IIT Guwahati hosts PanIIT World of Technology 2025: A grand confluence of innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 21, 2025

The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT-G) hosted the PanIIT World of Technology (PIWOT) Meet 2025, a premier event showcasing groundbreaking technological innovations aimed at transforming everyday lives, with a special focus on rural upliftment.

This prestigious event, a satellite meeting of the recently concluded Global PanIIT Conference 2025 in Mumbai, underscored IIT Guwahati’s leadership in cutting-edge research, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Organized in collaboration with the WHEELS Global Foundation, an IIT alumni-led initiative focused on Water, Health, Energy, Education, Livelihood, and Sustainability, PIWOT 2025 highlighted how technology can be harnessed to address real-world challenges.

The event witnessed the presence of distinguished leaders, including Dr Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary of Assam, as the Chief Guest, alongside Suresh V. Shenoy, Vice President of WHEELS Global Foundation, Prof. D. N. Buragohain, Founding Director of IIT Guwahati, and Prof. Gautam Barua, Former Director of IIT Guwahati.

In his welcome address, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, highlighted the institution’s three-decade-long journey in technological innovation and societal impact. He introduced the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII), a 15-acre project on the IIT Guwahati campus, which will house a postgraduate teaching and research hospital, set for completion by 2027, with the support of the Government of Assam.

Dr. Ravi Kota, in his inaugural address, emphasized the role of collaboration in nation-building, applauding IIT Guwahati’s contribution to India’s technological and academic growth. Suresh V. Shenoy encouraged students to become job creators rather than job seekers, urging them to leverage innovation for societal transformation.

The event also hosted thought-provoking keynote speeches and panel discussions on topics such as sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and healthcare technology.

Siddhartha Choudhary, an industrialist in defence and aerospace, shared insights on entrepreneurship

Ambassador Pradeep Kapur, former foreign service officer and author, stressed the need for optimized solutions to rural challenges.

Dr. Raj Shah (Cardiologist) & Dr. Lakshmanan, IAS (MD NHM), discussed leveraging technology for accessible and affordable healthcare in Assam.

PIWOT 2025 also celebrated the remarkable achievements of IIT Guwahati alumni, honouring them with prestigious awards Distinguished Alumni Award – Prof. Prateek Mittal (Princeton University), Young Alumni Achiever Awards – Ayush Thakur (Founder, FR8relay) and Saurabh Nangia (Founder & CEO, Mesh.ai)

Reflecting on his journey, Prof. Prateek Mittal expressed gratitude towards IIT Guwahati, emphasizing the importance of resilience in achieving success.

In her vote of thanks, Dr Sumana Dutta, Dean of Alumni and External Relations, IIT Guwahati, extended heartfelt appreciation to the PanIIT alumni and WHEELS Foundation for their unwavering support, highlighting India’s Northeast as a hub for innovation and progress.

As PIWOT 2025 concluded, it stood as a testament to technological excellence, entrepreneurship, and societal transformation, setting a new benchmark for future innovations that will shape the lives of millions.