Ananya soch: A media delegation from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Jaipur, comprising journalists from Rajasthan, visited IIT Ropar and NIELIT Ropar to gain comprehensive insights into their academic frameworks, research initiatives, innovation ecosystems, and digital skill development programmes.

IIT Ropar Showcases AI-Driven Agriculture and Defence Research

The delegation was warmly received at IIT Ropar by Director Prof. Rajeev Ahuja and Dean (CAPS) Prof. Pushpendra Pal Singh. Public Relations Officer Mr. Nikhil Swami was also present.

Addressing the media, Prof. Ahuja emphasized that IIT Ropar’s vision is centered on nurturing talent, accelerating innovation, and delivering world-class research solutions to address real-world challenges. He highlighted the institute’s growing role in strengthening India’s technological self-reliance.

A major highlight of the visit was ANNAM.AI – the Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture Centre of Excellence, established with support from the Ministry of Education and backed by an investment exceeding ₹300 crore. The centre is redefining sustainable agriculture through AI-based solutions in soil and crop forecasting analytics, smart irrigation systems, pest management technologies, and climate-resilient farming models.

The recently organized ANNAM.AI Hackathon 2025 brought together innovators from across the country, who developed practical AI-driven solutions for critical agricultural challenges. IIT Ropar is also collaborating with national partners to develop soil health mapping tools and precision farming models, enabling data-driven decision-making for farmers.

Advancing Indigenous Defence Technology

IIT Ropar has partnered with the Indian Army to launch an M.Tech programme in Defence Technology for officers of the Armoured Corps Centre and School (ACC&S). This initiative is a significant step toward promoting indigenous defence manufacturing and modernization.

The institute’s Centre for Drone and Autonomous Systems (CoDRAS) is working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI-based navigation, autonomous landing mechanisms, and real-time geo-tracking systems. These developments are strengthening India’s self-reliance in advanced defence platforms and strategic systems.

Boosting Deep-Tech Startups and Interdisciplinary Learning

To further accelerate innovation, IIT Ropar has launched the “100 Startups 100 Days” deep-tech acceleration campaign as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The programme supports startups in agritech, water-tech, Internet of Things (IoT), and cyber-physical systems by providing mentorship, funding facilitation, and market linkages.

The institute’s incubation network, technology hubs, and multi-institutional collaborations are fostering a vibrant entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Academically, IIT Ropar follows a strong interdisciplinary model. Engineering students learn agricultural analytics, AI researchers collaborate with water technology experts, and defence scholars work alongside robotics specialists. From the undergraduate level onward, students actively participate in research, field projects, and startup incubation initiatives.

Newly introduced AI-focused programmes and digital agriculture degrees are equipping students with skills aligned with the emerging global knowledge economy. During the interaction, Prof. Pushpendra Pal Singh stated that IIT Ropar is expanding boundaries in artificial intelligence, defence research, and startup development, thereby contributing significantly to national progress.

NIELIT Ropar: Driving Digital Governance and Skill Development

Following the IIT visit, the delegation toured NIELIT Ropar and interacted with senior officials including Dr. Manish Arora, Scientist ‘F’ and Registrar (Deemed-to-be University), Ms. Anita Budhiraja, Scientist ‘E’, Mr. Sachin Chandla, Scientist ‘E’, and Mr. Arvind Rawat, Joint Director (Administration).

Dr. Arora informed the delegation that NIELIT Ropar, formerly known as the Regional Computer Centre, Chandigarh, has been delivering quality education and training in electronics and information technology since 1978. With 56 centres across India, Ropar is among its key campuses, along with an extension centre in Chandigarh.

Key Projects and Government Collaborations

NIELIT Ropar plays a significant role in software development, data processing, examinations, and recruitment-related projects. Major initiatives include Punjab’s energy billing project, digitization of birth and death registrations in SBS Nagar and Patiala districts, the UT School Counselling Project for Class XI admissions, and the National Consumer Price Index (CPI) computation system for the Labour Bureau under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

The institute has long implemented government-sponsored education and training programmes. Sponsored candidates from the Directorate General Resettlement, Directorate General Employment, CEPTAM-DRDO, and Punjab Police receive specialized technical training at the campus.

Under schemes such as FutureSkills Prime (Big Data Analytics and AR/VR), Employability Enhancement and Livelihood Training Programme (EELTP), PMKVY 4.0, and Work-Based Learning (WBL) internships, NIELIT Ropar offers advanced training in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, and Blockchain.

Expanding Higher Education and Research Opportunities

As the main campus of the NIELIT Deemed-to-be University (Distinct Category), Ropar offers diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programmes in engineering and sciences. Alongside formal degree courses such as B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D., the institute also conducts non-formal certifications like the NIELIT ‘O’ Level programme and various short-term skill enhancement courses.

Other university campuses are located in Agartala, Aizawl, Aurangabad, Calicut, Gorakhpur, Imphal, Itanagar, Kekri (Ajmer), Kohima, Patna, and Srinagar.

Ms. Anita Budhiraja briefed the delegation about ongoing AI-focused initiatives at the campus, while Mr. Arvind Rawat concluded the visit by expressing gratitude for the media interaction.

The visit provided a comprehensive overview of how IIT Ropar and NIELIT Ropar are shaping India’s digital future through advanced research, defence innovation, AI-driven agriculture, digital governance projects, and large-scale skill development initiatives.