नेपाळमधील आंतरराष्ट्रीय कराटे स्पर्धेत भारतीय संघाचे घवघवीत यश

 Pune: The first edition of IGNITE 2026 – Innovation and Growth in Next-Gen Intelligent Technology and Engineering, a three-day international conference jointly organized by KJ's Educational Institutes KJ College of Engineering and Management Research (KJCOEMR) and the IEEE Pune Section, was inaugurated in Pune on Wednesday, bringing together researchers, academicians, industry leaders and students from across the globe to deliberate on emerging technologies and innovation-driven growth.

Inaugurating the conference, Dr P. K. Sinha, former Vice-Chancellor and Director of the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Naya Raipur, emphasized the need for students to develop a research-oriented mindset and adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape.

“India's aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 will depend significantly on the ability of its youth to embrace innovation and technological transformation. Every technological shift creates new opportunities, industries and research avenues. Students must continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills to remain relevant in this evolving ecosystem,” he said.

The inaugural ceremony was held at Hotel Hyatt, Pune, under the chairmanship of KJ Educational Institutes Founder-President Kalyan Jadhav. Among the dignitaries present were Savitribai Phule Pune University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Parag Kalkar, Cyber Security Corporation Chairman Dr Harold D’Costa, Dr B. B. Ahuja, KJEI Managing Director Harshada Jadhav, Executive Director Maj Gen Sameer Kalla (Retd.), Technical Director Dr Ajay Phulambarkar, Principal Dr Suhas Khot, IGNITE 2026 Chairperson Dr Nikita Kulkarni, and IEEE Pune Section Secretary Dr Abhijeet Khurpe.

Speaking on the occasion,

Dr Parag Kalkar highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence and stressed the importance of combining academic learning with practical skills and multidisciplinary knowledge.

“Today's students are becoming increasingly dependent on AI-enabled tools. While technology can enhance productivity, natural intelligence, critical thinking and creativity remain irreplaceable. Higher education institutions must focus on nurturing holistic professionals who can thrive in a global environment,” he said. He also suggested that students should gain substantial industry exposure during their academic journey to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.

Dr Harold D’Costa spoke about the challenges and opportunities emerging in the cybersecurity domain. Referring to India's rapidly expanding digital footprint, he noted that while the country has one of the largest internet user bases in the world, it also faces significant cyber threats. “We are among the world's largest consumers of technology, but we must also become creators of technology. The next generation must focus on innovation, cybersecurity and indigenous technological development to strengthen India's digital future,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Kalyan Jadhav encouraged students to view challenges as opportunities for innovation and societal transformation. “Problems related to energy, transportation, water management, pollution and urban infrastructure present enormous opportunities for researchers and innovators. Young engineers should strive to create solutions that not only advance technology but also improve the quality of life for society at large,” he said.

Harshada Jadhav, Managing Director of KJEI, said the institution is committed to creating a strong bridge between academia and industry. “Our objective is not merely to produce graduates but to nurture innovators, researchers and responsible citizens. Through initiatives such as IGNITE 2026, we aim to foster collaboration between educational institutions, industry and the global research community,” she said.

Providing an overview of the conference, Dr Suhas Khot, Principal of KJCOEMR, said the response from the academic and research fraternity had been overwhelming. “The conference received 1,548 research paper submissions from India and abroad. Following a rigorous review process, 354 papers have been selected for presentation and publication. Researchers from prestigious institutions, including Stanford University, USA, are participating in the conference,” he said.

Dr Ajay Phulambarkar highlighted the role of technology in addressing urban and societal challenges, while Dr Abhijeet Khurpe spoke about IEEE's efforts in promoting research, innovation and professional excellence among engineering students and faculty members.

A conference souvenir was released during the inaugural session. Over the next three days, IGNITE 2026 will host keynote addresses, technical sessions, paper presentations and expert panel discussions on next-generation intelligent technologies, engineering innovations, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and sustainable development, providing a platform for international collaboration and knowledge exchange.