Author – Ritesh Ranjan: The 28th Convocation of IIT Guwahati celebrated academic excellence while highlighting the Institute’s growing contribution to research, entrepreneurship and strategic technology development. Along with recognising exceptional students through prestigious gold medals, the convocation showcased IIT Guwahati’s progress in fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, defence research, space technology and startup incubation.
The ceremony reflected how IIT Guwahati is evolving beyond traditional engineering education. Through new academic programmes, international partnerships and industry collaborations, the Institute is strengthening its position as one of India’s leading centres for advanced education, innovation and research.
IIT Guwahati Introduces M.Tech. in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
One of the major academic developments highlighted during the convocation was the launch of an M.Tech. programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
The introduction of this programme comes at a time when industries worldwide are rapidly adopting automation, machine learning, intelligent systems and data-driven technologies. Organisations operating in manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, defence, agriculture and financial services increasingly require professionals who can design and manage AI-powered systems.
The new programme is expected to equip students with advanced knowledge of robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, machine learning and intelligent decision-making systems. It can also create opportunities for interdisciplinary research by bringing together areas such as computer science, electronics, mechanical engineering, mathematics and data science.
Through this specialised degree, IIT Guwahati aims to prepare students for high-impact careers in research laboratories, technology companies, startups and academic institutions. Graduates may also contribute to the development of autonomous systems, industrial robots, healthcare technologies, smart infrastructure and next-generation mobility solutions.
International Partnerships Strengthen Global Research
IIT Guwahati is also expanding its international academic presence through collaborations with institutions in the United Kingdom and Japan.
These partnerships are expected to support cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, research and student mobility. International collaborations provide students and faculty members with access to diverse research environments, advanced facilities and global academic networks.
Such partnerships can facilitate joint research projects, faculty exchanges, student exchange programmes, workshops and collaborative academic initiatives. They also allow researchers to work on complex challenges that often require knowledge and resources from multiple institutions and countries.
For students, international exposure can improve academic understanding and provide valuable experience of different innovation ecosystems. It can also enhance opportunities for higher education, global research and international employment.
By strengthening partnerships with overseas institutions, IIT Guwahati is improving its global academic profile while contributing to the international exchange of knowledge and technology.
Focus on Defence and Security Research
Another significant development is IIT Guwahati’s role in a national initiative to establish Manekshaw Centres for Defence and Security Research.
Defence and security technologies have become important research priorities for India. Academic institutions can play a major role in developing indigenous solutions for surveillance, cybersecurity, communication, autonomous systems, advanced materials, sensors and emergency response.
The establishment of specialised defence research centres can bring together academic experts, government agencies, industry partners and technology developers. Such collaboration can help accelerate the development of technologies that are strategically important for national security.
IIT Guwahati’s participation in this initiative demonstrates its increasing contribution to national research priorities. It also creates new opportunities for students and researchers interested in working on defence innovation and security-related technologies.
IIT Guwahati Partners with Skyroot Aerospace
The Institute has also entered into a partnership with Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. to support research and innovation in the space sector.
India’s private space industry is witnessing considerable growth, with startups and technology companies working on launch vehicles, satellites, propulsion systems and space-based applications. Partnerships between academic institutions and private space companies can help convert research ideas into practical technologies.
The collaboration with Skyroot Aerospace may provide opportunities for joint research, technology development, student training and industry exposure. Students and researchers can gain a better understanding of the technical and operational requirements of the commercial space sector.
Such collaborations also strengthen the connection between academic research and industry innovation. By working with a private space technology company, IIT Guwahati can support India’s wider goal of becoming a major global hub for space research and commercial space activity.
Startup Ecosystem Continues to Grow
Entrepreneurship remains one of IIT Guwahati’s major strengths. During the previous year, the Institute incubated several startups working across sectors such as healthcare, agritech, defence, clean technology and fintech.
A strong incubation ecosystem enables students, researchers and entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses. Incubators can provide access to mentorship, laboratories, funding opportunities, technical guidance and industry networks.
