New Delhi, Sep 25: The IIT Kanpur Alumni Association, Delhi Chapter will host a Felicitation Dinner & Panel Discussion on Sunday, 27 September 2026, at The Park Hotel, New Delhi, bringing together distinguished leaders from technology, industry, energy, critical minerals and defence to discuss India’s journey towards technological leadership. The panel will be moderated by Sameer Nigam, Founder and CEO of Stratbeans Learning Solutions.
The evening will felicitate Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Member, NITI Aayog, who was appointed a Full-time Member of NITI Aayog in April 2026 following his tenure as Secretary, Department of Science & Technology. During his tenure at DST, he was closely involved in initiatives including the National Quantum Mission, Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund, as well as programmes in clean energy, green hydrogen, advanced materials and manufacturing.
The panel discussion, titled “India – Road to Technological Leadership”, will bring together practitioners working across technology and industrial domains that will shape India’s next phase of growth including Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, Critical Minerals, Defence Technologies and Biofuels.
“It is an absolute honor and privilege to moderate a panel featuring such visionary leaders who are actively defining India’s technological trajectory,” said Sameer Nigam, IIT Kanpur alumnus and panel moderator. “As part of the IIT Kanpur alumni fraternity, it is deeply gratifying to come together to felicitate Prof. Abhay Karandikar and acknowledge his extraordinary contributions to nation-building. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to facilitate this critical conversation and engage with pioneers shaping our country's strategic future.”
Dr. Ajai Chowdhry – Co-founder, HCL; Chairman, Mission Governing Board, National Quantum Mission; Chairman, IAIRO
A pioneer of India’s electronics and technology industry, Dr. Ajai Chowdhry co-founded HCL and subsequently led HCL Infosystems through its expansion in hardware, systems integration, and mobile technology. In recognition of his distinguished contributions to national capability building and electronics policy, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan. Today, he serves as Chairman of the Indian AI Research Organisation (IAIRO), chairs the Mission Governing Board of the National Quantum Mission, and sits on the Advisory Board of the India Semiconductor Mission.
Sandip Patel – Managing Director, IBM India & South Asia
Sandip Patel leads IBM’s operations across India and South Asia, including its sales, services and delivery operations, while also supporting IBM’s research and innovation capabilities in the region. With extensive experience in technology-led business transformation across global markets, he brings an industry perspective on the adoption and scaling of emerging technologies, including AI and hybrid cloud, across enterprises and institutions.
Vartika Shukla – Former Chairman & Managing Director, Engineers India Limited
Vartika Shukla has led major engineering and consultancy initiatives across the oil and gas and infrastructure sectors during her long association with Engineers India Limited. As the first woman to head EIL, she has also driven the organisation’s work in emerging energy areas including Biofuels, Hydrogen, Solar and Energy Efficiency, while contributing to national policy discussions on biofuels and the future of the refining and petrochemical sector. She is also a recipient of the IIT Kanpur Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Rajat Verma – Founder & CEO, LOHUM Cleantech
Rajat Verma is working at the intersection of technology, sustainability and critical materials. As Founder and CEO of LOHUM Cleantech, he has built the company around the recycling, recovery and low-carbon refining of materials critical to the energy transition. His work highlights the importance of developing resilient domestic capabilities in critical minerals and material supply chains as India expands its clean-energy and advanced-technology ecosystem
Ankit Mehta – Co-founder & CEO, ideaForge Technology
Ankit Mehta is a pioneer in India’s indigenous drone technology ecosystem. As Co-founder and CEO of ideaForge Technology, he has led the development and deployment of UAVs for defence, homeland security, surveillance and industrial applications. He has also contributed to the development of India’s drone ecosystem through his involvement in government committees and industry forums focused on UAV regulation, unmanned traffic management and drone adoption.
The discussion will bring together these diverse perspectives to examine how India can strengthen its capabilities in strategic technologies, build globally competitive industries, develop resilient supply chains and translate innovation into large-scale economic and national impact.
The event will also provide an opportunity for members of the IIT Kanpur alumni community, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals to engage with leading voices shaping India’s technology and industrial landscape.
