IGNITE-2026 to bring global researchers, industry experts to Pune from June 17-19
Pune, 15 June 2026: KJ College of Engineering and Management Research (KJCOEMR), under KJ Educational Institutes (KJEI), in technical association with the IEEE Pune Section, will organize the first edition of the International Conference on Innovation & Growth in Next-Gen Intelligent Technology & Engineering (IGNITE-2026) from June 17 to 19, 2026. The conference aims to provide a global platform for researchers, academicians, industry experts, innovators, and students to discuss emerging technologies shaping the future of engineering, innovation, and sustainable development.
The announcement was made by Shri Kalyan Jadhav, Founder President of KJEI, during a press conference attended by Dr. Ajay M. Fulambarkar, Technical Director, KJEI; Dr. Hemant Deshmukh, Dean, Student Development and Welfare; Dr. Suhas S. Khot, Principal, KJCOEMR; Dr. Nikita J. Kulkarni, Conference Chair; and Prof. Rahimraja Shaikh, IEEE Branch Counselor.
Shri Jadhav informed that the conference will be inaugurated on June 17 at 9:30 a.m. at Hotel Hyatt, Pune, by Dr. P. K. Sinha, Former Vice Chancellor and Director, IIIT Naya Raipur, who will grace the event as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honor include Dr. Parag Kalkar, Pro Vice Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University; Dr. Harold D’Costa, President, Cyber Security Corporation; and Dr. Amar Buchade, Chair, IEEE Pune Section. The conference will also witness the presence of Dr. Pratapsinh Desai, President, ISTE New Delhi, along with vice chancellors, principals, industry leaders, and distinguished academicians from across the country.
Speaking about the conference, Dr. Suhas S. Khot said that the event received an overwhelming response from the national and international research community. A total of 1,548 research papers were submitted by researchers, academicians, industry professionals, and students from India and abroad. Following a rigorous review process involving 384 expert reviewers, 354 papers were shortlisted for presentation and publication, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 20 percent, reflecting the conference’s commitment to academic excellence and quality research.
The conference will be conducted in a hybrid mode, with 78 papers being presented offline and 276 papers online, enabling wider participation from researchers worldwide. Notably, scholars from globally renowned institutions, including Stanford University, USA, are among the contributors.
The technical program comprises seven specialized tracks covering Software Engineering and Cyber Security, Signal Processing and VLSI Design, Power Systems and Renewable Energy, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Manufacturing and Automotive Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Applied Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research. These tracks are designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage discussions on innovation-driven technological solutions.
The conference will feature keynote addresses by Dr. Parikshit Mahalle, Professor and Dean, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology (VIT), Pune, and Mr. Pawan Deshpande, Principal Architect (Associate Director), Cognizant, who will share insights on artificial intelligence, data science, digital transformation, and future technologies.
Maj. Gen. Sameer Kalla stated that the conference is being organized under the leadership of Dr. Ajay M. Fulambarkar (Advisory Chair), Dr. Suhas S. Khot (Convener and Patron), and Dr. Nikita J. Kulkarni (Conference Chair and Technical Program Chair). He emphasized that IGNITE-2026 will serve as an important platform to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and research organizations while promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions for sustainable socio-economic development.
