Latest news with #DebabrataDas


United News of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
IIIT-B's DIP to touch billion lives across globe
Bengaluru, July 6 (UNI) In a powerful demonstration of India's growing global footprint in digital transformation, the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) has taken centre stage in the global Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) movement. At the 25th Convocation Ceremony held on Sunday, IIIT-B Director Prof. Debabrata Das announced that the institute's flagship innovation, the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP), has already enabled more than 136 million digital IDs and is set to impact nearly 1 billion people across 27 countries within the next three years. Prof. Das described MOSIP as a landmark achievement—an open-source, privacy-centric digital ID system developed entirely in India but adopted globally. The platform has garnered international recognition, winning the International Future of Government Award in 2024 and the 'Champion' award at the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva. Its ethical and scalable architecture has made it a trusted solution for governments seeking secure and inclusive identity systems. Calling it a 'homegrown R&D product from India to the world,' Prof. Das emphasized how MOSIP exemplifies India's role as a lighthouse nation in building open digital systems for public good. The institute's global DPI work is being coordinated through its Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI), a non-profit unit working across Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. CDPI has collaborated with over 60 countries, advising on DPI architecture and strategy with a strong emphasis on data protection, user consent, and verifiable credentials. IIIT-B's impact in this field was further highlighted when Prof. Das presented the institute's DPI vision at the UN Citizen's Stack Conference in Geneva, positioning India's innovation as a model for the Global South. As an extension of the MOSIP framework, IIIT-B has also developed INJI, a next-generation data exchange and credentialing platform designed with strong privacy protections. INJI has already been adopted by four countries, with more expected to follow. Prof. Das acknowledged the crucial support from eKStep Foundation, the Gates Foundation, Pratiksha Trust and NORAD in helping the institute scale these initiatives. IIIT-Bangalore's contributions to digital governance are part of a broader portfolio of innovation across health, telecom, artificial intelligence, policy, and sustainability. In the domain of public health, the institute's E-Health Research Centre, in partnership with NIMHANS, has played a central role in the Tele-MANAS initiative of the Government of India. The mental health tele-consultation service, available via a multilingual mobile platform, has handled more than 20 lakh calls over the past year, doubling its previous reach and making critical psychological support accessible nationwide. Another major initiative is the AI for Inclusion and Innovation Initiative (A41), launched in partnership with Microsoft Research. Based at IIIT-B's Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS), the project develops large-scale digital public goods that use artificial intelligence to serve underserved communities. Supported by Microsoft Philanthropies, A41 is aimed at ensuring that frontier technologies reach the people who need them most. In the field of telecommunications, the institute's COMET Foundation has developed a 5G-Advanced base station aligned with global telecom standards, focused on the Open Radio Access Network paradigm. This technology is designed to reduce market entry barriers for small and mid-sized players in a highly concentrated industry. Looking ahead to 6G, the foundation is also working on Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) to improve connectivity, reduce energy consumption, and lower deployment costs in traditionally underserved areas. IIIT-B's expertise in data and digital policy has earned it recognition from NITI Aayog, which has designated the institute as a Lead Knowledge Institution under its State Support Mission. In this role, the institute is helping states design evidence-based policy using advanced data science tools. Even as it expands its technical and research footprint, IIIT-Bangalore continues to lead on the sustainability front. For the third consecutive year, it has received the International Green University Award, honouring its commitment to sustainable practices in line with UNESCO's Greening Education Partnership. The institute has integrated environmental awareness into its infrastructure and learning systems, reinforcing its role as a future-focused, socially responsible institution. In response to its growing national and global responsibilities, the institute's Governing Body has approved a major expansion plan, allocating Rs. 817 crore to establish a new East Campus over the next seven years. This will provide the infrastructure required to support its ambitious academic, research, and outreach goals. Established in 1998 and located in the heart of Electronics City, IIIT-Bangalore continues to set new benchmarks in education, research, and innovation. Offering specialized programs in computer science, electronics, AI, data science, and digital humanities, the institute has consistently ranked among the top private technical universities in India. Accredited A+ by NAAC and ranked 74th in the 2024 NIRF rankings, IIIT-B was also named the best private technical university by India Today. As the world moves rapidly toward building inclusive, resilient digital societies, IIIT-Bangalore's pioneering work in DPI, health tech, telecom, and AI places it at the vanguard of global change. With its blend of cutting-edge research, ethical design, and real-world deployment, the institute is helping define the future of technology in service of people—both in India and around the world. UNI BDN GNK


