IIT Kanpur Hosts National Conference on AI Solutions for Sustainable Cities

IIT Kanpur hosted a National Conference on AI Solutions for Sustainable Cities, bringing together experts to explore the role of artificial intelligence in advancing urban sustainability.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur hosted the National Conference on Innovative AI Solutions for Sustainable Cities, bringing together distinguished thought leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to explore AI’s role in shaping future cities. The two-day conference, jointly organized with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Kotak School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur, and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, focused on AI-driven urban governance, infrastructure, and sustainability.

The event witnessed remarkable participation, including around 25 Vice Chancellors from universities nationwide, 35 higher academic leaders, and 35 sustainability-focused startups, with 15 showcasing their technologies and products. Additionally, approximately 15 local industries took part in the conference.

The conference was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Satish Mahana, Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, alongside Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Dean of the Kotak School of Sustainability; and Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, Vice-Chancellor of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University.

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, stated, "With the ever increasing population and limited resources, there is a critical need to ensure that our growing cities are sustainable. At IIT Kanpur, with our deep expertise in artificial intelligence, we are committed to harnessing its power to create smarter and more sustainable cities. Through this event at the intersection of academia, industry, and policy, I hope we are one step closer to creating AI-driven tangible solutions to benefit society, making cities more efficient and resilient."

Keynote speakers at the event included Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Board of Accreditation (NBA), who highlighted the critical role of AI in advancing sustainable urban development and enhancing infrastructure efficiency. He discussed the innovative applications of AI in sustainability, its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its potential to transform metro cities and smart city projects. 

The post-lunch sessions included Pitch Battles, where four startups showcased innovative ideas and solutions with the potential to drive meaningful change. These sessions also featured a keynote address by Anna Roy, Programme Director at NITI Aayog, Government of India, who emphasized the organization’s crucial role in fostering innovation and urban development under the Viksit Bharat initiative.

Additionally, Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, provided insights into the global waste generation scenario and the crucial role of AI in addressing this challenge. He emphasised how AI can contribute to building a sustainable society, noting that as the economy grows, so too will the energy demand, making it essential to adopt innovative, AI-driven solutions for waste management and energy efficiency.

Read More

• IIT Kanpur Launches KALA GRAM to Innovate and Preserve Traditional Crafts
• IIT Kanpur's NICEE Hosts 16th Annual Earthquake Safety Quiz for Schools