In The Spotlight
BITS Pilani at the Centre of India's AI Revolution
India marked a significant milestone on the global AI stage as Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as guests of honour. The summit brought together global leaders from government, academia, and industry to shape the future of AI in governance and public infrastructure. BITS Pilani was proud to be part of this landmark event, led by Prof. G. Sundar (Director – Off Campus Programmes & Industry Engagement).
BITS Pilani's delegation hosted senior government officials from 11 countries across South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa. Ms. Shipra Misra (Chief Strategy Officer) and Mr. Varun Raj (Chief Executive), Strategy & Industry Initiatives, welcomed the delegations.
Prof. Saravanan Kesavan (Dean, BITSoM), Prof. Navneet Goyal, and Prof. Dipendu Bhunia presented work across key areas including AI in governance, predictive infrastructure maintenance, wildlife conservation, and forest fire prediction, drawing strong interest from international policymakers. The event was supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
APPCAIR (Anuradha and Prashanth Palakurthi Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research) was represented at the summit by Prof. Manik Gupta, Prof. Amitava Das, Prof. Abhijeet Das, Prof. Venkatkrishnan Ramaswamy, and Prof. Poonam Goyal.
The Last Mile work, led by Mr. Ashman Mehra and Mr. Divyanshu Singh under the guidance of Prof. Snehanshu Saha Head (Institute-wide), APPCAIR & Professor In-Charge (Institute-wide), Institutional Knowledge and Analysis Cell, published in IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, presents a hotspot-based distributed path-sharing network designed to make food delivery more efficient and accessible. In addition, PhD fellow Pranay Sharma introduced his startup, SereneAI, showcasing BITS Pilani’s continued focus on translating AI research into real-world applications.
BITS Exclusive
Nullcon 2026 Returns to BITS Goa For the Third Consecutive Year
Relive the moments →Watch the Event Highlights
For the third consecutive year, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus was home to Nullcon, one of Asia's most respected cybersecurity conferences. This year's keynote speakers included Mr. Vinay Kumar Kanaujia, Joint Secretary of the National Security Council Secretariat-PMO, Mr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, and Rear Admiral Sanjay Sachadeva, Director General of the Defence Cyber Agency. Prof. Kunal Korgaonkar (faculty at CSIS dept, BITS Goa) coordinated the event from the BITS Goa side along with Mr. Rahul Neel Mani from ISMG, the organizing company for Nullcon 2026. This event would not have been possible without the support of Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, and Prof. Meenal Kaushik, Dean of Administration of BITS Goa.
Over 3,000 attendees and 600 training participants gathered on campus for technical sessions, workshops, and discussions that reflected where the field is headed. A number of BITS Goa students also volunteered at the conference, getting a close look at how a large-scale international event comes together and connecting with practitioners who work at the highest levels of cybersecurity in government, defence, and industry. The event was sponsored by tens of cybersecurity companies and included a large exhibition area housing 70+ stalls. This year's Nullcon focused on AI and its implications for cybersecurity.
Research Awards
Prof. Arkamitra Kar
(Civil Engineering) - 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡 5 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 [𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑀] - 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟'𝑠 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Santosh Mahapatra
(Humanities and Social Sciences) - 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡 5 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 [𝑁𝑜𝑛-𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑀] - 𝑉𝐶 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Bheemeshwar Reddy A
(Economics & Finance) - 𝐻𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑙𝑦 𝐶𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡 5 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 [𝑁𝑜𝑛-𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑀] - 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟'𝑠 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Pragya Komal
(Biological Sciences) 𝐵𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑅𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡 5 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 [𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑀] - 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟'𝑠 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Sayan Das
(Mechanical Engineering) 𝐵𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 ℎ𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 [𝑆𝑇𝐸𝑀] - 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟'𝑠 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Balaram Ghosh
PhD (he/him) (Pharmacy) - 𝑀𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 - 𝑉𝐶 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Nirmal Jayabalan
PhD (Pharmacy) - 𝑀𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 - 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟'𝑠 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Sankar Ganesh Palani
(Biological Sciences) - 𝑇𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑛𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑦 𝐷𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 - 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟'𝑠 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Abhijit Das
(CSIS) - 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝐼𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 - 𝑉𝐶 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Raghuram Ammavajjala
(Civil Engineering) - 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝐼𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 - 𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟'𝑠 𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑
Prof. Ranjan Dey
(Chemistry) – Highly Cited Paper in the Last 5 Years [STEM]
Prof. Rajiv Kumar Chaturvedi
(Humanities & Social Sciences) – Best Paper in a High Impact Factor Journal [Non-STEM]
Prof. Narendra Nath Ghosh
(Chemistry) – Most Consistent Researcher Award
Prof. Shashank Gupta
Prof. Anil Jindal
Prof. Syamantak Majumder
Pilani Campus (VC AWARD)
Prof. Bhanu Vardhan Reddy Kuncharam
Prof. Satyendra Kumar Sharma
Prof. Tejasvi Alladi
Prof. Ashutosh Bhatia
Pilani Campus (VC AWARD)
Prof. A K Giri
VC Award
Prof. Deepak Chitkara
VC Award
Prof. Ashish Gupta
Vice Chancellor's Award for Best Review Paper (2021–2025)
Prof. Mrutuyanjaya Sahu
Highly Cited Paper (2021–2025) [Non-STEM]
Prof. Rehan Husain
Best Paper in a High Impact Factor Journal (2025)
Prof. Pallab Sanpui
Best Paper in a High Impact Factor Journal (2025)
Prof. Shishir Kumar Pandey
Young Investigator
Student Spotlight
BITS Goa Brings Home Gold at IndiaSkills Maharashtra
BITS Goa is proud to celebrate student, Khushraj Rathod on winning the Gold Medal in IT Network Systems Administration at IndiaSkills Maharashtra 2025-26, held on 3rd–4th February 2026 and organised by MSSDS.
