Patna: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna on Saturday inaugurated the International Conference on Intelligent Computing and Sustainable Technologies (ICST 2026), a two-day event bringing together researchers, academicians and industry experts to discuss advances in artificial intelligence, intelligent computing and sustainable technologies.
The conference, being held on August 1 and 2, was inaugurated in the institute’s Senate Hall.
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The inaugural session was attended by Prof. T.N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna, as the chief guest, while Prof. Tapan Kumar Gandhi of IIT Delhi attended as the guest of honour.
Other dignitaries included Dr Maheshkumar H. Kolekar, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Patna; Prof. Jagdish Bansal of South Asian University, New Delhi, who is serving as the conference’s General Chair; Prof. A.K. Thakur, Dean Administration-cum-Registrar; Dr Anup Kumar Keshri, Associate Dean (R&D); and Prof. Rajiv Misra, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the felicitation of guests.
Welcoming participants, Dr Maheshkumar Kolekar said the conference aimed to provide a platform for researchers and experts working in intelligent computing and sustainable technologies.
Focus On Research And Innovation
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Jagdish Bansal highlighted the role of the Soft Computing Research Society (SCRS) in promoting research, innovation and collaboration in the field of intelligent computing.
Prof. Tapan Kumar Gandhi emphasised the growing importance of intelligent computing and drew parallels between advances in artificial intelligence and biological systems, highlighting their relevance to sustainable development.
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In his inaugural address, Prof. T.N. Singh stressed the need to balance energy production with responsible consumption to achieve long-term sustainable development.
He said emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—have the potential to optimise energy use, improve resource efficiency and develop innovative solutions for environmental sustainability.
Technical Sessions Continue On Day Two
The inaugural session was followed by a plenary lecture delivered by Prof. Tapan Kumar Gandhi.
Technical sessions were subsequently conducted in both online and offline modes.
According to the organisers, the second day of the conference will feature plenary talks by Prof. Ram Bilas Pachori of IIT Indore and Prof. R. Balasubramanian of IIT Roorkee, followed by additional technical sessions showcasing research in intelligent computing and sustainable technologies.