The presence of startups across multiple sectors also shows the interdisciplinary nature of innovation at IIT Guwahati. Healthcare startups may work on affordable medical devices or digital health platforms, while agritech companies may develop technologies for improving agricultural productivity and supporting farmers.
Similarly, clean-technology ventures can focus on renewable energy, waste management and sustainable solutions. Defence and fintech startups may address challenges related to security, payments, financial access and digital infrastructure.
By supporting entrepreneurship, IIT Guwahati contributes to job creation, technology transfer and economic development. The startup ecosystem also encourages students to think beyond conventional career options and develop solutions for real-world problems.
IIT Guwahati Gold Medal Winners 2026
The 28th Convocation recognised outstanding students for their academic achievements, leadership qualities and contributions to society.
President of India Gold Medal
The President of India Gold Medal was awarded to Saptarshi Mukherjee, a B.Tech. graduate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
The award recognised him for securing the highest Cumulative Performance Index among eligible B.Tech. and B.Des. graduates. The achievement highlights the growing importance of data science and artificial intelligence as major areas of education and research.
Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal
The Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal was presented to Atri Chattopadhyay from the B.Tech. programme in Electronics and Electrical Engineering.
This prestigious award recognises not only academic performance but also excellence in conduct, character and social service. It celebrates students who demonstrate a well-rounded commitment to education and society.
Governor of Assam Gold Medal for Undergraduate Excellence
The Governor of Assam Gold Medal for undergraduate students was awarded to Sarthak Kapoor from the B.Tech. programme in Computer Science and Engineering.
He received the honour for securing the second-highest CPI among undergraduate students.
Governor of Assam Gold Medal for Postgraduate Excellence
The Governor of Assam Gold Medal for postgraduate students was presented to Praneel Bhattacharya, an M.Tech. graduate in Chemical Engineering.
The award recognised his outstanding academic performance at the postgraduate level.
A Convocation Focused on the Future
The IIT Guwahati Convocation 2026 was more than a ceremony marking the completion of academic degrees. It represented the Institute’s broader vision for the future of education, research and innovation.
The launch of the M.Tech. programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence reflects the changing requirements of the global technology industry. International collaborations with institutions in the United Kingdom and Japan demonstrate IIT Guwahati’s commitment to global research cooperation.
At the same time, initiatives in defence, security and space research show how the Institute is contributing to strategically important sectors. Its partnership with Skyroot Aerospace and involvement in the Manekshaw Centres for Defence and Security Research can help connect academic expertise with national and industrial priorities.
The Institute’s expanding startup ecosystem further strengthens its role in turning knowledge into practical solutions. By supporting ventures in healthcare, agriculture, defence, clean technology and financial services, IIT Guwahati is encouraging students and researchers to become innovators and entrepreneurs.
With its focus on academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, global engagement and entrepreneurship, IIT Guwahati continues to strengthen its standing as one of India’s leading institutions for higher education and technology development.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was the 28th Convocation of IIT Guwahati held?
The 28th Convocation of IIT Guwahati was held in 2026 to celebrate graduating students, gold medal winners and the Institute’s progress in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
2. Who received the President of India Gold Medal at IIT Guwahati Convocation 2026?
Saptarshi Mukherjee, a B.Tech. graduate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, received the President of India Gold Medal for securing the highest CPI among eligible B.Tech. and B.Des. graduates.
3. What new programme has IIT Guwahati launched in robotics and AI?
IIT Guwahati has launched an M.Tech. degree programme in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. The programme aims to prepare students for careers and research in automation, machine learning, robotics and intelligent systems.
4. Which company has partnered with IIT Guwahati for space research?
IIT Guwahati has partnered with Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. to promote research, innovation, training and technology development in the space sector.
5. Which sectors are supported by IIT Guwahati’s startup ecosystem?
The Institute’s incubation ecosystem supports startups across sectors such as healthcare, agritech, defence, clean technology and fintech.