By Sanjay Kar Chowdhury, Chair, IEEE R10 Adhoc Committee on Industry Activity in India
With a steady global decline in IEEE industry membership, a strategic initiative has been launched to reverse the trend over the next five years. IEEE R10 currently records only 21% industry participation, prompting IEEE India to intensify efforts to reconnect with corporations and strengthen its value proposition for industry professionals. In response, an Ad-hoc Committee on Industry Engagement in India has been formed to organize activities that enhance IEEE visibility and relevance within the industrial ecosystem.
As part of this initiative, a full-day Industry Engagement Event was organized on 2 November 2025 by the Ad-hoc Committee in collaboration with the Industry Relations Committee of IEEE Gujarat Section. The event brought together leading organizations across diverse sectors, including Decimal Point Analytics (AI & Analytics), SRK Diamonds (Manufacturing), Adani Ports and Adani Renewable Energy (Shipping, Ports & Renewable Energy), The Special Character (Start-up & Innovation), TCS (IT), and ERDA Vadodara (Power & Energy).
The inaugural session began with a warm welcome from Prof. Prerna Gaur, Chair of IEEE India Council. This was followed by brief remarks from Mr. Sanjay Kar Chowdhury, Chair of the Ad-hoc Committee, and Mr. Deepak Mathur, Past VP of MGA & Past Chair of IEEE Gujarat Section. Together, they outlined the current state of IEEE–industry engagement in India and emphasized the urgency of strengthening these ties.
In the second session, a lecture titled “Campus to Corporate Transition – A Reality Check” was delivered for IEEE student branches across Gujarat. The session focused on bridging academic preparation with professional expectations while encouraging students to continue their IEEE membership after graduation. Industry participants were also introduced to the benefits of IEEE Premier Corporate Membership.
Two dynamic panel discussions followed. The first, “The Three Pillars of IEEE – Technology, Education & Humanity for Sustainable Development of Underserved Communities,” featured experts from ERDA, Apeksha Foundation, academia, NGOs, and the energy sector. The second panel, “IEEE & Industry – What the Industry Expects from IEEE,” brought together representatives from Decimal Point Analytics, SRK Diamonds, TCS, and the start-up community to discuss how IEEE can better serve evolving industrial needs.
Over 50 students actively engaged in the sessions and interacted directly with industry delegates. Additional open networking sessions enabled F2F discussions with representatives from Adani Group and Nirma Group.
- Increased student awareness on continuing IEEE membership after transitioning to industry.
- Adani Industry Group expressed interest in joining as a Corporate Premier Member, with follow-up planned by Gujarat Section.
- Gujarat Section will launch an industry-focused membership drive in the coming months.
This event marks a significant step toward revitalizing industry participation in IEEE across India and Region 10.