TechForward September 2025 Edition (AI for Retail Tech and Customer Experience) – 19 September 2025
IIITH’s TechForward research seminar series is an academia-industry confluence around emerging technologies. Deep insights, directional talks and industry/business outlooks from highly accomplished thought leaders on one theme every month. The September edition explores AI for Retail Tech and Customer Experience.
Those interested in attending the seminar can register at https://tinyurl.com/4ss47wa7
IIITH Team SubtasksWhere comprising of Shiven Sinha, Hari Aakash K and Sushil Raaja Umasudhan was ranked 73rd at the recently concluded 2025 ICPC World Finals, gaining a place on the Honors list , for solving six or more programming problems.
Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/live/gItdSUJCiX0 Team India won a gold and a bronze and several honourable mentions at the international linguistics Olympiad held in China. The Indian team was trained by LTRC through various rounds. Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/live/gItdSUJCiX0
IIIT Hyderabad has shown a significant improvement in this year’s NIRF rankings. Among the top universities in India (both government and private), IIITH was ranked 55 (74 last year). In the list of top engineering colleges in India, the institute secured the 38th position (47 last year) and was placed 89th in the overall category.
Prof. Ponnurangam Kumaraguru has been elected as a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) in recognition of his pioneering research, contributions to engineering education, and leadership in advancing scientific knowledge.
IDD: A Dataset That Is Driving India-Specific Solutions
From taking root as a foundational step towards autonomous driving research, the Indian Driving Dataset continues to evolve to tackle a plethora of problems that are India-specific. Two wheelers, 3-wheelers – both motorized and non-motorized, trucks, cars, pedestrians, animals and more make up the heterogeneity that is uniquely Indian. It is this unstructured feature of Indian traffic that prompted researchers at International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH) to address research in autonomous navigation a little differently. They were quick to recognise that in the West, such technology catered to well-delineated roads, well-defined categories of vehicles, adherence to traffic rules and so on. “Most of the smart vehicles are designed for Western roads. They are tested, calibrated and verified on Western roads. We knew our roads are different but how different? We wanted to capture those differences objectively and decided to begin with the creation of a dataset,” explains Prof. C V Jawahar of the beginnings of the Indian Driving Dataset.
IDD: A Dataset That Is Driving India-Specific Solutions
Eenadu (Print)
IIIT Hyderabad launches Online MSc in Data Science
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IIIT Hyderabad launches Online MSc in Data Science
The International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT-H) introduces its first fully online degree program, a UGC-approved Master of Science in Data Science (MSc. DS), through its Division of Flexible Learning (DFL). Designed for working professionals, the two-year program offers flexibility, allowing up to four years for completion, with classes starting November 1, 2025. Applications are open until October 12, 2025, via the course website: https://dfl.iiit.ac.in/programs/degree/msc/ds. The program eliminates entrance exams, broadening access for diverse learners. Its curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing graduates for high-demand data science roles. The online format ensures accessibility without disrupting careers, catering to learners globally. Prof. Venkatesh Choppella, Associate Dean of DFL, emphasized, “This program addresses the need for high-quality, accessible data science education, equipping learners with skills for a fast-growing sector without location or scheduling barriers.”
Adi Vaani, an AI-powered translator for tribal languages
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Adi Vaani, an AI-powered translator for tribal languages
With the launch of Adi Vaani, an AI-powered translator, IIITH is part of the government’s efforts at bridging the communication gap between tribal and non-tribal communities while safeguarding endangered languages. As part of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh’ – a year-long celebration of tribal pride, legacy and empowerment coinciding with the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched an AI-powered translator for tribal languages. Titled Adi Vaani, the platform in its beta version supports Santali, Bhili, Mundari, and Gondi languages. The next phase of the project aims to include more languages like Kui and Garo. The app which is available on Play Store as well as a dedicated web platform has been developed by a consortium of premier institutions led by IIT Delhi and comprising of IIITH, BITS Pilani, and IIIT Nava Raipur in in collaboration with the TRIs in Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, and Meghalaya. LTRC@IIITH, has been involved with the project since July 2024.