IIT Hyderabad Inaugurates “Ashok Vemulapalli Floor” to Boost Industry–Academia Innovation

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has taken a major step in strengthening industry–academia collaboration with the inauguration of the Ashok Vemulapalli Floor in its Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). The new facility, inaugurated on October 15, 2025, reflects the institute’s commitment to fostering innovation, research excellence, and global technological leadership.

Honoring Visionary Contributions

The Ashok Vemulapalli Floor was established with the support of Sunitha Vemulapalli to honor her husband, Ashok Vemulapalli, founder of Trigeo Technologies. The floor recognizes his visionary work in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and Digital Twin technologies, as well as engineering solutions for the petrochemical sector.

During the inauguration, Ashok Vemulapalli shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey, providing students and faculty with a unique perspective on applying technology in real-world scenarios.

Key Dignitaries at the Inauguration

The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures from IITH:

• Prof. B.S. Murty, Director, IITH
• Prof. Mahendrakumar Madhavan, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations)
• Prof. Antony Franklin, Head of the CSE Department

Prof. Murty described the event as a “convergence of vision and purpose”, emphasizing how partnerships with industry leaders can accelerate innovation and expand IITH’s global impact.

Advanced Infrastructure for Research and Collaboration

The new floor is designed to house state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative workspaces, and research hubs. Prof. Antony Franklin highlighted that these facilities would enable students and faculty to tackle complex, real-world technological challenges. The floor is expected to serve as a launchpad for research projects in AI, ML, BIM, and Digital Twin technologies while promoting practical problem-solving alongside theoretical learning.

Empowering Students and Faculty

One of the main goals of the Ashok Vemulapalli Floor is to nurture innovation and talent. By providing access to advanced infrastructure and facilitating interactions with industry experts like Ashok Vemulapalli, students gain hands-on exposure to emerging technologies. This approach ensures that IITH graduates are not only academically proficient but also industry-ready.

Sunitha Vemulapalli expressed her gratitude to IITH:

“This initiative is not just about recognition—it is about nurturing innovation, supporting young minds, and continuing a legacy of technological progress that reflects my husband’s life and values.”

Fostering a Culture of Giving in Higher Education

Prof. Mahendrakumar Madhavan noted that the Vemulapalli family’s contribution reinforces a growing culture of philanthropy in higher education. By investing in infrastructure and research, industry leaders can significantly enhance the learning environment and provide opportunities for students to engage with practical technological challenges.

Strategic Impact on IITH’s Research Ecosystem

The inauguration of the Ashok Vemulapalli Floor aligns with IITH’s broader mission to build a globally connected research ecosystem. The facility strengthens collaboration between academia and industry, promotes high-quality research, and positions IITH as a hub for technological innovation and education.

The floor will also facilitate knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship, and advanced research projects, helping students and faculty address real-world problems while contributing to India’s technological growth.

Conclusion

The Ashok Vemulapalli Floor is more than a facility—it is a symbol of collaboration, innovation, and global vision. By combining state-of-the-art infrastructure, industry expertise, and academic excellence, the floor empowers students to become future leaders in technology. This initiative underscores IITH’s commitment to nurturing innovation, supporting research, and fostering a culture of giving that bridges industry and academia.