This event was to mark this year’s ‘WTUN for International Women in Engineering Day (INWED)’. Once again, the breadth of topics covered demonstrates the plurality and varied areas of expertise in which Network members are engaged; this time coming together under the 2024 theme ‘Enhanced by Engineering’. Read more about INWED and the Women’s Engineering Society here.
Greeting from the WTUN. Thank you for the great response to the call for speakers circulated for this year’s ‘WTUN for International Women in Engineering Day (INWED)’. Once again, the breadth of topics covered demonstrates the plurality and varied areas of expertise in which Network members are engaged; this time coming together under the 2024 theme ‘Enhanced by Engineering’. Read more about INWED and the Women’s Engineering Society here.
The World Technology Universities Network is pleased to announce, following the signing of the Network’s Consortium Collaboration agreement, that Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) will formally join the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) as a member from 1 August 2024. This news marks the second[1] institution to join the WTUN in 2024.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Chair WTUN, and the whole of the Network extends a warm welcome to Vice Chancellor Dr Saranjit Singh, PhD-Engg, Dr Vikas Kumar Sabata, Joint Director International Relations and Ms.Bandita Sahoo, Deputy Director International Relations and their colleagues to the WTUN, its Boards and programmes.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Chair WTUN
The WTUN’s diverse membership is united by a commitment to the inclusive advancement of sustainable scientific and technology teaching and research; each demonstrating a commitment to truly equitable innovation for the benefit of people and place.
“KIIT brings to the WTUN a commitment not only to the teaching and development of its 40,000 students but its central mission of social responsibility”
“We are delighted to welcome KIIT as member of the Network. Alongside scientific excellence, KIIT brings to the WTUN a commitment not only to the teaching and development of its 40,000 students but its central mission of social responsibility” says Professor Congdon. “KIIT’s membership will strengthen our presence in India, complementing our existing membership and expanding the regional impact and opportunities for truly global collaboration on the challenges facing humanity”
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT)
Professor Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
“Together with WTUN and its esteemed members…[a] focus on sustainable technology and commitment to equity will pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future…”
“KIIT Deemed University is delighted to enter into the partnership with the World Technology University Network (WTUN), marking our official membership in this prestigious network of universities” says Prof Singh. “The collaboration heralds exciting prospects for global mobility. We intend to nurture a sense of global citizenship by advancing research and innovation. Together with WTUN and its esteemed members, our collective mission is to confront global challenges head-on through research, knowledge dissemination, and innovative solutions. Our focus on sustainable technology and commitment to equity will pave the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.”
About KIIT
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), a household name in the education sector, has become a sought-after destination in India for professional studies. It is admired all over for the quality of its academic courses, its community outreach work and as a university of compassion and humanitarianism. It has become a case study because no other educational institution in India has grown in its scope and scale as much as KIIT has in a short span of 25 years. Its incredible transformation is truly a journey from Soil to Silver.
KIIT started in 1992-93 as an Industrial Training Institution. However, 1997 is considered the base year for the University as undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Engineering, Management and Computer Applications were added. In 2007, many new schools were added to its umbrella – School of Law, Biotechnology, Medical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Nursing, Mass Communication, Film and Media, Fashion and KIIT International School.
Today, KIIT offers professional education to around 40,000 students from across India. This includes 2000 international students from 65 countries. The alumni of KIIT, over a lakh (million) of them, have made their mark in their respective careers in academics, corporate organizations, civil services and enterprise. Furthermore, KIIT continues to shine on the global stage, with Stanford University’s latest database of the ‘World’s Top 2% Scientist’ featuring 20 distinguished individuals from KIIT and its constituent units. This recognition reaffirms KIIT-DU’s position as a hub for some of the brightest minds in the field of academia and research. (Continued below)
Vision
“To create an advanced centre of professional learning of international standing where pursuit of knowledge and excellence shall reign supreme, unfettered by the barriers of nationality, language, cultural plurality and religion.”
Mission
Imparting value based quality education of international standard and imbibing skill for solving real life problems.
Inculcating global perspective in attitude.
Creating leadership qualities with futuristic vision.
