- Breakthrough Innovations Showcased – Including AI-driven early dementia diagnosis and cutting-edge device-led solutions
- Industry-Academia Dialogues – Bridging research with real-world applications through translational research
Mandi, 2nd February 2025: IIT Mandi iHub and HCI Foundation, successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship conclave, HIVE 2.0 starting on 31st January 2025 at IIT Mandi. Focused on promoting and encouraging translational research by driving industry-academia collaborations, the event brought together leading industry professionals, startups, academicians, and government representatives. It provided a dynamic platform to foster collaboration, align research with industry needs, and explore emerging innovations in Human-Computer Interaction (HCi).
The conclave covered key thematic areas, including:
- Assistive Technologies
- Device-Led Technologies
- Experience Technologies
- Generative AI-Led Design Technologies
Key organisations, including ISRO, PGI Chandigarh, Samsung, and Qualcomm, engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, reinforcing the conclave’s objective of fostering collaborative translational research. with industry and academia and a robust technology landscape in India.
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, and Mr. Somjit Amrit, Chief Executive Officer, IIT Mandi iHub and HCi Foundation hosted the event.
Sh. Rajesh Dharmani, Minister of Town & Country Planning, Housing, Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh, graced the event with his esteemed presence.
Other distinguished guests included:
- Smt. Rakhil Kahlon, IAS, Secretary, Department of Digital Technologies and Governance, Himachal Pradesh
- Dr. Balvinder Singh, Founder, BluOxyGen.AI, and Former Vice President, Samsung R&D Institute - Bangalore
- Prof. Dr. Parampreet Singh Kharbanda & Prof. Dr. Subho Chakrabarti, PGIMER, Chandigarh
- Mr. Madhu Kandasamy, Senior Director, Qualcomm India Private Limited
- Air Vice Marshal PKH Sinha VSM (Retd.), Strategic Advisor, IIT Mandi
- Prof. Subhajit Roy Chaudhury, Project Director, IIT Mandi iHub and HCi Foundation
Delivering the inaugural address, Sh. Rajesh Dharmani said, "Platforms like HIVE 2.0, organised by IIT Mandi iHub and HCI Foundation, foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and groundbreaking research in AI, Human-Computer Interaction, and emerging technologies—driving Himachal Pradesh towards a self-reliant and technologically advanced future. We envision a long-term collaboration with IIT Mandi and iHub to equip our youth with the skills needed to propel economic growth and technological progress."
Shri Dharmani added, “Himachal Pradesh government is committed to fostering a culture of research, skill development, and technological advancements. By leveraging new-age disciplines like artificial intelligence, data science, mechatronics, and IoT across our institutions, we aim to create a robust knowledge ecosystem that empowers students and fuels industrial growth. I invite IIT Mandi to collaborate with us in building a sustainable and innovation-driven future for Himachal Pradesh and the nation.”
HIVE 2.0 also marked the inauguration of a new Skill Development Hub at IIT Mandi by Shri Rajesh Dharmani, aimed at building a future-ready workforce.
During her address, Smt. Rakhil Kahlon, IAS, Secretary, Department of Digital Technologies and Governance, Himachal Pradesh, stated, "Himachal Pradesh is embracing digital transformation through pioneering initiatives in drone technology, semiconductor development, and AI-driven skill enhancement. As we explore the roadmap for semiconductor manufacturing, IIT Mandi and iHub stands as a key partner in providing technical expertise and strategic guidance. Platforms like HIVE 2.0 by IIT Mandi iHub play a crucial role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-academia collaboration. The Himachal Pradesh government is committed to building a future-ready workforce and an innovation-driven economy, and I invite IIT Mandi and iHub to collaborate with us to drive technological progress and economic growth.”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Srivari Chandrashekhar, Chief Scientific Advisor (PI HealthSciences Group), Former Secretary, DST & SERB, said, “The evolution of science and technology has dramatically extended human lifespan and transformed the quality of life. The key challenge now is not just longevity but ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling life. Whether through AI, medical breakthroughs, or holistic wellness, the solutions to aging and major health challenges such as cancer and Alzheimer’s lie in relentless scientific innovation. Platforms like HIVE 2.0 by IIT Mandi iHub play a critical role in fostering such collaboration, bridging academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Academia and industry must collaborate with trust, just as global leaders in research have done, to drive groundbreaking discoveries that shape the future.”