Khushraj now advances to the IndiaSkills Regional Competition (West Region) with the Nationals and WorldSkills 2026 in his sights, representing India on the global stage.
Alumni Spotlight
A BITSian Who Kept Crossing Into New Territory
Ms. Saumya Prakash, alumna of BITS Pilani (1998–2003, MSc Mathematics + Computer Science), has never taken the straight road. From management at SP Jain to bioinformatics at IIIT Hyderabad, she kept moving toward harder, more interesting problems applying computational thinking to healthcare before it was a crowded space.
Today she co-founds Multiplier AI Limited, building AI solutions for pharma and life sciences, and authors Her Bold Startup, a book for women entrepreneurs who are figuring it out as they go. The range is deliberate. So is the impact. A BITS foundation, and the drive to keep going beyond it.
Suhane Pal
Dr. S. Vathsal Brings the World of Aerospace to BITS Goa
BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus hosted a technical session by Dr. S. Vathsal distinguished alumnus of BITS Pilani and former Director (Extramural Research & IPR), DRDO Headquarters on 19 February 2026.
The session covered aerospace systems, missile and satellite technologies, and advanced estimation and signal processing. Drawing from decades of experience in real-world aerospace and defence, Dr. Vathsal offered students and faculty a rare window into the complexities and possibilities of emerging technological developments.
We thank Dr. Vathsal for an engaging and insightful afternoon.
Events Gallery
BITS Pilani Dubai Startup Career Fair 2026: A New Benchmark
The Career Services Division at BITS Pilani Dubai Campus successfully hosted the Startup Career Fair on 12th February 2026, achieving a remarkable 42% increase in participating companies compared to last year while establishing a fully digital, paperless recruitment ecosystem
The event was inaugurated by Prof. V Ramgopal Rao (Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani), Amb. Laila El Atfani (Founder and CEO, The Women Business Circle), and Prof. Souri Banerjee (Director, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus) The fair saw participation from 237 students, 50 startups, 64 registered companies, and 26 industries, generating over 1,120 recruitment connections. The transition to a 100% paperless format proved highly effective, with 98.3% of students uploading resumes digitally and 97.5% integrating LinkedIn profiles, enabling efficient recruiter engagement. The event resulted in 190 actively scanned candidates and 106 high-priority shortlists.
This milestone was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Career Services Team, student coordinators, and the support of faculty and administrative teams. The Startup Career Fair 2026 sets a new benchmark for data-driven and sustainable career engagement, strengthening career opportunities for students and industry collaboration.
Global Minds. Sustainable Solutions. Net-Zero Future.
The Department of Chemical Engineering at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus proudly hosted the 3rd International Conference on Novel Materials and Technologies for Energy and Environmental Applications (NMTE2A-2026) on February 7–8, 2026.
Bringing together 250+ researchers, scientists, and industry leaders from around the world, the conference became a vibrant platform for breakthrough discussions in carbon capture, hydrogen technologies, AI-driven materials discovery, electrochemical systems, and circular economy innovations.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Kingsuk Mukhopadhyay, Director, DMSRDE-DRDO, and featured distinguished keynote speakers from leading institutions and industries including JNCASR, CII-Godrej Green Business Centre,Virginia Commonwealth University (USA), Ming Chi University of Technology (Taiwan), and Reliance Industries Limited.
With 120+ research papers, a pre-conference student workshop, and strong participation from academia, research labs, and industry, NMTE2A-2026 reaffirmed BITS Pilani Hyderabad’s commitment to driving innovation for a sustainable, net-zero tomorrow.
Cyber Security & Digital Awareness Session | BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus
BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, hosted an impactful session on Cyber Security and Digital Awareness for our community on 10th Feb 2026.
The session was delivered by Dr. Ananth Prabhu G, Professor in Computer Engineering, Cyber Security & Cyber Law Trainer, and recognised Cyber Ambassador by MeitY, Government of India. With over 3000+ workshops conducted nationwide and extensive experience training judicial and law enforcement academies, Dr. Prabhu brought deep practical insights into cyber crime investigation, cyber law, and digital safety.
Jointly organised by the Department of Computer Science & Information Systems and the Student Welfare Division of BITS Hyderabad, under the BITScares Initiative, the session equipped participants with actionable knowledge on navigating evolving cyber threats and fostering responsible digital behaviour. At BITS Hyderabad, we remain committed to building a digitally aware and cyber-resilient campus community.