Fostering spirit of entrepreneurship and realisation of societal responsibilities.
Cultivating adaptation of ethics, morality and healthy practices in professional life.
Instilling habit of continual learning.
Encouraging and supporting creative abilities and research temperament.
Establishing and promoting close interaction with industries and other utility sectors and keeping abreast with state-of-the-art technology.
More about KIIT
KIIT-TBI has been awarded the Successful Incubator of the Year 2023 by the Startup Odisha, MSME Department, Govt of Odisha. KIIT-Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI), the innovation hub of KIIT, has been conferred the ‘Incubator of the Year 2023’ Award by the Asian Association of Business Incubation (AABI) in Bangkok, Thailand. This achievement underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the realm of science and technology
KIIT has persistently enhanced its position in numerous national and international higher education rankings, striving to establish itself as a global hub of quality education. It is gratifying to note that KIIT is ranked among the top 16 public and private Universities in India as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) India Rankings 2023 by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India. The prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 has placed KIIT in the cohort of 601-800 globally. In subject rankings, Computer Engineering and General Engineering programmes have been placed in the rank band of 401- 500 and 501-600 respectively. KIIT has been ranked 17th globally in Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10: Reducing Inequalities) & 201-300 in the Overall Category by THE Impact Rankings 2023. The University has been ranked 168th and 10th best among Indian universities in ‘THE Young University Rankings 2024’. KIIT has been ranked in the band of 351-400 by the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2024 & 90th among Southern Asia 2024. KIIT has also been the top university for innovation among private institutions for two consecutive years (2020, 2021) according to AICTE, Government of India. The University has also been accredited in the highest A++ grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), India. Due to its flexible academic design, the B. Tech programme of the University has received ABET Accreditation, USA besides accreditation from IET, UK. Further, all its undergraduate Engineering Programs have been accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) under Washington Accord for six years.
One would find it difficult to imagine that such a celebrated institution with a global reputation was established by an unassuming humble being, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the Founder of KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology and KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences- World’s largest Tribal Institution), who started the institute with all of Rs 5000 as the initial investment. He had big dreams and a passion to make a difference. Dr. Samanta started KIIT in two rented rooms with 12 students and 2 staff. The modest institution has now grown to incomprehensible propositions and is spread over a vast 36-square-kilometre academic township. Its 25 lush green campuses employ over 3000 eminent faculty and researchers and 15000 staff. KIIT and KISS together is a family of over a lakh people. The campus houses a 2600-bedded super speciality hospital, KIMS, a multi-storey central library, a central research facility, a 22-storey research and innovation wing, auditoriums – the largest one with 5000 seating capacity, 18 sports complexes, many international standard stadiums covering all sports, 30 food courts, and a rose garden. The institution takes pride in being the greenest campus in India.
KIIT has made colossal contributions to Sports. Currently, 11 Olympians pursue their education at KIIT. The University has been conferred the Sport star Award and FICCI India Sports Award for the promotion of sports. KIIT gets the “Best Sports Facility” award in the first CII Sports Business Awards 2023 category for creating top-notch sports facilities in India. KIIT and KISS are the nodal centres for the FIFA Football for Schools Programme in Asia. KIIT has been chosen for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2022 for encouraging sports through Corporate Social Responsibility. Besides its immense contribution to the development of the state and the city, KIIT has also promoted local art, culture, sculpture, rural development, literature and spiritualism. All the achievements of KIIT have been possible because of its founder – Dr. Achyuta Samanta – lovingly called Samanta Sir – the epitome of principles, discipline, hard work, and selfless service. It truly is an inspiring story of a humble man steering two institutions to glory despite all the hardships and struggles.
The WTUN invites prospective members who share a commitment to the values of the Network. We have committed as a network to focus on guiding principles of sustainability and inclusivity. The WTUN is a signatory of the SDG Accord, the University and College Sector’s collective response to the Global Goals (www.sdgaccord.org) and the UN SDGs underpin and inform many of the Network’s priorities and activities.
For 2024, undergraduate and postgraduate students from WTUN member institutions were invited to form a multidisciplinary team of up to four members and submit their team idea and/or project to the WTUN Student Competition.
