IIT Bhubaneswar Celebrates 18th Foundation Day
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar celebrated its 18th Foundation Day on February 12, 2026. The event was marked by the presence of distinguished guests and highlighted the institute’s commitment to research, innovation, and collaboration with industry.
Chief Guests and Their Addresses
Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, the Hon’ble Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Health & Family Welfare, and Parliamentary Affairs of the Government of Odisha, was the Chief Guest at the event. He emphasized the institute’s role in high-end research and innovation, stating, “IIT Bhubaneswar is deeply involved in high-end research, innovation, and exchange of ideas with industry, and is now moving decisively towards becoming a Power Semiconductor Hub.”
Dr. Mahaling highlighted that Odisha has been selected as a Semiconductor Hub, with major projects such as the SicSem Semiconductor Unit, SDM Park, and Namo Semiconductor Lab enhancing academia-industry collaboration. He mentioned that investments in Artificial Intelligence, data centers, and GPUs would position Odisha as a leading technology and innovation ecosystem, contributing to a self-reliant India and the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Guest of Honour’s Insights
Shri Saroj Patnaik, Chairman of the Patnaik Group of Industries and Trustee of the Rabisons Foundation, served as the Guest of Honour. He remarked, “Technology is rapidly transforming society, from healthcare to energy, and institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar are at the forefront of this change.”
Shri Patnaik encouraged students to leverage the research ecosystem at IIT Bhubaneswar, take informed risks, and build solutions that drive India’s industrial and social progress, especially in the context of AI and automation.
Welcome Address by the Director
Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, the Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, delivered the welcome address. He recounted the history of the institute and its evolution into a vibrant campus focused on learning and innovation. He stated, “IIT Bhubaneswar has evolved into a vibrant campus centred on learning halls, advanced research, and innovation-driven education.”
In his address, Prof. Karmalkar also discussed the ongoing construction of a research and entrepreneurship park by the institute and the Odisha Government’s plans for a 223-acre semiconductor and electronic system design manufacturing park adjacent to the campus. He emphasized that these developments would significantly strengthen industry-academia collaboration and contribute to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Significant Contributions
During the ceremony, Prof. Karmalkar expressed gratitude to Shri Saroj Patnaik for his generous donation of Rs. 25 crore to the institution. This donation aims to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing (HPC), and other technologies for societal benefit, as well as to provide scholarships to meritorious underprivileged students.
Minister’s Visit to Research Facilities
Following the addresses, Hon’ble Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling visited several key Research & Development facilities within the institute. His tour included:
- Research & Entrepreneurship Park
- Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Center (SiCRIC)
- Virtual and Augmented Reality Center of Excellence (VARCoE)
- Robotics Labs
- Active Learning Classrooms
Vote of Thanks
Prof. Rajesh Roshan Dash, the Dean of Student Affairs, proposed a vote of thanks at the conclusion of the formal proceedings. Shri Bamadev Acharya, the Registrar of the Institute, was also present during the event.
Cultural Programme
In the evening, a grand cultural programme was organized by the students and members of the institute. The event showcased the spirit of enthusiasm and vigor among the participants, highlighting the rich cultural diversity and talent present within the IIT Bhubaneswar community.
Conclusion
The 18th Foundation Day of IIT Bhubaneswar not only celebrated the achievements of the institute but also set a vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of research, innovation, and collaboration in shaping the technological landscape of India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the events and statements made during the 18th Foundation Day celebration of IIT Bhubaneswar.
