engaluru 4th February, 2025: The prestigious National Conference on Innovative AI Solutions for Sustainable Cities commenced today at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, bringing together distinguished thought leaders, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to explore the role of artificial intelligence in shaping future cities. The two-day conference, jointly hosted by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Kotak School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur, and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, aims to drive discussions on AI-driven urban governance, infrastructure, and sustainability.
The conference was formally inaugurated by Honourable Chief Guest Mr. 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. Their opening remarks set the tone for the event, fostering an atmosphere of insightful and forward-thinking discussions on AI’s impact on urban sustainability.
Speaking on the significance of the conference, 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.”
“Artificial Intelligence holds immense potential to address the pressing challenges of urban sustainability. By leveraging AI, we can enhance resource management, optimize infrastructure, and create sustainable cities that are resilient to the complexities of rapid urbanization. At the Kotak School of Sustainability, we are excited to contribute to this transformative journey, bridging research and practical solutions for a smarter, greener future, said Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Dean of Kotak School of Sustainability and Project Director, AI CoE for Sustainable Cities at IIT Kanpur.
The event saw an impressive participation of about 25 Vice Chancellors of universities from across the country, 35 higher academic leaders, 35 startups active in the sustainability space, including around 15 of whom displayed their technologies and products, and a participation of around 15 local industries.
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. Mr. Chetan Savla, Head of Sustainability at Kotak Mahindra Bank, emphasized the growing importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and how sustainability is becoming deeply embedded in business and banking practices today.
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 Ms. 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. She outlined strategic roadmaps to transform urban centers into dynamic growth hubs, harnessing urbanization for sustainable and inclusive development. 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 emphasized how AI can contribute to building a sustainable society, noting that as the economy grows, so too will the demand for energy, making it essential to adopt innovative, AI-driven solutions for waste management and energy efficiency.
Mr. Corey Glickman, Vice President of Sustainability and Design and Founder of Greenman Black, delivered an insightful session on sustainable practices and AI integration in local infrastructure. He discussed how smarter systems can boost efficiency and living standards, and how these innovations will drive economic growth. He concluded by noting India’s history of impactful solutions, positioning the country to lead in global sustainable development.
Mr. Harshit Mishra, Start Up CEO as part of CSJMU incubator, delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the key insights from Day 1. He highlighted the impactful discussions and emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving AI-led urban transformations. Looking ahead, Day 2 promises even more engaging sessions, workshops, and collaborative dialogues aimed at further advancing sustainable AI solutions for urban development.
As a pioneer in technological research and innovation, IIT Kanpur continues to lead transformative initiatives, driving advancements in AI and sustainability to create smarter, more resilient cities of the future.
