PanIIT Alumni India proudly concluded the third edition of the PanIIT World of Technology (PIWOT) Summit, held from January 17-19, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The event welcomed over 3,500 delegates and approximately 75 global attendees to engage in discussions centered around the theme ‘Technology at Work,’ examining the profound impact of digitalization and innovation across industries, governance, and society.
The summit’s opening session featured keynote addresses by prominent figures, including Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, who delivered an impactful closing plenary. A range of technical sessions, startup showcases, and a live hackathon enriched the event, offering diverse insights into technology’s transformative role. International dignitaries, such as H.E. Hadi Badri, CEO of Economic Development at Dubai Economy and Tourism, and H.E. Reuven Azar, Ambassador of Israel to India, shared global perspectives on technological advancements and their nations’ partnerships with India.
The Opening Plenary, themed "Making Technology Work – A Peep Into the Future," began with a welcome address by Debashish Bhattacharya, Chairman of PanIIT, and an inspiring keynote by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, former DG of CSIR. Domain tracks explored topics such as sustainable development, green energy, rural and agri-tech, health and education, social impact, and VC/PE investments in technology. Esteemed organizations like Mercedes-Benz Group AG, SBI, NASSCOM, Lexlegis.ai, Rakuten, and Mayo Clinic actively participated in these discussions.
Highlights of the Startup Conclave
The Startup Conclave showcased 250 startups, including 12 from the IITstartups.org cohort, and featured 28 pitching sessions and 12 exhibition stalls. Following a 16-week acceleration program, 16 startups participated in open pitching sessions, attracting over 200 investors, including family offices, corporate accelerators, venture capitalists, and angel investors. The conclave hosted 26 distinguished speakers, including unicorn founders and high-growth startup leaders, facilitating collaboration between 17 IIT incubator heads and drawing over 500 attendees.
IMAGINE Hackathon: Pioneering Innovation
A standout event, IMAGINE—India’s first design and coding hackathon—brought together nearly 300 participants from a pool of over 15,000 registrants. Participants developed cost-effective tech solutions addressing themes like digital healthcare and sustainable urban development, underscoring India’s innovation potential.
Valedictory Session
The conference concluded with a distinguished valedictory session featuring Jayant Sinha, Former Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, as the Guest of Honour, alongside Raj Nair, Co-Chair of PIWOT 2025. A heartfelt thank-you note from Dr. Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Bombay and IIT Jammu, and Debashish Bhattacharyya marked the event’s closure.
Leaders Reflect on the Summit’s Success
Debashish Bhattacharyya, Chairman of PanIIT, remarked, “PIWOT 2025 has been a tremendous success, uniting the brightest minds in technology, policy, and business to discuss how innovation is shaping our future. From collaborative discussions to a vibrant startup ecosystem and hands-on hackathons, the summit has fostered valuable partnerships and insights that will drive meaningful change.”
Raj Nair, Co-Chair of PIWOT 2025, added, “The exceptional participation and engagement at PIWOT 2025 underscore technology’s immense potential to create a global impact. We are honored to have hosted this transformative event, which has sparked collaborations and fostered innovation across industries.”
Dr. Sharad Kumar Saraf, Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Bombay and IIT Jammu, and Chairman of PIWOT 2025, concluded, “PIWOT 2025 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of global collaboration. The event showcased how IIT alumni and India’s innovation ecosystem are shaping the future, equipping the nation to lead the global tech revolution. By fostering collaboration and entrepreneurship, IITs continue to position India as a global powerhouse of technology and innovation.”
The third edition of PIWOT has set a benchmark for innovation-driven events, establishing itself as a platform for transformative ideas and groundbreaking collaborations. As India advances towards a tech-driven future, PIWOT remains at the forefront of driving progress and innovation.