The theme was “Inclusive Technology and Global Citizenship for the 21st Century” and students were given the following challenge:
Can you form an interdisciplinary team to come together to address one of the following United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals?
#3 Good Health and Wellbeing
#4 Quality Education
#11 Sustainable Cities and Consumption
#12 Responsible Consumption and Production
#13 Climate Action
We welcome all undergraduate and postgraduate students of our member universities to enter WTUN’s annual student competition.
We are seeking new and innovative solutions to address the goals, and we invite project proposals from student teams (undergraduate, postgraduate or a combination and preferably multi-disciplinary).
The assessment panel was thoroughly impressed by the student proposals and videos and the final results were very close.
The winners
First place
We are delighted to announce our 2024 winner is Team ‘Neel Gendh – Water Balls’ from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, India.
Students: K Aparajethaa, S L Vasudheva, Thomas Ashna, and B Sharanraaj.
Congratulations!
In addition to cash prizes awarded to the top three teams, first place also includes an invitation to deliver their winning idea online as part of the World Technology Universities Network’s Annual Congress programme in October.
Second place
In second place was Team ‘PhosLumina’ from Atlantic Technological University, Ireland.
Well done!
Students: Cormac Harte, Felicia Akinbulejo, Natalia Miotk, and Tuba Altaf.
Third place
In third place was Team ‘Let it Go, Let it Flow‘ from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.
Nice work!
Students: 葉芷妤 Yeh, Chih Yu and 黃品睿 Huang, Pin Ruei.
Fourth place
As the results this year were so close, we felt it was necessary to award a special fourth place to Team ‘TSU ART & EDUCATION‘ from Thaksin University, Thailand.
Brilliant!
Students: Thanika Shontornhong, Fairs Mad-alee, Pannathorn Sawasdee, and Napatsorn Kaewngam.
Congratulations to all 16 teams who took part this year.
We wish you all the best and hope to see you taking part in future WTUN competitions and activities.
Throughout the week commencing 4 March 2024 the WTUN convened a series of online events to mark mark World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development 2024
WED is an opportunity to celebrate engineering and the contribution of the world’s engineers for a better, sustainable world. This year’s theme is “Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable World”
The World Technology Universities Network is delighted to announce the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is joining the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN). Professor Shirley Congdon, Chair WTUN, and the whole of the Network welcome Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO, Mark Butler, Vice President, Corporate Development, Applied Research and International, and their colleagues to the WTUN, its Boards and programmes.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Chair WTUN
The WTUN’s diverse membership is united by a commitment to the inclusive advancement of sustainable scientific and technology teaching and research; each demonstrating a commitment to truly equitable innovation for the benefit of people and place.
“SAIT brings with it distinctive benefits and strengths…including applied research and development expertise…”
“We are delighted to welcome the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as member of the Network. SAIT brings with it distinctive benefits and strengths to the WTUN, including demonstrated, deep-rooted applied research and development expertise,” says Professor Congdon. “We believe that they complement our existing membership and will expand the regional impact and opportunities for truly global collaboration on the challenges that the WTUN has committed to addressing.”
History
Established in 1916 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, SAIT was the first publicly funded technical institute in North America and is the second oldest post-secondary institution in Calgary. One of Canada’s top applied research colleges, SAIT has 77,000 square feet of specialized research labs and facilities, and full-time research staff dedicated to providing services organizations need to take their products from concept to prototype.
SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) department engages in industry-driven research across a wide knowledge base in four distinct areas:
Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM)
Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS)
Centre for Energy Research and Clean Unconventional Technology Solutions (CERCUTS)
As a national leader in applied research, SAIT’s values and commitment to collaboration through the cultivation of skills, driving innovations and the advancement of economic and environmental efforts, locally and globally, align with the WTUN’s vision and that of its existing members. We believe their membership will be a great benefit to the Network.
