IIIT-Bangalore Celebrates National Space Day with Insightful Workshop

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

IIIT-Bangalore Celebrates National Space Day with Insightful Workshop

Bangalore, August 23, 2024: The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) is proud to announce a half-day workshop, "Space is the Limit, Powered by Science & Technology," on the occasion of National Space Day.

Prof. Jaya Sreevalsan Nair, IIIT-Bangalore said, "Understanding space is truly an interdisciplinary pursuit that involves all of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Space is where the eye that looks at Earth is.  Studying space has benefited humanity beyond what one can imagine."

The workshop features an exciting lineup of speakers - Mr. S. Chandrashekar, Visiting Professor, NIAS, on "India and the World Space Order" - Prof. Spenta Wadia, Professor, ICTS-TIFR, Bangalore, on "A Brief History of Time" - Mr. HR Madhusudana, Educator, JN Planetarium, on the life and legacy of Prof. Vishveshwara and the founding of the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, - Mr. Pranit Mehta, Founding Member & VP Business, Galaxeye, on industry perspectives. The workshop aims to inspire and educate participants about the latest developments and innovations in space technology and exploration.

Prof. S Chandrashekar, Honorary Visiting Professor, NIAS, pointing out at on the evolution in technology of space said, "While space activities can drive economic development, they also play a crucial role in national defense, particularly against potential threats like China and the political value of space achievements, such as launching satellites or manned missions, in establishing India as a global power. There also should be on the balance between economic, military, and knowledge-based investments in space."

Mr. H R Madhusudana, an educator at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, shared insights with the attendees about Mr. C V Vishweshwara, the Founding Director of the Planetarium. He highlighted Mr. Vishweshwara's initiatives in fostering a passion for science and research among young people. Renowned for his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas, Mr. Vishweshwara used creative cartoons to make research and science accessible. He firmly believed that the best way to dispel superstitions was through clear and scientific explanations.

Prof. Septa Wadia, a Professor at ICTS-TIFR, Bangalore, delivered a talk on "A Brief History of Time," where he discussed humanity's early understanding of time. He said, "In the early history of our species, awareness of a year’s duration was closely tied to the changing seasons, marked by shifts in weather, the appearance of fruits and flowers, the migratory patterns of birds and animals, and, with the advent of agriculture, the cycles of sowing and harvesting.

Mr. Pranit Mehta, Founding Member and VP of Business at Galaxeye, a space tech startup, addressed the audience on the future of satellite imaging enhanced by generative AI. He discussed the potential of this cutting-edge technology to transform satellite imaging into a highly accurate and reliable data source. Mr. Mehta emphasized that as generative AI continues to advance, it could significantly improve the precision and detail of satellite imagery, making it an indispensable tool for various applications such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management. He highlighted the ongoing developments at Galaxeye and how these innovations are paving the way for a new era of data accuracy and utility in the space industry.

About IIIT-Bangalore :

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), IT for Society, and broader fields of IT and research. Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). IIIT-Bangalore secured the 74th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for the second consecutive year, 2024 reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The institute was ranked number 9 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations.

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students’ cognizant of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

 For more information about IIIT-Bangalore, please visit www.iiitb.ac.in.