Convergence of technologies especially Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed the society in last 30 years. Though the first computers accessible to even common man made their way only by 1971, the way miniaturization of electronics devices have evolved has resulted in wired and wireless world communicating every second. The rise of handheld devices like mobile phones, tablets etc have added more mobility to human beings in span of a decade rather than transportation systems based mobility in centuries. All kinds of data whether video, audio or sensor data are generated and communicated every second. Computational science which is constantly evolving has made computing faster and faster while it innovates they way computation is done. Applied computing has found it importance in every aspect of life from modeling of apparels to modeling of space systems to modeling of universe to even modeling life. Intelligent computing has made design, operation and control of living & non-living things a daily affair.

Computational capabilities of computing machines have reached crescendo in establishing a platform for Virtual world which has been imagined by human brain itself. The evolution of digital world starting from transistors invented in 1947, has now reached a paradigm shift in how the humans have created a new world for themselves.  Self-learning, self-controlling and self-communicating standalone intelligent systems have enabled entirely different aspect of view point in recent years.

Virtual reality uses the programming abilities to create totally new environment or replicate existing environment. This is coupled with ability of the user to interact and interface virtual objects and spaces in that environment. Graphics, games and simulations have fled open the gates wherein each individual recreates his imagination as virtual world. In similar way augmented reality has enabled users to directly or indirectly view real environment and at the same time interact with it using computer generate audio, video or touch. Basically the computer programs enable the user to supplement the real world environment with objects created through computer. In a broader sense Virtual reality, intelligent systems and automation will slowly replace different aspects of industry, human interaction and progress of the human species at large.

In this context, India’s Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology Enabled Service’s (ITeS) industry have transformed the landscape in last three decades. The total economy of India has been refreshed by IT service industry since liberalization in 1991. It has almost become high quality but low cost back office of many multinational corporations providing support and services. But in recent time’s automation, virtual reality and intelligent systems are propelling the industry towards a work culture wherein developers, programmers and hardware engineers have to work hand- in-hand. The ever evolving mobile communication technology, Internet of Things, automated & intelligent industry, digital manufacturing, healthcare, entertainment, commerce and virtual reality based life have necessitated a new kind of professionals who have understanding of certain programming languages, maintain a database and also interact with computing, communicating and controlling embedded platforms.

Considering these factors and realizing the importance of technology shift, I2IT Trust/Society has setup a research center in the name of  Late.Shri.P.P.Chhabria , Founder-Chairman of Finolex Industries to carry forward his  vision. He being a person who was ahead of times substantiates the importance of research and development in futuristic areas. Along with traditional way of academic culture in India like institutions run by I2IT trust including engineering colleges at Pune and Ratnagiri, this new center would focus on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary areas of Science ,Engineering and Technology under one roof. This not for profit platform of I2IT trust abodes and supports high end research and development for the country and the world at large broadly categorized under The research areas are grouped under major themes of Intelligent Systems, Engineering Systems, Electronic & Photonic System, Cognitive Systems and Applied Materials Systems. The research includes areas like IOT, 3D-printing, Virtual reality, Nanobiotechnology, Photonics Integrated circuits, Robotics, Nanosatellites and optogenetics. Please do visit (www.ppcrc.in) for details and looking forward to readers, industrial colleagues and academicians support in this new endeavor.

Author Name:

Ms.Aruna Katara

President

I2IT Trust /Society