Industry-Academia Dialogues & Key Discussions
A major highlight of HIVE 2.0 was the Research-Industry Dialogues, where thought leaders discussed translational research and strategies to bridge the "Valley of Death" in Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). The discussions emphasised:
- The gap between early-stage research (TRL 1-3) and commercialization (TRL 7-9).
- The importance of proof-of-concept development aligned with industry expectations.
- Intellectual property concerns in collaborative research.
Key Sessions & Panels:
- Generative AI on Edge
- Humanoid Robotics & Technology Relevance to Personalised Profession like Lawyer
- Technology Transfer & Research Usability in Design
- ISRO’s Sponsored Research Opportunities
The event reinforced the growing relevance of industry-academia partnerships in research across emerging technology domains.
The event brought together over 100 startups from across India, with 15 selected to showcase cutting-edge device-led solutions aligned with the conclave’s themes. Shri Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor (IT) to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, announced the results of the startup pitch competition and presented the awards.
Speaking about HIVE 2.0, Mr. Madhu Kandasamy, Senior Director, Qualcomm India Private Limited, said, “HIVE 2.0 is a fantastic platform that fosters collaboration among academia, industry leaders, and startups, driving innovation and cutting-edge technology development. For students, it offers invaluable exposure to industry trends, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the tech landscape as they graduate.”
Other notable speakers included:
- Mr. Elad Fein, CEO, iFeelWell, Israel
- Dr. Amit Kumar Pandey, CTO, Space Robotics and AI, Rovial Space, Paris, France
- Dr. Prathama Mainker, Head, Chemistry Services, PI HealthSciences
- Mr. Milind P Mundankar, Chief Technology Officer, Nishith Desai Associates
- Mr. Muralidhar Somisetty, CEO, Wellnesys Technologies Pvt Ltd
- Dr. Parikshit Sahatiya, Assistant Professor, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus
Speaking during the event, Prof. Shubhajit Roy Chowdhury, Project Director, IIT Mandi iHub and HCi Foundation, said, “At IIT Mandi iHub, we are developing cutting-edge solutions to address health challenges such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, stress, and anxiety through advanced diagnostics and neurorehabilitation technologies. Additionally, our innovations extend to AI-driven legal analytics, driver safety systems, and multisensory digital experiences, including smell, taste, and touch. Platforms like HIVE 2.0 play a crucial role in fostering industry-academia collaboration, accelerating deep-tech innovation, and driving real-world impact.”
Held in November 2023 in New Delhi, the inaugural HIVE focused on industry-academia collaboration under the theme "Leading Through Problem Statement: Following It with Solution Pitch." Bringing together researchers and industry leaders, the conclave fostered discussions on building effective partnerships to solve real-world challenges through technology.
Speaking about the success of HIVE 2.0, Ms. Somjit Amrit, CEO, IIT Mandi iHub and HCi Foundation, said, “HIVE 2.0 has expanded significantly, uniting national and international stakeholders to push the boundaries of human-computer interaction in assistive technology, experience technology, device-led solutions, and generative AI. The strong participation from global leaders such as Samsung and Qualcomm, alongside key government enterprises like ISRO, validates our efforts and underscores the growing impact of innovation in this space.”
The success of HIVE 2.0 underscores IIT Mandi iHub’s commitment to driving innovation through meaningful industry-academia collaborations. The conclave not only provided a launchpad for startups but also set the stage for long-term partnerships aimed at solving real-world challenges through cutting-edge research and technology.
Click Here for More Science & Technology