By Fatema Baldiwala-

The IIT2026 Global Conference took place at the Long Beach Convention Center from April 22 to 25, 2026, bringing together approximately 1,500 attendees and over 100 exhibitors in a landmark celebration of 75 years of excellence of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Organized by the Pan IIT USA community, the conference convened a dynamic mix of innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and global leaders.

The opening keynote, themed “Technologies for Well-Being: Tapping the Inner Potential”, set a powerful and reflective tone for the three-day gathering, which featured four key tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Health & Sustainability, Investment, and Global Connect.

Delivering a central address, Ambassador of India to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, underscored the significance of collaboration within the global IIT network and its impact on the India–U.S. partnership.

“Your experience would be absolutely crucial in achieving many of these objectives. Let this conference spark new collaborations and reconnect with an extraordinary and highly skilled community of our IIT friends and colleagues to shape a future that serves both our nations well,” he said.

Adding depth to the conversation, Dr. K J Srinivasa, the first Consul General of the newly established Consulate of India in Los Angeles, highlighted the global influence of IIT alumni and institutions.

“It is a convergence of minds shaped by institutions that have, for over seven decades, defined excellence in engineering, science, technology, and leadership,” he noted. “IITs are not merely campuses—they are ecosystems that have powered innovation in India and across the world.”

He further emphasized the diaspora’s impact, stating, “From Silicon Valley boardrooms to cutting-edge research labs, IIT alumni have become a vital bridge in the India–U.S. partnership… living examples of how education evolves into diplomacy, technology into trust, and talent into shared prosperity.”

The keynote took a contemplative turn with insights from Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, who addressed the intersection of artificial intelligence and human consciousness. In a candid and thought-provoking message, he warned of the accelerating power of machines.

“When machines can remember better than you and analyze data more efficiently, if you are not ahead of it, they will overtake you. You must learn to ride it—not be crushed by it,” he said.

Sadhguru also raised concerns about the future of mental health, pointing to loneliness as a growing global challenge.

Conference organizer Pramod Kunju summarized the key takeaways from the event. He noted that artificial intelligence has moved decisively from experimentation to a boardroom priority, with organizations focusing on real-world deployment and measurable impact. He also highlighted the acceleration of U.S.–India collaboration, the convergence of industries such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability, and the urgent need for workforce reskilling in an AI-driven economy.

Equally important, Kunju emphasized the role of community: fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and growing collectively as a global network.

Photo: x.com/CGILosAngeles