The School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) proudly concluded the Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2025, a remarkable two-day event held on January 18–19, 2025.
The summit brought together industry leaders, renowned professionals, and academic experts to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of businesses.
The event, hosted by IIT Mandi’s School of Management, served as a dynamic platform to address key technological disruptions, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and facilitate mentorship and collaboration opportunities between students and business stalwarts.
The summit was inaugurated with a formal welcome address by Prof. Anjan K. Swain, Chairperson of the School of Management,who introduced the vision of HiBS and the role of IIT Mandi’s School of Management in shaping the next generation of leaders in AI and business.
Prof. Manoj Thakur, followed with a detailed overview of the institution’s initiatives in bridging the gap between academia and industry. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Anup Purohit, Global CIO at Wipro Limited, who highlighted how organizations can align AI with their business strategies to foster innovation and enhance digital transformation.
The first panel discussion of the summit, themed “AI-Powered Personalization: Tailoring Products and Services”, was moderated by Mr. Karun Jalali (Director, Deloitte). Esteemed panelists, including Mr. Nilesh Biniwale (Pattern India), Dr. Tanushyam Chattopadhyay (Adani AI Labs), and Mr. Sarosh Kumar (Cognizant), engaged in a robust discussion on the importance of leveraging AI to deliver personalized experiences in today’s competitive market.
A standout feature of the day was the mentorship sessions, where students interacted with industry leaders, discussing career opportunities, technological trends, and real-world business practices.
The day ended on a high note with an engaging cultural night, showcasing the diverse creative talents of IIT Mandi’s students through traditional Mandiyali dance, music, and more. Day two commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Umesh Udayaprakash (Innova Solutions), who emphasized the growing influence of AI-driven innovation in reshaping global industries.
The second panel discussion, “AI-Driven Business Intelligence: Unlocking Data-Driven Insights”, moderated by Dr. Vinay Kumar, featured panelists like Mr. Abhijit Dutta (Accenture), Mr. Sumanyu Panda (SKLasS.AI), and Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna (BOD Consulting).
They shared insights on transforming raw data into actionable intelligence for competitive advantage. The final panel discussion, “AI & Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets”, was moderated by Mr. Samir Datt (Foundation Futuristic Technologies).
Panelists, including Mr. Venkatagiri (KFin Technologies), Mr. Ajay Sabnani (Genexa.AI), and Mr. Arnab Banerjee (Micron Technology), deliberated on safeguarding sensitive digital assets in the era of growing cyber threats.
The case competition was the centerpiece of the summit, where MBA students from IIT Mandi presented innovative solutions to contemporary business challenges. Their analytical skills and strategic thinking were highly praised by the esteemed jury, comprised of industry experts.
The event concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. Ashish Bollimbala, who commended the collaborative efforts of participants, organizers, and mentors in making HiBS 2025 a resounding success.
HiBS 2025 offered a wealth of learning and growth opportunities for MBA students. The event fostered meaningful networking opportunities, allowing students to connect directly with industry stalwarts and gain valuable insights into emerging trends and business strategies.
Personalized mentorship sessions provided a platform for career guidance and a deeper understanding of real-world business operations. The discussions during the event highlighted the importance of bridging academia and industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to effectively address industry challenges.
Adding a vibrant touch, the cultural night celebrated diversity, creativity, and teamwork, enriching the overall experience for participants.