TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY
The third edition of the PanIIT World of Technology (PIWOT) Summit, held from January 17th to 19th, 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, was a resounding success. Organized by PanIIT Alumni India, the summit brought together over 3,500 delegates and approximately 75 global attendees to engage in thought-provoking discussions on the transformative impact of digitalization and technological advancements across industries, governance, and society. With the central theme of ‘Technology at Work,’ the summit explored the transformative power of technology across various sectors, including society, industry, governance, and global services.
This prestigious conference brought together a diverse group of thought leaders, innovators, and influential figures from different industries to engage in collaborative discussions on the widespread impact of digitalization and technological advancements. The conference facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives on the future of technology and its real-world applications.
Sharad Saraf, conference chair, said technology has emerged as a transformative force, impacting not just industrial, commercial, and social sectors but also our daily lives in profound ways.
“Technology has emerged as a transformative force, impacting not just industrial, commercial, and social sectors but also our daily lives in profound ways. Over the past decade, its exponential growth has created a new dimension of work, interaction, and solving pressing challenges. Hence, PIWOT 2025 serves as a productive platform to explore and harness this potential for a brighter, more sustainable future.” Saraf said.
During his keynote address at the Pan-IIT World of Technology conference, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the transformative role of technology in shaping the state’s future, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors. The conference, held at the Jio Convention Centre, focused on the impact of technological advancements on various aspects of society and governance.
Fadnavis highlighted the significance of fostering a culture of innovation in Maharashtra by collaborating with esteemed institutions like IIT Bombay. He cited the joint drone project between the state and IIT Bombay as an example of their commitment to utilizing research and development for technological advancements. The drone project aims to construct command centers and drone ports, revolutionizing governance and public service delivery in the state.
“By leveraging such innovations, the state government is improving citizens’ ease of living while creating new opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, and rural development,” he added.
The Chief Minister also discussed the positive changes that artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology (IT) bring to human life, underscoring the importance of embracing these advancements for a better future. Moreover, Fadnavis outlined Maharashtra’s dedication to tackling climate change issues in agriculture by promoting solar-powered electricity initiatives.
“By 2026, Maharashtra aims to generate 16 gigawatts of solar energy, ensuring daytime electricity for farmers. We are the first state in India to establish a solar energy company dedicated to agriculture,” he said.
Through these collaborative efforts and technology-driven projects, Maharashtra is poised to become a leader in innovation and sustainable development, improving the lives of its citizens and setting an example for other regions to follow.
Respectable ttendees included Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Science & Technology Jitendra Singh, and Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, as well as international leaders like Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University, and Alon Chen, President of the Weizmann Institute of Science. Several Japanese industry leaders, such as Naotaka Nishiyama, Kinji Saito, and Hiroshi Iwatsubo, shared their insights on cutting-edge technological advancements in their respective fields.Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education; Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science & Technology; Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways; Mr. Gururaj Desh Deshpande; Dr. R.A. Mashelkar; Mr. Sunil Wadhwani; and Mr. Partha Ghosh.
There was a strong lineup of international speakers as well, including Prof. Sharon Pickering (Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University) and Mr. Alon Chen (President, Weizmann Institute of Science). Japanese industry stalwarts like Naotaka Nishiyama (Founder CEO Talendy), Kinji Saito (GMO Suzuki), and Hiroshi Iwatsubo (CTO, Murata Manufacturing) will share insights on the latest technological advancements and their real-world applications.
Five chancellors of prominent US universities and the Chairman of Imperial College London participated to share their expertise at the conference, further solidifying the global reach and significance of the summit.
“Bringing people together creates paths, paths break boundaries, and boundaries result in meaningful conversations which lead to meaningful initiatives, which finally create an impact,“ shares Debashish Bhattacharyya – Chairman, PanIIT.
As Chairman of PanIIT Alumni India, Debashish Bhattacharya set the tone for PIWOT 2025 by celebrating the summit’s collaborative spirit and innovation-driven agenda. He highlighted:
Interdisciplinary Engagement: Over 3,500 delegates, including policymakers, industry leaders, and technologists, united under “Technology at Work.”
Startup Ecosystem: A vibrant Startup Conclave with 250 startups, 28 pitch sessions, and a hands-on hackathon fostered investor–entrepreneur partnerships.
Outcome-Driven Discussions: Domain tracks spanning Green Energy, Rural & Agri-Tech, Health & Education, and more generated actionable insights.
Lasting Impact: The summit forged “lasting partnerships and valuable insights that will drive change in the years to come.”
Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar is a globally recognized figure in science and technology policy, delivered the inspiring keynote. The Opening Plenary aligned PanIIT’s vision with Gandhian engineering ideals: to harness cutting-edge technology in service of the underserved, ensuring that innovations of the future remain affordable, accessible, and impactful for all.