“[SAIT’s]…commitment to sustainable research and innovation aligns with the goals set by the WTUN…”
Mark Butler, Vice President, Corporate Development, Applied Research and International, SAIT
“SAIT is excited to explore this new opportunity for collaboration through this diverse network of technology-focused post-secondary institutions. Our commitment to sustainable research and innovation aligns with the goals set by the WTUN to share knowledge and best practices to support building capacity in technology and education,” says Butler. “The opportunity will continue to advance SAIT’s commitment to excellence while broadening our community’s worldview.”
More about SAIT
Established in 1916, SAIT was the first of its kind, publicly funded technical school in North America. As a global leader in applied education and research — serving nearly 40,000 students annually — SAIT offers certificate, diploma, post diploma, apprenticeship and applied degree programs, baccalaureate degrees, corporate training and more than 1,000 continuing education courses, along with six dedicated, award-winning areas of research and capacity for new and emerging research. Curriculum and research priorities are developed through industry partnerships to ensure graduates have the skills and knowledge required to fulfill the demand for talent. SAIT is honoured to be recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2023, and to be ranked sixth by Research Infosource Inc. in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada for 2023. CEOWORLD Magazine ranked the SAIT School of Business #51 on the list of Best Business Schools in the World for 2023, and the School of Hospitality and Tourism placed #15 on their list of Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World — the only Canadian school listed — for 2023.
The WTUN invites prospective members who share a commitment to the values of the Network. We have committed as a network to focus on guiding principles of sustainability and inclusivity. The WTUN is a signatory of the SDG Accord, the University and College Sector’s collective response to the Global Goals (www.sdgaccord.org) and the UN SDGs underpin and inform many of the Network’s priorities and activities.
World Engineering Day is an opportunity to celebrate engineering and the contribution of the world’s engineers for a better, sustainable world.
Date: Monday 4 March 2024 Time: 10:00 (GMT)
Register: Microsoft Forms Host: Dr. Christina Toigo, Professorship of Hydrogen Technology and Energy Storage, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
We are pleased to announce details of the first in a series of events in celebration of UNESCO World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.
Join Dr Christina Toigo and the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria for this session focussing on ‘the Latest Developments in Energy Storage and Conversion’.
About Dr Toigo:
Christina Toigo received her Masters degree in polymer chemistry from the Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria and a PhD in electrochemistry from Alma Mater Studiorum – Universitá di Bologna, Italy. She has been in the field of electrochemistry and battery technology for more than 9 years in both industry and research, working on lithium- and sodium-ion batteries and combined systems for energy storage and hydrogen generation. She currently holds a professorship in “Hydrogen Technology and Energy Storage Systems” at University of Applied Sciences Wels, Austria, where she is focusing on sustainable materials, integration of complex energy systems and innovative approaches within this field. In her lectures, she shares real-world applications and practical insights, making complex concepts easily comprehensible.
Speakers:
We will announce our full line-up of speakers here – check back soon!
Members of the World Technology Universities Network have demonstrated a commitment to the inclusive advancement of sustainable scientific and technology teaching and research; each demonstrating a commitment to truly equitable innovation for the benefit of people and place. Does your institution have example(s) of effective, impactful, and innovative approaches to increasing participation, progression, and success in STEM related subjects for otherwise underrepresented or marginalised groups (whatever this might mean in context of subject area, culture, history, or locality)? We invite you to share these examples of excellence with fellow WTUN members so that we might learn from each other for the benefit of all.
As part of a series of WTUN led events coinciding with this year’s UNESCO World Engineering Day (4 March) we are pleased to share this call for speakers for an online event proposed for Tuesday 5 March between 11.00-14.00 GMT (exact times to be confirmed and can be adjusted to accommodate time zones where possible and required). We also seek a moderator/chair to host the event and facilitate a Q&A.
Depending on level of response we may consider holding more than one session on this subject or repeating it later in the year, so if you have something you would like to share but the date and time above is not suitable, please do contact us to explore options.
To be the first to receive updates about the events happening w.c 4 March for World Engineering Day register here.
Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students from WTUN member institutions the WTUN Hackathon for Climate Action took place in November 2023.
