IIT Mandi iHub and HCI Foundation, successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship conclave, HIVE 2.0 starting on 31 January 2025 at IIT Mandi.
Focused on promoting and encouraging translational research by driving industry-academia collaborations, the event brought together leading industry professionals, startups, academicians, and government representatives.
Platform
It provided a dynamic platform to foster collaboration, align research with industry needs, and explore emerging innovations in Human-Computer Interaction (HCi).
Key thematic areas
The conclave covered key thematic areas, including:
# Assistive Technologies
# Device-Led Technologies
# Experience Technologies
# Generative AI-Led Design Technologies
Key organizations
Key organisations, including ISRO, PGI Chandigarh, Samsung, and Qualcomm, engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, reinforcing the conclave’s objective of fostering collaborative translational research with industry and academia and a robust technology landscape in India.
Dignitaries
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, and Mr. Somjit Amrit, Chief Executive Officer, IIT Mandi iHub and HCi Foundation hosted the event.
Rajesh Dharmani, Minister of Town & Country Planning, Housing, Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training, Government of Himachal Pradesh was the chief guest.
Other distinguished guests included:
Smt. Rakhil Kahlon, IAS, Secretary, Department of Digital Technologies and Governance, Himachal Pradesh
Dr. Balvinder Singh, Founder, BluOxyGen.AI, and Former Vice President, Samsung R&D Institute – Bangalore
Prof. Dr. Parampreet Singh Kharbanda &
Prof. Dr. Subho Chakrabarti, PGIMER, Chandigarh
Mr. Madhu Kandasamy, Senior Director, Qualcomm India Private Limited
Air Vice Marshal PKH Sinha VSM (Retd.), Strategic Advisor, IIT Mandi
Prof. Subhajit Roy Chaudhury, Project Director, IIT Mandi iHub and HCi Foundation
Chief guest
Rajesh Dharmani said platforms like HIVE 2.0, organised by IIT Mandi iHub and HCI Foundation, foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and groundbreaking research in AI, Human-Computer Interaction, and emerging technologies—driving Himachal Pradesh towards a self-reliant and technologically advanced future.
We envision a long-term collaboration with IIT Mandi and iHub to equip our youth with the skills needed to propel economic growth and technological progress, he said.
Research
Himachal Pradesh government is committed to fostering a culture of research, skill development, and technological advancements, said the chief guest.
By leveraging new-age disciplines like artificial intelligence, data science, mechatronics, and IoT across our institutions, we aim to create a robust knowledge ecosystem that empowers students and fuels industrial growth, he said.
I invite IIT Mandi to collaborate with us in building a sustainable and innovation-driven future for Himachal Pradesh and the nation, he said.
Skill development
HIVE 2.0 also marked the inauguration of a new Skill Development Hub at IIT Mandi by Rajesh Dharmani, aimed at building a future-ready workforce.
Digital transformation
Rakhil Kahlon, Secretary, Department of Digital Technologies and Governance, Himachal Pradesh said Himachal Pradesh is embracing digital transformation through pioneering initiatives in drone technology, semiconductor development, and AI-driven skill enhancement.
As we explore the roadmap for semiconductor manufacturing, IIT Mandi and iHub stands as a key partner in providing technical expertise and strategic guidance, she said.
Platforms like HIVE 2.0 by IIT Mandi iHub play a crucial role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-academia collaboration, she said.
The Himachal Pradesh government is committed to building a future-ready workforce and an innovation-driven economy, and I invite IIT Mandi and iHub to collaborate with us to drive technological progress and economic growth, she said.
Key discussions
A major highlight of HIVE 2.0 was the Research-Industry Dialogues, where thought leaders discussed translational research and strategies to bridge the “Valley of Death” in Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
The discussions emphasized:
The gap between early-stage research (TRL 1-3) and commercialization (TRL 7-9).
The importance of proof-of-concept development aligned with industry expectations.
Intellectual property concerns in collaborative research.
Key sessions and panels included:
Generative AI on Edge
Humanoid Robotics & Technology Relevance
to Personalised Profession like Lawyer
Technology Transfer & Research Usability in Design
ISRO’s Sponsored Research Opportunities
Relevance
The event reinforced the growing relevance of industry-academia partnerships in research across emerging technology domains, say sources from IIT Mandi.
The event brought together over 100 startups from across India, with 15 selected to showcase cutting-edge device-led solutions aligned with the conclave’s themes.
Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor (IT) to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, announced the results of the startup pitch competition and presented the awards.
Commitment
The success of HIVE 2.0 underscores IIT Mandi iHub’s commitment to driving innovation through meaningful industry-academia collaborations.
The conclave not only provided a launchpad for startups but also set the stage for long-term partnerships aimed at solving real-world challenges through cutting-edge research and technology.
About IIT Mandi iHub
IIT Mandi iHub is a Skill Training Partner of NSDC under the Special Project for Institutions of National Importance.
This innovative Technology Innovation Hub specializing in Human-Computer Interaction trains youth in domains such as IoT, AI, Solar Technology, and Drone Technology under this funded project.
Through these initiatives, iHub has trained over 200 youths in the Solar Technology skill development program, providing them with On-The-Job opportunities at the IIT Mandi campus.
Similarly, in addition to the Drone Didi program, IIT Mandi iHub has completed two sessions of Drone training programs with over 40 graduates in total.
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