Dr. Mashelkar’s keynote centered on the transformative potential of AI when applied through the MLM (More from Less for More) paradigm – making high technology work for the poor rather than widening the inequality gap. His key premise was that AI can create “access equality despite income inequality” by delivering affordable excellence
Dr. Mashelkar underscored the MLM Paradigm – More from Less for More – as the cornerstone of inclusive innovation:Three Technology Models
- More for More: Premium, high-cost technologies for affluent segments.
- Less from Less: Low-tech “jugaad” solutions sacrificing quality and aspiration.More from
- Less for More (MLM): High-technology tailored to be ultra-affordable and widely accessible.
Gandhian Engineering Tenets
- Earth provides enough to satisfy everyone’s needs but not everyone’s greed.
- – Every invention of science must benefit all.”
Challenges & Enablers
Conservative Medical Community: Low incentives for ultra-low-cost diagnostics.
Ecosystem Barriers: Slow procurement cycles, need for “Adventure Capital,” and regulatory hurdles.
MLM Impact: Demonstrated global uptake across 40+ countries, saving lives and reducing costs.
Dr. Mashelkar concluded that affordable excellence is not only feasible but imperative. By embracing the MLM Paradigm, India can achieve access equality despite income inequality, transforming its own healthcare, technology, and beyond.
From “Best Practice” to “Next Practice”
Dr. Mashelkar emphasized that true innovation doesn’t follow best practices but creates “next practices” that become benchmarks for others. Each AI solution demonstrated this by fundamentally reimagining healthcare delivery.
Ultra-Affordability Requirement
The speaker stressed that affordability isn’t enough – “ultra-affordability” is essential. As demonstrated by Seem’s ₹1 per day cost, solutions must be accessible to those earning $2 per day.
High Science, Not “Jugaad”
Dr. Mashelkar strongly rejected “jugaad” (low-tech workarounds) solutions, emphasizing that AI for the poor must maintain the highest scientific standards. All four solutions were published in peer-reviewed journals and received international certifications.
Transformative Impact Framework
Dr. Mashelkar concluded that successful AI healthcare innovations share three common characteristics:
Values over Valuations: Prioritizing social impact over financial metrics
Access Equality Despite Income Inequality: Creating universal access regardless of economic status”
Bringing Smiles to Billion Faces”: Focus on human welfare over purely commercial success
The keynote demonstrated that AI’s true potential lies not in replacing human judgment but in democratizing access to high-quality healthcare, making sophisticated medical diagnostics available to the world’s poorest populations through the power of “Gandhian Engineering” – getting more performance from less resources for more people.
Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala, Institute Professor at IIT Madras, delivered a compelling presentation at the Pan IIT World of Technology (PIWOT) 2025 summit held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from January 17-19, 2025. His presentation titled “Making Technology Work for India” formed part of the opening plenary “Making Technology Work – A Peep Into the Future” and outlined a comprehensive vision for India’s technological transformation.
The Central Thesis: India’s Technology Leadership Imperative
Professor Jhunjhunwala’s presentation, based on the visible slide in the attached image, centered around the fundamental premise that “India needs a new approach to take leadership”. The presentation emphasized several key points that highlight both India’s technological strengths and the strategic changes needed to achieve global leadership.
India’s Scientific and Technical Workforce
The presentation highlighted that India has over 50,000+ scientists working at IITs, IISc, and other public and private institutes, CSIR, and other government labs. This vast pool of technical talent represents one of India’s greatest assets in the global technology landscape. Professor Jhunjhunwala noted that these scientists are responsible for most publications, papers, and occasionally patents, demonstrating India’s growing research capabilities.
The Commercialization Challenge
Despite having world-class talent, the presentation pointed out a critical gap: “very little commercialization”. This observation reflects Professor Jhunjhunwala’s long-standing concern about the disconnect between India’s research capabilities and its ability to translate innovations into commercial success. This challenge has been a consistent theme in his work at IIT Madras Research Park, where he has pioneered industry-academia collaboration.
Industry Adaptation vs. Innovation
The presentation addressed how “many industries today have reasonable R&D, but most are occupied in adapting imported technologies and indigenizing some components and subsystems”. This points to the need for India to move beyond mere technology adoption and focus on developing indigenous solutions and becoming a technology creator rather than just a technology consumer.
