23 IITs to host PanIIT Hyderabad Summit 2026 on March 8
Hyderabad is set to become the focal point of innovation and collaboration as the PanIIT Alumni India prepares to host the PanIIT Hyderabad Summit 2026 on March 8. This prestigious event will take place at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace in Madhapur, bringing together prominent leaders from technology, governance, academia, and industry.
Inauguration and Keynote Addresses
The summit will be inaugurated by Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, who will deliver the inaugural address. His speech is expected to set the tone for discussions focused on innovation, collaboration, and national development. The Governor aims to emphasize the importance of strengthening ties between older and newer IITs, which is crucial for bridging institutional gaps and accelerating excellence through shared research, mentorship, and collective growth.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, will also attend the summit and deliver a special address. He is anticipated to outline the role of technology and innovation in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), while highlighting opportunities for the IIT community to contribute to sectors such as energy security and defense indigenization.
Insights from Government Leaders
K. Ramakrishna Rao, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana and an IIT alumnus, will address the gathering. He is expected to share insights on the state’s vision to strengthen Hyderabad’s position as a global hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Participation of Senior Government Officials
Several senior government leaders and IIT alumni will participate in the summit, including:
- Sunil Kumar Barnwal, IAS, CEO of the National Health Authority
- Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary for Rural Development
- Ajith Reddy, Special Secretary to the Chief Minister of Telangana
- Bhavesh Mishra, IAS, Special Secretary (IT & Electronics), Government of Telangana
- Navin Mittal, IAS, Special Chief Secretary (Energy), Government of Telangana
Special Session on Women in Science
In recognition of International Women’s Day, the summit will feature a special session by Dr. Tessy Thomas, known as the “Missile Woman of India.” Dr. Thomas, a former Director at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will present a session titled “Missile Woman of India: Science, Strategy & Sovereignty.” This session aims to highlight India’s achievements in strategic technology and defense research, showcasing the nation’s growing scientific capabilities and self-reliance.
Vision for India’s Technological Future
Prabhat Kumar, IRS, Chairman of PanIIT Alumni India, emphasized that the summit will unite policymakers, innovators, industry leaders, and members of the global IIT alumni community. He stated, “The Summit promises to serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of transformative ideas that can help shape India’s future.”
Strengthening Partnerships
Ashok Kumar, General Secretary of PanIIT Alumni India, noted that the event reflects the collective strength of the IIT alumni ecosystem. The summit aims to foster partnerships across government, industry, startups, and academia, recognizing the importance of collaboration in driving innovation.
Focus Areas of the Summit
Sudhakar Gande, Convener of the summit, highlighted that Hyderabad’s thriving technology landscape and startup ecosystem make it an ideal venue for discussions on deep-tech innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry transformation. The summit will feature thematic discussions on:
- Infrastructure and Energy Leadership
- Defence Innovation and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)
- Urban Infrastructure
- Digital Transformation
- Healthcare & Life Sciences for Bharat
Expert Participation
Experts from various organizations, including DRDO, Microsoft India, NMDC, MIDHANI, Apollo Hospitals, and Yashoda Hospitals, will participate in the summit. Additionally, leaders from emerging startups and technology companies will contribute to the discussions, enriching the dialogue with diverse perspectives.
Startup Innovation and Networking
Directors from IIT Dharwad and IIT Dhanbad, along with the Dean of IIT Hyderabad, will also be present at the summit. The event will include dedicated sessions on:
- AI-driven innovation
- Startup scaling strategies
- Resource security
- Mega infrastructure projects
A startup pitching platform will allow emerging ventures to present their ideas to angel investors and venture capitalists in collaboration with T-Hub and T-Works. A networking session will be held throughout the day to encourage collaboration among industry leaders, investors, and innovators.
Conclusion
The PanIIT Hyderabad Summit 2026 is poised to be a landmark event that not only celebrates the achievements of the IIT alumni community but also seeks to chart a path forward for India’s technological landscape. The summit will conclude with a valedictory address by Etela Rajender, Member of Parliament, marking the end of a day filled with insights, collaboration, and innovation.
Note: The details mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information as of March 6, 2026.
