Vishwakarma University recently held its 6th convocation ceremony, an occasion marked by both pride and reflection. For the Class of 2024, this event represented the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and friendship. However, the day was also highlighted by a powerful message delivered by Dr. Abhay Firodia, a respected figure in the Indian automotive industry and a thought leader in societal values and education. His speech, centred on Indian civilisation’s heritage, the journey of education, and the roles of ethics and enterprise, resonated deeply with the graduating students, faculty, and guests.

Vishwakarma University, Pune proudly hosted Innovation Fest 2024, an exciting gathering of leaders from Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Binghamton University, New York , innovators and students at Building no 2, Vishwakarma University. This year’s event highlighted emerging technologies, sustainable solutions, creating a unique platform for showcasing groundbreaking ideas and fostering connections.

Event Overview

Innovation Fest 2024 was held on 24 th October 2024 at Building No -2, Vishwakarma University, Pune, bringing together students, faculties, leaders from Binghamton University, New York and professor from Kasetsart University, Sriracha, Thailand to celebrate innovation, creativity, and technological advancement. The event featured a series of activities, including Creative Design and UX, Technical Project Exhibition, Innovative Start Up Ideas, Web Designing and Blind Coding. 84 number of teams which includes 217 number of participants participated in Innovation Fest 2024.
The Innovation Fest 2024 was inaugurated on 24 th October 2024, marking the beginning of the event celebrating creativity, technology, and innovation. The inaugural ceremony was held at Auditorium, building no 1, Vishwakarma University attended by students, faculty, faculty from Kasetsart University, Sriracha, Thailand and special guests from Binghamton University, New York. The event's theme, “Igniting Ideas, Shaping Tomorrow, " set an inspirational tone, highlighting the power of innovation to address pressing global challenges.
The ceremony commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony symbolized the beginning of Innovation Fest 2024. The Chief Guest Dr. Peter Partell, Senior Assoc. Dean, Academic Affairs & Admin, Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering & Applied Science, Binghamton University, New York along with Prof. Michael Testani, Senior Director of Outreach and Engagement, Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, Binghamton University, New York, Ms. Johanna Brozinsky, Graduate Recruiter at Binghamton University, New York Dr Kailas R Patil, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology and Dr. Sandip Thite, Co-Convenor of the event &Associate Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, Vishwakarma University inaugurated the event with lightening of the ceremonial lamp. This symbolic act marked the commitment to fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration within the institution and beyond.
After lightening of the lamp, a warm welcome from Dr. Kailas Patil, Convenor of the event& Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology Dean’, who expressed gratitude to the organizing team, volunteers, and sponsors for their collective efforts in making the fest possible. The Dean emphasized the significance of Innovation Fest as a platform for students and professionals to collaborate, showcase ideas, and create solutions for the future.

The highlight of the inauguration was a thought-provoking keynote speech by Chief Guest Dr. Peter Partell, Senior Assoc. Dean, Academic Affairs & Admin, Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering & Applied Science, Binghamton University, New York. The chief guest shared insights into the transformative role of technology in shaping industries and encouraged participants to think beyond conventional boundaries. Addressing the young innovators, he emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, resilience, and a user-centered mindset in developing impactful solutions. The speech inspired attendees to leverage creativity for problem-solving, underscoring the potential for technology to drive positive change.
The ceremony concluded with a round of applause and excitement as participants looked forward to the scheduled events and activities. Attendees expressed enthusiasm for the fest’s opportunities to learn, network, and showcase their work. The opening set a positive and energizing tone, creating a buzz for the following sessions.
The event was coordinated by Prof. Sital Dash and Prof. Vivek Thorat, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Vishwakarma University, Pune.