IIIT Hyderabad’s Annual R&D Showcase 2024: A Convergence of Technology and Society

IIIT Hyderabad’s annual Research and Development (R&D) Showcase kicked off at the Gachibowli campus on Saturday, March 16, 2024, drawing a large audience eager to witness the latest innovations and research projects. Themed around “INTERCONNECT – Algorithms, Ethics, and Society,” this year’s showcase highlighted the intricate relationship between technology, ethics, and societal impact.

The event featured over 300 posters, demos, and models from IIITH’s 28 research centers, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge research being conducted at the institute. Attendees were treated to roundtable discussions on topics such as Responsible AI and Rethinking Thinking in the age of AI, providing insights into the ethical considerations surrounding artificial intelligence.

Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. P J Narayanan, Director of IIIT Hyderabad, expressed his pleasure at the enthusiastic response to the showcase, emphasizing the institute’s commitment to promoting applied research that benefits society. He lauded the efforts of the faculty and students in showcasing their work to the public, highlighting the spirit of innovation and research at IIITH.

One of the highlights of the event was a panel discussion on the “Right to Know Your Algorithms,” featuring experts in the field of technology, legislation, and policy. Panelists, including Usha Ramanathan, Tanveer Hasan, and Krishna Ravi Srinivas, emphasized the importance of algorithmic transparency in preventing discrimination, manipulation, and blind trust in algorithmic decision-making. The discussion, moderated by Akansha Natani, Assistant Professor at IIIT Hyderabad, shed light on the need for greater transparency in algorithmic processes.

The showcase also provided a platform for viewers to interact with faculty and students, gaining a deeper understanding of their research through demos, prototypes, and presentations. This interactive approach reflects IIITH’s commitment to promoting applied research that addresses real-world challenges and benefits society at large.

The event also featured a special felicitation ceremony by IIITH’s Tech Transfer Office, honoring patent recipients for their contributions to innovation. Additionally, Sunday’s program included a student seminar on the “Excitement of Research (ExOR),” aimed at inspiring external college students to pursue a Masters in research and explore the scope of deep tech jobs.

The showcase will conclude on Sunday with a cultural program by Kaustuv Kanti Ganguli, a classically trained musicologist. The event promises to be a celebration of innovation, research, and the spirit of inquiry that defines IIIT Hyderabad.

For more details about the showcase, visit https://rndshowcase.iiit.ac.in/.