ARTEX 2026 – A Celebration of Creativity, Colour & Community
SHADES, the Official Art Club of BPDC, proudly brought back its much-awaited annual art exhibition, ARTEX 2026 (Kalakriti), a two-day celebration of imagination, expression, and artistic excellence held on 26th & 27th February 2026.
The event commenced with an inspiring inauguration ceremony with Prof. Souri Banerjee, Director, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus on 26th February at the Auditorium, marking the beginning of two vibrant days dedicated to the arts. The exhibition space transformed into a living canvas, showcasing an impressive range of artistic styles, sketches and expressive paintings of our talented student artists.
Alongside the artwork displays, the event featured engaging competitions, interactive games, and fun-filled activities that encouraged participation from across the BPDC community. The energy was palpable as students, faculty, and visitors came together to celebrate creativity in its purest form.
Awards
Technovation Award 2026 Conferred on CREST, BITS Pilani. A Recognition of "Capability, Credibility and Confidence" in Semiconductor Skilling
CREST, BITS Pilani, has received the Technovation Award 2026 in the Skilling (University) category at Vision Summit 2026, organized by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association on 25-26 February 2026 in Bengaluru. The award recognizes CREST's excellence in semiconductor education built on three pillars: Capability through structured training and hands-on cleanroom exposure, Credibility through strong academia-industry partnerships and measurable outcomes, and Confidence in nurturing India's emerging semiconductor talent.
Aligned with the summit's theme "Design to Manufacturing: Synergy of Product, Production and Skills" this recognition reflects our commitment to bridging academic learning with industry requirements. Through specialized programs, immersive laboratory training, and multidisciplinary research, CREST equips students with the expertise to contribute meaningfully to India's semiconductor ecosystem.
Celebrating Our Champions – MAHE Carnival 2026
We are proud to share that students from BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus showcased exceptional talent, dedication, and competitive spirit at MAHE Carnival 2026, securing First Prize in three prestigious categories Group Dance, Battle of Bands, and Duet Singing (Vocals).
The BITS Pilani Dubai Campus Dance Team (GROOVE) delivered an outstanding performance in the Group Dance category, competing against leading universities and bringing home the First Place trophy. These remarkable achievements reflect the vibrant cultural spirit, teamwork, and passion of our students, bringing great pride and recognition to BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus.
Celebrating dedication & excellence
The Prof. V.S. Rao Foundation Prof. S. Venkateswaran Best Employee Award (Staff) 2026 at BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus has been awarded to: Mr. Anand Kallanna Patil, Sr. General Manager, Estate Management Unit With nearly 25 years of committed service, Mr. Patil has been a pillar of strength for the campus, exemplifying dedication, responsibility, and consistent excellence.
This award recognizes his impactful contributions, long-standing service, and dedicated commitment to the Institute. Congratulations to Mr. Patil on this well-deserved recognition!
Innovation & Collaboration
BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus Partners with The Asia Foundation to Launch Cybersecurity Clinic.
BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Asia Foundation to establish a Cybersecurity Clinic to strengthen digital security capabilities and promote cyber awareness. The initiative is funded and supported by Google.org.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Ms. Nandita Baruah, Country Representative of The Asia Foundation; Prof. Suman Kundu, Director, BITS Pilani Goa Campus; Prof. R. P. Pradhan, along with faculty members of the institute.
The Cybersecurity Clinic will be led by Prof. Hemant Rathore and will focus on joint research and training in cybersecurity fundamentals, cyber hygiene, and applied security practices aligned with global standards. Through this partnership, BITS Pilani Goa becomes the first university in India to be supported under the Google Cybersecurity Initiative, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge education, impactful research, and meaningful societal engagement in cybersecurity.
Sanofi Leadership Visit: Bridging Academia and Healthcare Innovation
BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, hosted Sanofi's leadership team on 16th February 2026 for meaningful industry-academia engagement. The visit featured strategic discussions on research partnerships, talent pathways, and WILP collaborations, alongside insights into Sanofi's global healthcare operations and innovation ecosystem.
Student interactions with Pharmacy, Biological Sciences, and Mechanical-Supply Chain Engineering students explored career opportunities and industry perspectives. Departmental discussions on curriculum alignment and research synergies reinforced the potential for long-term collaboration. We thank Mr. Jeremy Goldnadel, Mr. Siddhartha Shukla, and Mr. Manas Behra for their valuable insights and engagement.
BITS Pilani & Vayu Aviation Partner on Electric Aviation Innovation
BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vayu Aviation Services Ltd, UK, to collaborate on cutting-edge research and education in aviation, with a special focus on electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
This partnership will bring together shared facilities, joint research, learning resource development, data exchange, pilot implementations, expert mentorship, and collaborative funding initiatives. The Transportation Research Innovation Analysis Lab (TRIAL) will serve as a key knowledge and research partner, strengthening efforts to advance eVTOL technologies and shape the future of sustainable urban air mobility.