The Hackathon challenged students to collaborate with peers across the world to tackle and issue of their choosing related toClimate Action. In the spirit of the WTUN’s commitment to the ethos of global citizenship, students from different WTUN member institutions, subject disciplines, countries and time zones were divided into teams to work together to address the UN Sustainability Development Goals:#13 Climate Action and #17 Partnerships for the goals. Teams collaborated to conceivenew ideas and solutions, practicing innovation and entrepreneurship with real-life applications.
Watch: the Pre-Event, featuring Professor Shirley Congdon, Chair WTUN and Vice-Chancellor, University of Bradford, Dr David Harding, Suranaree University of Technology and Dr Suzanne Smit, University of Bradford, can be watched back here
Expert advice and guidance
The WTUN Hackathon for Climate Action 2023 took place online and over an intense and continuous 48 hour period. During this time we had a team of experts and mentors, volunteers from WTUN member institutions, delivering focussed masterclasses, and providing 24/7 mentoring and guidance. With this support, teams learned how to develop an initial idea through to the development of a final product or service.
Seven expert speakers delivered live masterclasses covering topics related to identification of a problem and initial idea, design thinking and ideation, value proposition, stakeholder engagement, impact assessment, business model development, potential funding opportunities and pitch preparation and presentation skills.
A big thank you to:
Professor Paul Thorning, University of Bradford
Mr Padraic Lynch, Atlantic Technological University
Mr Lars Andersson, Suranaree University of Technology
Mr Paul McCusker, Atlantic Technological University
Dr Mullika Sungsanit, Suranaree University of Technology
Dr Isobel Cunningham, Atlantic Technological University
Una Quinn, Atlantic Technological University
and to the following for taking the time to pre-record a masterclass for the event:
Dr Patipan Saelim, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
Dr Martin Schoch, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
Dr Gerald Weisz, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
In the final 2 hours of the Hackathon, teams were brought together one last time, for a live Pitch Event, where each team had just 5 minutes to present their idea, followed by 5 minutes of questions from the panel of judges.
Thank you to this year’s judges:
Dr Mullika Sungsanit, Vice Rector of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Suranaree University of Technology and WTUN Operational Board Chair.
Dr David Spicer, Professor of Small Business Development and Organisational Studies andDirector of Business and Community Engagement at University of Bradford.
Dr Klaus Zeppenfeld, Professor at the University of Applied Sciences and Art Dortmund and WTUN Lifetime Fellow.
6 teams pitched their product or service and the judges were thoroughly impressed with the quality, ingenuity, innovation and creativity on display. We have summarised the final pitches below:
Hacks/products/services were developed by 6 brilliant and dedicated teams addressing;
Climate Action
Food Waste
Air Quality and ‘agro-preneurial’ intervention
Disaster management and AI imaging
Marine Pollution
Circular Economy
Energy consumption
The Winners!
The winning teams produced innovative solutions to accessing clean air, reducing food waste and recycling clothing towards a circular economy. The winners of the WTUN Hackathon for Climate Action 2023 are:
First prize of £2,000 is awarded to;
Team 12, ‘Green Titans‘
Stefanie Kölbl, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Shaik Althaf, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
R.S. Bhumishaa Ratheesh, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
Emmanuel Kamoru Umoru, University of Bradford
Green Titans pitched an app which would support and incentivise the general public to track, reduce, and improve their household consumption.
Click the below image to view the winning deck:
Second Prize of £1,000 is awarded to;
Team 10, ‘The Cracker‘
Khush Agarwal, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
Ruby Jain, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Charles Ogun, University of Bradford
Ebrahim Aliyou Wudu, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
The Cracker pitched a service which would support key industry partners, such as restaurants, to sustainably manage organic waste, promoting a circular economy.
Third Prize of £750 is awarded to;
Team 29, ‘Greeneriee‘
Siddhant Deshpande, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
Roghan G, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
K. ThaniyasubhalaxmiKanthasami, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
KanraweeSisandsaup, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
Click the below image to view the winning deck:
Greeneriee pitched a product providing local fishermen with access to vital data and insights to adjust feeding schedules through a product of sensors installed within the aquaculture of their surroundings.
Congratulations to our winning teams!
Thank you to all of the people who made this event possible.
If you have enjoyed this experience and are looking for other opportunities to participate in WTUN activities don’t forget;
