E-Mobility Industry-Academia Conclave – IEEE IES Hubs and Nodes Initiative in Surat, India
By Dr. Aeidpapu Mahesh, Prof. Mahmadasraf A. Mulla, and Dr. Tripura Pidikiti
The E-Mobility Industry–Academia Conclave was successfully organized at Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat, India on 02 May 2026, as part of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IES) Hubs & Nodes Initiative under the Hyderabad Hub. The one-day in-person conclave brought together experts from academia, industry, and IEEE leadership to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in electric mobility and industrial electronics.
The event was designed to bridge the growing gap between academic learning and rapidly evolving industrial requirements in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. It provided participants with valuable exposure to real-world industrial practices, advanced technologies, and global IEEE IES opportunities.
A total of 51 participants from industries, academic institutions, and IEEE communities across Gujarat actively participated in the conclave, creating a vibrant platform for technical interaction, networking, and collaboration.
Inaugural Session and IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Initiative
The event commenced with a formal inaugural session introducing participants to the vision and objectives of the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Initiative, which aims to strengthen regional collaboration, increase industry engagement, and create meaningful opportunities for students and Young Professionals through localized IEEE IES activities.
The audience included faculty members, researchers, industry professionals, IEEE members, and students, resulting in a highly interactive and multidisciplinary environment.
Industry Session: EV Charging Infrastructure and Reliability
Mr. Krunal Patel, COO and Director at Bacancy Systems Pvt. Ltd., delivered an insightful industry session on robust EV charger deployment and infrastructure maintenance. He emphasized that the long-term success of electric mobility depends not only on expanding charging infrastructure but also on ensuring reliability, grid integration, and sustainable maintenance strategies.
The session highlighted practical challenges associated with large-scale EV charger deployment and the importance of proactive infrastructure management to support future transportation demands.
Academia Session: Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Technologies
Prof. Sandeep Anand from IIT Bombay presented an engaging technical session on the role of Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors in next-generation power electronics systems. He explained how Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based converters are enabling higher efficiency, compactness, and improved thermal performance in modern EV powertrains.
The session provided participants with insights into the evolving hardware technologies shaping the future of electric mobility and industrial energy systems.
Industry Session: AI-Driven Vehicle Control and Battery Safety
Dr. Himadri Bhushan Das, Chief Solutions Architect at ElectraEV, discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in electric vehicle control systems and battery safety. He explained how AI-driven predictive models integrated into vehicle control units can improve battery monitoring, performance optimization, and safety management in advanced EV platforms.
The session highlighted the increasing convergence of AI, control systems, and industrial electronics in modern mobility applications.
IEEE IES Leadership Session: Global Engagement and Technical Innovation
Prof. Juan José Rodríguez-Andina, President of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of global technical collaboration and active engagement with IEEE communities. He encouraged students, researchers, and faculty members to participate in international IEEE IES Technical Activities, conferences, and collaborative networks to contribute toward sustainable technological innovation.
Prof. Rodríguez-Andina also presented the long-term strategic vision of the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Initiative and its role in building strong regional ecosystems connected to the global IEEE IES community.
Regional Engagement and Professional Opportunities
Dr. Tripura Pidikiti, IEEE IES Hyderabad Hub Leader and AdCom Member-at-Large, highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and professional networking through the Hubs & Nodes Initiative. She explained how localized IEEE IES activities can create global opportunities for students, Young Professionals, and academic institutions.
Her session also introduced participants to various IEEE IES opportunities, including:
- Student Branch Chapters
- Technical activities and competitions
- Leadership opportunities
- Travel grants and conferences
- Industry engagement platforms
Chapter Engagement Session
Prof. Mahmadasraf A. Mulla, Chair of the IEEE Gujarat Section Joint Chapter IE/IA/PEL and Professor at SVNIT Surat, addressed the participants during the Chapter Engagement session. He emphasized the value of active IEEE participation, membership growth, and industry–academia collaboration.
He encouraged students and Young Professionals to utilize IEEE platforms for technical networking, mentorship, skill development, and career advancement in emerging fields such as electric mobility and industrial automation.
Event Outcomes and Impact
The conclave successfully created a collaborative platform connecting industry experts, researchers, faculty members, and students working in electric mobility and industrial electronics. Participants appreciated the relevance of the technical sessions, industry insights, and opportunities for direct interaction with IEEE IES leadership.
The event significantly contributed toward:
- Strengthening industry–academia interaction
- Enhancing awareness of IEEE IES opportunities
- Encouraging student and Young Professional engagement
- Promoting the IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes Initiative in the Gujarat region
- Building pathways for future collaborations and technical activities
The program demonstrated the growing importance of regional IEEE IES initiatives in creating sustainable ecosystems for innovation, professional development, and global technical engagement.
The event received positive feedback from participants and speakers, highlighting the relevance of topics and quality of interactions. The event successfully demonstrated the role of IEEE IES Hubs & Nodes in creating regional ecosystems that connect industry, academia, and young professionals through meaningful technical engagement.
We gratefully acknowledge the constant support, encouragement, and trust extended by Prof. Milos Manic, Chair of the IEEE IES Hubs and Nodes Committee, and the entire Hubs and Nodes committee. Their vision and commitment to empowering local communities through meaningful technical and professional activities have been invaluable. This initiative would not have been possible without their guidance and support.