The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
IIIT-B student gets record ₹1.45 crore package as institute celebrates silver jubilee convocation
The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) marked a milestone on Sunday as an Integrated (iMTech) student secured a record-breaking annual package of ₹1.45 crore during campus placements, the highest ever in the institute's 25-year history, according to IIIT-B. This was announced during the Silver Jubilee Convocation Ceremony held on the IIIT-B campus, where 372 students graduated across various programmes. The convocation saw 142 students graduate from the iMTech programme, 192 from the MTech programme, 12 from MSc in Digital Society, 10 from MSc by Research, and 16 PhD scholars. Top academic performers were recognised with medals. According to a release, this year's placement season has been especially noteworthy. 14 students received annual packages exceeding ₹60 lakh, 67 students received offers above ₹40 lakh, and more than 180 students secured packages above ₹20 lakh per annum. Parallel to the convocation celebrations, the institute highlighted its growing global role in shaping Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). At a press conference, the institute's Director, Prof. Debabrata Das unveiled key initiatives led by the Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure (CDPI), a non-profit team working across 60 countries. Among IIIT-B's flagship contributions is MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identity Platform), which has issued over 136 million digital IDs in 27 countries and is expected to reach nearly one billion people within three years. 'MOSIP is a homegrown product from India to the world. It reflects IIIT-B's mission to foster ethical, scalable, and inclusive digital tools,' Prof. Das said. The platform has earned international accolades, including the Future of Government award and a 'Champion' recognition at the 2024 World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva. He further stated that building on MOSIP's success, the institute has launched INJI, a next-generation, privacy-centric data exchange platform, now adopted by four countries. Backed by partners like the Gates Foundation and NORAD, IIIT-B's DPI ecosystem also includes projects like OpenG2P and COSS, aimed at driving policy innovation and societal transformation. Beyond DPI, IIIT-B's other initiatives include the E-Health Research Centre's collaboration with NIMHANS on the Tele-MANAS mental health programme, the AI for Inclusion (A4I) initiative with Microsoft Philanthropies, and advanced telecom R&D through the COMET Foundation. In recognition of its sustainability efforts, IIIT-B was awarded the International Green University Award for the third consecutive year. The governing body has also approved ₹817 crore for the construction of a new East Campus over the next seven years, the release said.


Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
The Most Awaited Tech Gathering Returns: ELCIA Tech Summit 2025 Set for July 25th
VMPL Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 26: The countdown has officially begun. ELCIA Tech Summit (ETS) 2025, the flagship gathering hosted by the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), returns on July 25, 2025, at The Oterra Hotel, Electronics City, Bengaluru. With the compelling theme "Humans, Machines & Meaning 2.0," the summit promises a high-impact day of insight, innovation, and interaction at the intersection of purpose and technology. Building on last year's momentum--which featured thought leaders like N. R. Narayana Murthy, Dr. Debabrata Das (Director, IIIT-B), and T. V. Mohandas Pai--ETS 2025 dives deeper into how technology and human intent must co-evolve. What's New at ETS 2025? This year, the spotlight shifts to the rise of Physical AI--robotics, sensors, and automation powering the next wave of industrial transformation. The summit will explore how India can lead not just in code, but in intelligent, connected physical systems that impact real-world environments. The popular Sensor Hackathon makes a comeback--this time, open to startups, inviting bold solutions built on sensor-based innovation. The evening will also feature the return of the Bangalore Paradigm, a powerful segment that brings together influential voices to reflect on what makes Bengaluru a global nerve centre of innovation. "ETS has always been about more than just panels and presentations--it's about unlocking the next big idea," said Sriram Kumar V, President of ELCIA. "This year, we're expanding the canvas. From robotics and sensors to co-innovation with startups, ETS 2025 will showcase the pulse of emerging technology and the power of human intention behind it. At its core, the summit is a celebration of the smart, sustainable, and collaborative spirit that drives Electronics City." Located in the heart of Electronics City, which houses over 200 companies across aerospace, defense, electronics, and IT, ETS is a reflection of ELCIA's broader vision: to make Electronics City a global model for innovation-led industrial growth. The summit will also feature an Experience Zone showcasing live demos, product innovations, and interactive exhibits from India's most promising tech pioneers. Complimentary Registrations are now open, with limited in-person seats. Visit to be part of ETS 2025--where ideas, industry, and impact meet.


Hans India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Microsoft and IIIT-Bangalore Launch A4I – the AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative
Bengaluru: Microsoft and the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) announced the launch of A4I – the AI Innovation and Inclusion Initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at advancing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create inclusive, impactful, and scalable solutions for underserved communities. AI holds immense potential to drive meaningful change, especially in areas such as healthcare, education, and accessibility. However, for these technologies to truly benefit society, they must be designed with intentionality and inclusiveness and supported through sustainable partnerships. A4I is rooted in this belief. Through this initiative, Microsoft and IIIT-B will work closely to build a framework for partnerships and sustained scaling and support. This framework will help scale innovations already developed and tested by Microsoft into widely accessible Digital Public Goods (DPGs). The goal is to foster an ecosystem that nurtures AI-driven innovations for long-term societal impact. 'The impact of AI on society will depend not only on its technological sophistication but also on our ability to scale its benefits equitably,' said Prof Debabrata Das, Director, at IIIT-Bangalore. 'A4I will be a flagship initiative within our Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS), strengthening the commitment to developing and scaling digital solutions that address some of the pressing challenges faced by our communities.'