IIT Mandi Concludes Himalayan Business Summit 2025: AI Shaping the Future of Business

The two-day summit brought together leaders from academia and industry to explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern business practices.

The Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2025, organized by the School of Management at IIT Mandi, concluded after two days of insightful discussions and engaging interactions. Held from January 18 to 19, the summit gathered industry leaders, renowned professionals, and academic experts to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of business and innovation.

The event began with an official welcome address by Professor Anjan K. Swain, Chairperson of the School of Management, who introduced the vision behind HiBS and the significance of AI in the future of business leadership. Professor Manoj Thakur, followed by providing an overview of IIT Mandi's efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry, underscoring the institution's commitment to nurturing future leaders in AI and business.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Anup Purohit, Global CIO at Wipro Limited, who shared valuable insights into how organizations can harness AI to align their business strategies, foster innovation, and drive digital transformation. His address set the stage for the series of in-depth panel discussions that followed.

Panel Discussions Explore AI's Impact on Business

The summit featured a series of expert panel discussions that delved into various aspects of AI and its application in business:

1. AI-Powered Personalization: Tailoring Products and Services
   Moderated by Karun Jalali, Director at Deloitte, the first panel discussion focused on how AI is being used to create personalized experiences in today’s competitive business environment. Industry experts, including Nilesh Biniwale from Pattern India, Dr. Tanushyam Chattopadhyay from Adani AI Labs, and Sarosh Kumar from Cognizant, shared valuable insights into the growing role of AI in customizing products and services.

2. AI-Driven Business Intelligence: Unlocking Data-Driven Insights
   The second panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Vinay Kumar, explored the vast potential of AI-driven business intelligence in transforming raw data into actionable insights. Experts like Abhijit Dutta (Accenture), Sumanyu Panda (SKLasS.AI), and Sidharth Balakrishna (BOD Consulting) discussed how businesses can leverage data for a competitive advantage.

3. AI & Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets
   The final panel discussion, moderated by Samir Datt from Foundation Futuristic Technologies, addressed the critical issue of AI in cybersecurity. Panelists, including Mr. Venkatagiri (KFin Technologies), Ajay Sabnani (Genexa.AI), and Arnab Banerjee (Micron Technology), explored the evolving threats to digital assets and the role AI plays in securing them.

Mentorship Sessions and Networking Opportunities

A standout feature of HiBS 2025 was the mentorship sessions, where students had the chance to interact directly with industry leaders. These one-on-one sessions allowed students to discuss career opportunities, emerging technological trends, and real-world business practices, providing them with invaluable insights. The event also offered excellent networking opportunities, helping students establish connections with industry professionals and gain guidance for their future careers.

Cultural Night: Celebrating Creativity and Diversity

The first day of the summit concluded with a cultural night that showcased the diverse talents of IIT Mandi's students. The event featured traditional Mandiyali dance, music, and various performances, celebrating the vibrant culture of the region and providing a lively end to an intellectually stimulating day.

Case Competition: Students Showcase Innovative Solutions

A major highlight of the summit was the case competition, where MBA students from IIT Mandi presented their innovative solutions to contemporary business challenges. Their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills were lauded by the esteemed jury, which included leading industry experts.

The summit concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. Ashish Bollimbala, who commended the collaborative efforts of all participants, organizers, and mentors in making HiBS 2025 a resounding success. He emphasized the importance of bridging academia and industry and the need for continued collaboration to tackle real-world challenges.

Fostering Growth and Learning for the Next Generation of Leaders

HiBS 2025 provided a wealth of learning and growth opportunities for MBA students, especially in understanding the latest developments in AI and its impact on business. The event not only featured insightful discussions and mentorship sessions but also highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. By fostering an environment of collaboration and interaction, the summit successfully empowered students to engage with industry stalwarts and gain insights into emerging trends that are shaping the future of business. The diverse cultural evening added a refreshing touch to the event, reinforcing the importance of creativity, teamwork, and cultural exchange.

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