Dean (Academics), and Commodore SR Sridhar (Retd.), Registrar, who provided valuable insights and familiarized the students with the institute, its academic structure, and research opportunities.
January 4
IIIT-B in collaboration with University of Toronto conducts conference on AI and the City
The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B), in collaboration with the University of Toronto, hosted a conference titled ‘AI and the City: Understanding Applications in Urban Environments’.
The event explored how AI-powered public-private partnerships can address critical urban governance challenges, including water management, transportation, waste disposal, and climate adaptation.
Organized by IIIT-B’s Centre for Information Technology and Public Policy (CITAPP), the School of Cities at the University of Toronto, and the University of Toronto India Foundation (UTIF), the conference brought together experts from 22 institutions across 11 countries. Researchers presented AI-driven studies on urban planning, climate resilience, and cybersecurity, demonstrating the technology’s transformative role in shaping sustainable and equitable cities. Key discussions included Prof. Sachit Rao’s research on AI-driven mapping of Bengaluru’s waterbodies, highlighting the impact of floods on urban populations and the role of AI in crisis management. Another study from CITAPP showcased AI’s application in monitoring urban heat islands, assessing temperature trends and green space effectiveness. Additionally, Prof. Simon Marvin (University of Sydney) explored the broader implications of Urban AI, urging a rethinking of AI’s role in urban environments.
The conference underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and technological innovation in addressing urban challenges, reinforcing AI’s potential in creating more resilient and inclusive cities
January 13
IIIT-B marked National Youth Day, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda (12 January) with an inspiring celebration on 13th January 2025 at the Old Basketball Court. The event, dedicated to honoring Swami Vivekananda’s contributions to spirituality, education, and societal upliftment, brought together students and faculty for a meaningful gathering. The event featured poetry recitations and a Nukkad Natak, inspiring the audience with themes of wisdom, courage, and social change.
January 13-14
Bonfires, Kites & Festivities: IIIT-B Rings in Makar Sankranti, Lohri & Pongal
The Students of IIIT-Bangalore hosted a joyous two-day celebration to mark the festive spirit of Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Pongal. The celebrations created a memorable experience filled with music, cultural activities, and traditional festivities.
The event kicked off on January 13th with a Bonfire & Musical Night at the Old Basketball Court. The evening was filled with warmth, melodies, and togetherness as the community gathered around the bonfire to enjoy soulful music and celebrate the festive spirit.
On January 14th, the Football Ground was abuzz with excitement as students engaged in Kite Flying, painting the sky with vibrant colors. The day continued with a grand festive feast, bringing everyone together to relish traditional delicacies. The celebrations concluded with a Movie Screening, making for a perfect end to the two-day extravaganza.
The event truly encapsulated the essence of joy, unity, and cultural harmony, making it a cherished occasion for the IIIT-B community.
January 15
Samsung Chip design studio launched at IIIT-B
The Samsung chip design studio was launched at IIIT-Bangalore. The studio was inaugurated by Mr. Balajee Sowrirajan, EVP & MD, SSIR, alongside Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-B, in the presence of esteemed faculty, industry experts, and students.
Set up in collaboration with Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR), this state-of-the-art facility is equipped with EDA tools to make chip design accessible to students and early-career engineers. This initiative, aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands by providing hands-on training in circuit design, simulation, and characterization. The facility will serve as a launch-pad for aspiring VLSI engineers, allowing them to implement, simulate, and validate innovative designs. Selected student teams will gain sponsored access to cutting-edge tools, with expert mentorship from Prof. Madhav Rao, Head of the ECE Department, and a panel of industry specialists. The program will support 10 teams, with the top three projects earning special recognition.
January 18
Confluence 2025: A Celebration of Patterns in Nature, Technology, and Design
Confluence 2025 was nothing short of electrifying! This flagship event brought together over 400 curious minds, eager to explore this year’s theme—“Cadence of Creations: Exploring the Beauty of Patterns in Nature, Technology, and Design.”
From decoding AI biases to unraveling the secrets of marketing and embracing the power of inclusivity, the day was packed with inspiring sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and game-changing insights.
The speaker lineup was nothing less than stellar! Advit Sahdev set the stage by blending marketing strategies with historical events, proving that timing is everything. Dejeshwini N mesmerized the audience with the magic of colors and patterns in art, while Dr. Vijender Singh Chauhan took a deep dive into how social media algorithms shape our digital world.
The excitement continued with Prof. Rajendra Bera, who connected physics and AI, sparking curious discussions. In the afternoon, Nandita Jayaraj shone a light on women in science, inspiring future changemakers, while Suman John delivered a powerful session on disability inclusion and fostering an accessible society.
In the concluding session, none other than Ankur Warikoo, captivated the audience with his insights on overcoming failures, finding clarity in uncertainty, and embracing entrepreneurial courage.
The energy, the ideas, the connections—Confluence 2025 was more than just an event; it was an experience. Until next year, let’s keep the conversations going, the ideas flowing, and the creativity soaring!
January 22
IIIT-Bangalore Hosts an Enchanting Musical Workshop by Dr. Kerry Kriger
IIIT-Bangalore recently had the opportunity of welcoming Dr. Kerry Kriger, a distinguished flutist renowned for his expertise in Indian classical music and global musical influences. The workshop drew an enthusiastic audience of students, faculty, and music lovers, offering them a unique opportunity to experience the mesmerizing world of flute music.
Dr. Kriger began the session by sharing insights into his musical journey and his ability to seamlessly blend Indian classical techniques with diverse global styles. His soul-stirring live flute performance captivated the audience, showcasing the instrument’s expressive depth and the beauty of intricate ragas.
A key highlight of the workshop was a collaborative jam session with members of Symphony, IIIT-B’s Music Club. Together, they improvised a spellbinding fusion of classical ragas and contemporary harmonies, leaving the audience in awe.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where Dr. Kriger shared his musical philosophy, techniques, and personal experiences. The workshop was a resounding success, deepening the appreciation for Indian classical music and flute artistry among the IIIT-B community.
January 26
IIIT-Bangalore Commemorates the 76th Republic Day with Patriotic Fervor
IIIT-Bangalore celebrated the 76th Republic Day with great enthusiasm, bringing together students, faculty, and dignitaries.
The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Dr. Debabrata Das, followed by the singing of the national anthem. Attendees then collectively read the Preamble of the Constitution, reaffirming their commitment to its guiding principles.
The cultural performances showcased India’s rich heritage and artistic expression. Highlights included a heartfelt poem recital by Aishwarya Sharma, a soulful musical performance by Symphony, IIIT-B’s Music Club and a traditional Kamsale dance performance by children from Government School, Shantipura, Electronics City Phase 2 and a high-energy dance performance by first-year students
The event concluded with the distribution of sweets, symbolizing hope for a brighter and more inclusive future.