The Promise of India’s Young Talent
A crucial element of the presentation emphasized that “India’s large young talent, if nurtured, can do wonders, especially as START-UPS”. This reflects Professor Jhunjhunwala’s deep belief in the potential of India’s demographic dividend, particularly in the context of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Focus on Unique Problem-Solving
Professor Jhunjhunwala has consistently advocated that “India must solve problems in a unique manner”. His presentation likely reinforced this philosophy, suggesting that India’s path to technology leadership lies not in copying global solutions but in developing innovative approaches tailored to India’s specific challenges and market conditions.
Leveraging Scale and Affordability
The presentation emphasized India’s strength in creating “affordable products” for its large domestic market. This approach has been demonstrated through Professor Jhunjhunwala’s own work in telecommunications, where he helped develop cost-effective solutions that democratized access to technology.
Integration of Research and Entrepreneurship
Drawing from his experience at IIT Madras Research Park, where he has incubated over 350 companies, Professor Jhunjhunwala’s presentation likely emphasized the need for seamless integration between research institutions and entrepreneurial ventures. His vision involves creating an ecosystem where academic research directly feeds into startup creation
Professor Jhunjhunwala’s presentation at PIWOT 2025 represents a call to action for India’s technology community. His vision encompasses leveraging India’s vast scientific talent, nurturing young entrepreneurs, and creating an ecosystem that transforms research into commercial success.
The presentation’s central message—that India needs a new approach to take leadership—reflects his belief that the country has the potential to become a global technology leader through strategic focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
The insights shared at PIWOT 2025 continue Professor Jhunjhunwala’s lifelong mission to position India as a technology powerhouse that can solve global challenges while addressing its own unique developmental needs. His presentation serves as both a assessment of current capabilities and a roadmap for achieving technological leadership in the 21st century.
The Social Impact Track at the Pan IIT World of Technology Summit (PIWOT) 2025, represented a significant focus on leveraging technology for societal transformation and community empowerment. This track was designed to demonstrate how technology can drive societal progress and empower millions of people across India, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The Social Impact Track was led by Ambassador Pradeep Kapur, Chair of the Livelihood Council at WHEELS Global Foundation. Ambassador Kapur, a former Indian diplomat and foreign service officer, brought his extensive experience in international development and social entrepreneurship to guide discussions on addressing rural challenges through optimized technological solutions.
The social impact track emphasized the importance of creating job creators rather than job seekers. Suresh V. Shenoy encouraged participants to leverage innovation for societal transformation, emphasizing the moral imperative of giving back to society through nation-building and philanthropy
The social impact track highlighted various digital governance initiatives, drawing inspiration from successful models like Kerala’s Akshaya project, which established e-centers to provide government services at the grassroots level.
The focus was on:
Digital service delivery in rural areas
E-governance platforms
Digital literacy programs
Online government services accessibility
Service Integration
The discussions emphasized the importance of integrating various services through digital platforms, including:
Revenue department certificate services
Right to Information (RTI) services
Public grievance services
Utility payment services
Healthcare service delivery
The Technology for Societal Upliftment:
Social Impact Track at PIWOT 2025 demonstrated the immense potential of technology to address India’s most pressing social challenges. Through the leadership of WHEELS Global Foundation and the active participation of IIT alumni, government officials, and industry leaders, the track showcased innovative solutions spanning healthcare, education, agriculture, water management, and rural development.
The launch of the Impact Collaboration Platform and the establishment of formal partnerships with multiple IITs created a sustainable framework for scaling social impact initiatives across India. The emphasis on evidence-based solutions, technology integration, and collaborative approaches positioned the social impact track as a catalyst for meaningful change in India’s journey toward becoming a developed economy by 2047.
The success of this track at PIWOT 2025 reinforced the critical role of technology in societal transformation while highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and social impact organizations in addressing complex developmental challenges.
The Pan-IIT World of Technology Summit (PIWOT) held in Mumbai in 2025 featured a noteworthy session with Dr. Bharat Balasubramanian, an IIT Bombay alumnus, and Markus Schäfer, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Mercedes-Benz AG. The context of this session is particularly significant given Mercedes-Benz’s substantial investment in India through MBRDI, which was established in 1996 and has grown to become the largest research and development center for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside of Germany.
The discussion revolved around the innovative work carried out by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), which employs over 8,500 professionals dedicated to advancing digital product development, interior component design, IT engineering, and various other services.
The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) represents a paradigm shift in automotive technology. This purpose-built, chip-to-cloud architecture serves as the digital backbone of every future Mercedes-Benz vehicle, integrating four critical domains: infotainment, automated driving, body and comfort, and driving and charging.
MB.OS enables unprecedented personalization and connectivity, allowing vehicles to learn user preferences and adapt accordingly. The system supports full over-the-air updates, ensuring vehicles remain current throughout their lifecycle. With its debut in the new CLA model in 2025, MB.OS will gradually roll out across the entire Mercedes-Benz portfolio.
