The historic city of Varanasi recently became the epicenter of cutting-edge engineering discourse as it successfully hosted the 12th IEEE Uttar Pradesh Section International Conference on Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering. Known as IEEE UPCON 2025, the significant event unfolded from December 13 to 15 at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) campus.
Forging Stronger Ties Between Academia and Industry
The three-day conference culminated with powerful discussions centered on a critical need: strengthening the bridge between academic research and industrial application. A core theme that emerged was the importance of translational research and product commercialisation to tackle new and evolving challenges. These challenges span vital domains like power systems, advanced electronics, computing, and intelligent engineering systems that are shaping the future.
Organised under the guidance of the IEEE Uttar Pradesh Section and hosted by the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT (BHU) Varanasi, the conference acted as a dynamic melting pot of ideas. It attracted a distinguished gathering of eminent academicians, top industry leaders, key policymakers, dedicated researchers, and enthusiastic young professionals from across India and various other countries.
A Platform for Exchange on Future Technologies
IEEE UPCON 2025 served as a vibrant platform for sharing knowledge and pioneering ideas. Delegates engaged in deep conversations around several frontier areas of technology, including:
- Advanced power and energy systems
- Innovations in power electronics
- Control systems and automation
- Artificial intelligence and its engineering applications
- Next-generation computing technologies
A major highlight of the event was a series of thought-provoking keynote addresses delivered by respected figures from both academia and the corporate world. These sessions provided valuable insights into the current trends and future directions of the engineering sector.
Emphasis on Inclusivity and Professional Growth
Moving beyond pure technical discourse, the conference also dedicated special sessions to crucial professional and social themes. The Women in Engineering (WIE) session focused on promoting inclusivity, leadership, and career development for women in the STEM fields. Similarly, the Young Professionals session addressed the evolving expectations from the modern engineering workforce and pathways for career advancement.
The conference witnessed the presence of several luminaries, underscoring its importance. Notable attendees included:
- Prof Amit Patra, Director, IIT (BHU)
- Prof Rajeev Kumar Singh, Head, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT (BHU)
- Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority of India
- Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, Vice Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University
- Prof Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
- Prof Bhim Singh, ANRF National Science Chair and Emeritus Professor, IIT Delhi
The successful conclusion of IEEE UPCON 2025 marks a significant step towards fostering a more collaborative and application-oriented ecosystem in Indian engineering. By bringing together the brightest minds from labs and industries, the conference has laid a stronger foundation for innovation that addresses real-world problems and drives technological progress in India and beyond.
