KIIT Academic Empowerment Programme (K-AEP) 2026 Concludes

The annual flagship Faculty Development Programme, the KIIT Academic Empowerment Programme (K-AEP) 2026, concluded with a grand valedictory ceremony on 2 July 2026. Organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of KIIT Deemed to be University under the theme “Redefining Higher Education: Innovation, Mentoring & Stress Management,” the week-long initiative drew more than 1,100 faculty members from across the KIIT Group of Institutions.

The concluding day opened with a session on “Sustainability and Responsible Business” by Mr. Bibhuti Ranjan Pradhan, Executive Director (Coordination & CSR), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). He highlighted how environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility serve as pillars of inclusive national growth. Dr. Ajay Pradhan, Vice President of the Institute–Industry Innovation Initiative (4i) at KIIT, presented the strategic roadmap for KIIT RISE. This transformative project is designed to bridge the gap between industry and academia, fostering a research-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event culminated in a prestigious closing session featuring key dignitaries, including Prof. Ved Prakash, Former Chairman, UGC, along with KIIT Vice Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh, Registrar Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, and IQAC Dean Dr. Siddharth Swarup Rautaray. In his valedictory address, Prof. Ved Prakash discussed the rapid expansion of Indian higher education, addressing contemporary challenges and outlining vital reforms for quality and accessibility. The leadership panel commended the faculty’s active engagement, emphasizing that continuous professional development is central to KIIT’s mission of nurturing innovation, holistic well-being, and academic leadership.

Marking one of the largest upskilling drives by the university, K-AEP 2026 spanned 30 schools and institutes, hosting a total of 157 academic sessions, including 20 university-level and 137 school-level sessions. The major undertaking drew nearly 100 distinguished speakers, including 32 internal leaders and 68 eminent external experts from top-tier organizations such as IITs, AIIMS, NIMHANS, Tata Elxsi, TCS, IBM, PwC India, and IOCL.

The seamless execution of K-AEP 2026 underscores KIIT’s steadfast commitment to equipping its educators with modern pedagogical tools, research expertise, and the holistic wellness required to guide the next generation.