IIT Guwahati Hosts Executive Development Programme on Design Thinking in Bengaluru
Bengaluru is set to witness a significant initiative in corporate learning as the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati conducts an Executive Development Programme (EDP) on Design Thinking for Competitive Advantage. The event will take place from January 17 to 19, 2026, at Glentree Academy, located in Whitefield, Bengaluru.
Overview of the Programme
This three-day programme aims to bring together 78 senior executives from leading organizations in the Electronics and Information Technology sectors. Designed under a project sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the EDP is focused on equipping industry leaders with strategies rooted in design thinking, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness in today’s dynamic business environment.
Inauguration and Keynote Speakers
The inauguration of the programme will feature prominent figures from both academia and industry, including:
- Harish Gudi, CIO of Optum India
- Prof. Pratul C. Kalita, Head of the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati
- Dr. Soumen Das, alumnus of IIT Guwahati and IIM Lucknow
- Vittal Bhandary, Managing Director of Glentree Academy
The presence of these leaders underscores the collaborative spirit between academia, industry, and educational institutions in fostering innovation.
Programme Structure and Topics
Over the course of three days, participants will engage in sessions covering a wide spectrum of topics, including:
- Design Thinking Frameworks and Methods
- Creativity and Innovation
- Organizational Transformation
- Digital Product Design
- Human-Computer Interaction
- User-Centric Experience Design
- The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping Digital Products
Discussions will also address the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in the corporate sector, providing valuable insights for the participants.
Expert Contributions
The technical sessions will be conducted by esteemed faculty members from IIT Guwahati’s Department of Design, including:
- Prof. Pratul C. Kalita
- Prof. Ravi Mokashi Punekar
- Prof. Debayan Dhar
- Prof. Supradip Das
In addition to the faculty, distinguished industry experts will share practical insights, including:
- Narendra Ghate, Senior Vice President and Head of Design at HDFC Bank
- Anil Kumar Singh from Havells Bengaluru
A special session focusing on the future of digital product design with emerging technologies will be led by Prof. L. Umanand and his team from IISc Bangalore.
Interactive Learning and Exhibitions
The programme structure emphasizes building a strong conceptual foundation, illustrated by global and national case studies. Participants will engage in collaborative group tasks to foster innovation and creativity.
On January 18, executives will showcase their innovative concepts and ideas in an exhibition, providing a platform for peer feedback and networking. The final day, January 19, will feature a laboratory visit at IISc Bangalore, offering participants exposure to cutting-edge research facilities and advancements in technology.
Support and Coordination
The initiative has received strong support from Glentree Academy, with Vittal Bhandary and Rachana Heda ensuring effective management and coordination of the programme. Their efforts are instrumental in creating an environment conducive to learning and collaboration.
Impact on Human Capital Development
By fostering dialogue between academia and industry, the EDP is expected to make a significant contribution to human capital development in the electronics and IT sectors. This initiative reinforces Bengaluru’s role as a hub for innovation and leadership, paving the way for future advancements in these fields.
Conclusion
The Executive Development Programme on Design Thinking hosted by IIT Guwahati represents a vital step forward in enhancing the skills and knowledge of corporate leaders in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and design. By integrating design thinking principles with practical applications, the programme aims to empower executives to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge in their respective industries.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates as of January 2026.
