Young minds introduced to frontier tech innovations

Illuminate, a flagship public lecture series co-presented by L&T Technology Services Limited and The National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Mysuru, convened leading experts to share their perspective on frontier technologies and how ideas are turning into outcomes.

Navakanta Bhat, dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, and professor at CeNSE, IISc, and Y. Dilip, director, ADE, DRDO, Bengaluru, shared their deep perspectives and experiences with a strong audience of more than 2,000 people, including engineering students, practitioners, and industry veterans, at the event here recently. The keynote sessions explored the latest frontiers of technology — from Mach 6 speed UAVs to nanoscience and new-age materials.

Prof. Bhat, in his address, spoke about the latest transformations and breakthroughs in the field of biosensors and deep tech innovations, and his journey towards establishing the National Nanofabrication Centre (NNFC) in IISc.

Mr. Dilip shared the inspiring story of the Stealth Wing Flying Testbed (SWiFT), India’s autonomous flying-wing Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator, and the steps being taken towards strengthening the nation’s aerial defence capabilities.

In a subsequent fireside chat, moderated by Ashish Khushu, Chief Technology Officer, L&T Technology Services, the speakers delved into the growing impact of AI-embedded solutions and nanotechnologies in reshaping real-time outcomes. The panel also deliberated how young engineers today can find their calling in emerging technologies, underscoring Engineering Intelligence (EI) as a vital link between AI and its widespread adoption across intelligent systems that self-optimise, adapt, and evolve through reasoning, a press release said.

On the occasion, Amit Chadha, CEO and managing director, L&T Technology Services, said, “This year’s Illuminate highlighted that resilience and determination in the face of challenges will give way to technologies that reshape national excellence. Advancements across aerospace defence and nanotechnology are positioning India at the forefront of the global engineering and AI landscape.”

Nagendra Parashar, principal, NIE, Mysuru, observed, “Illuminate, 4th edition, is a testament to our long-standing collaboration with LTTS. Through this initiative, we aim to bridge the traditional industry-academia divide and provide young engineers with a clear direction and motivation.”