MBRDI’s expertise has played a vital role in developing the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and fortifying connected-car systems using DevOps that employ AI and machine learning models. The company has also contributed to the development of BIONICAST® technology, software testing, and numerous other workstreams.
With such a wealth of expertise, India has emerged as a central hub for digital talent in the automotive industry, playing an essential role in creating top-tier products for the global market. The session at PIWOT 2025 highlighted the collaborative potential between IIT alumni and industry leaders such as Mercedes-Benz AG, demonstrating the significant impact of Indian innovation and technology on the automotive landscape.
The fireside chat between Dr. Balasubramanian and Markus Schäfer represented more than just a conversation between two industry leaders; it symbolized the continuity of innovation from one generation to the next. Dr. Balasubramanian’s pioneering work in the 1990s and 2000s laid the foundation for many of the technologies that Schäfer now leads into the future.
The session highlighted several key themes:
Global Collaboration: The discussion emphasized how India has evolved from a support center to a primary hub for automotive innovation, with MBRDI playing a crucial role in developing technologies for Mercedes-Benz’s global operations.
Technological Transformation: Both speakers addressed the rapid evolution of automotive technology, from Dr. Balasubramanian’s early work on connected vehicles to Schäfer’s current focus on software-defined vehicles and artificial intelligence integration.
Sustainability Focus: The conversation underscored Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainable mobility, with technologies like BIONICAST® and electric vehicle development representing the company’s environmental stewardship.
The Pan IIT World of Technology Summit (PIWOT) 2025 featured a significant dynamic panel discussion on “Investing in Technology” that highlighted the growing synergies between Dubai and India’s thriving technology ecosystems. The session brought together prominent figures from both regions to explore investment opportunities and collaborative frameworks for technological advancement.
Key Panel Participants
Hadi Badri – Leading Dubai’s Economic VisionHadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), served as the key representative showcasing Dubai’s compelling value proposition for technology investors. Under his leadership, DEDC has been instrumental in positioning Dubai as a global technology hub and facilitating international business partnerships.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism plays a crucial role in the emirate’s economic diversification strategy, with technology and innovation serving as key pillars of Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live, work, and visit. Badri’s participation in PIWOT 2025 underscored Dubai’s commitment to strengthening ties with India’s technology sector.
During the panel discussion, Hadi Badri emphasized Dubai’s unique positioning as a global hub for technology investment and innovation. Key aspects of Dubai’s value proposition include:
Strategic Geographic Location
Dubai serves as a natural bridge between East and West, providing Indian technology companies with access to Middle Eastern, African, and European markets. This strategic positioning makes Dubai an ideal expansion destination for Indian scale-ups looking to internationalize their operations.
Business-Friendly Environment
Dubai’s regulatory framework and business setup processes are designed to facilitate international companies’ entry and operations. The emirate offers various free zones and business setup options that cater specifically to technology companies and startups.
Innovation Infrastructure
Dubai has invested heavily in creating world-class innovation infrastructure, including technology parks, incubators, and accelerators that support both local and international technology ventures.
Access to Capital
The emirate’s robust financial ecosystem provides access to both regional and international capital markets, making it an attractive destination for technology companies seeking growth funding.
India-Dubai Tech Ecosystem Synergies
The PIWOT 2025 session highlighted several key areas where India and Dubai’s technology ecosystems complement each other:
Talent and Innovation
India’s vast pool of skilled technology professionals and Dubai’s strategic location create powerful synergies for global technology ventures. Indian companies can leverage Dubai as a base for accessing Middle Eastern and African talent markets.
Market Access
Dubai provides Indian technology companies with access to high-value markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, while India offers Dubai-based companies access to one of the world’s largest technology markets.
Investment Flows
The bilateral investment relationship between India and Dubai has been strengthening, with increased capital flows supporting technology ventures in both directions.
The panel discussion reinforced Dubai’s commitment to remaining a global hub for the world’s brightest minds, boldest entrepreneurs, and most ambitious innovators. The emirate’s leadership expressed strong enthusiasm for welcoming more Indian tech leaders to Dubai as both regions work together to build the future of technology and innovation.
Key future collaboration areas identified include:
Expanded startup exchange programs between India and Dubai
Joint investment initiatives supporting bilateral technology ventures
Shared innovation platforms that leverage both regions’ strengths
Enhanced regulatory cooperation to facilitate cross-border technology business
The PIWOT 2025 technology investment panel represented a significant milestone in India-Dubai bilateral relations, demonstrating both regions’ commitment to deepening their technology partnership. The event provided a concrete platform for translating strategic intentions into actionable business collaborations.