Envision 2025: Green Energy Innovation at IIT Madras

The third edition of 'Envision 2025,' with the theme 'Ground Zero for Net-Zero,' has kicked off at IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP). The event brings together global experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to accelerate the country’s transition toward a net-zero future.

The three-day event, running from January 30 to February 1, 2025, is organised in collaboration with the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It emphasises the critical need for innovation and collaboration in clean energy solutions.

The event includes panel discussions, workshops, technology showcases, and expert sessions. Over 700 stakeholders and more than 50 expert speakers from diverse sectors are taking part to explore key topics such as renewable energy, energy storage, electric mobility, hydrogen fuel, and climate policy.

The event was inaugurated by IIT Madras Director Professor V. Kamakoti, alongside key figures including IITMRP CEO, Nat Malupillai; Professor-in-Charge, Radhakrishnan G. Pillai; Head of Energy Program, Anson Sando; Head of Marketing, Reema Saha, and IESA Founder and Chairperson Rahul Walawalkar.

The event features discussions with key dignitaries, including Sudeep Jain, Additional Secretary - MNRE, Sudha Ramen from the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission, Halima Hollan from the British Deputy High Commission for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and Silai Zaki, Australian Consul General in Chennai. Leading IIT Madras professors and industry experts from organizations such as First Solar, Ohmium, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and JSW will also share insights on the future of sustainable energy solutions.

A special screening of a short film on climate change, focused on Pulicat Lake, features a community-led cast alongside actors Adithi Balan and Charles Vinoth.

Speaking at the event, IIT Madras Director Professor V. Kamakoti said, “We must approach scaling solutions sustainably. This is where academia, industry, and stakeholders must collaborate to ensure we achieve our goals. For every challenge, we have demonstrated that there is a solution. We must harness energy in all possible ways and work toward net zero.”

He further urged researchers to align their work with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising that sustainability in business must not be overlooked.

Highlighting the increasing climate threats, IIT Madras Research Park CEO Nat Malupillai stated, “Climate change is a real and global problem. We are seeing a higher frequency of scorching summers, flash floods, wildfires, droughts, and many other such incidents. IIT Madras Research Park’s Envision 2025 conference brings together some of the best minds from academia, industry, startups, and government to discuss advancements in technology, including solar and wind energy, energy storage techniques, transport and mobility, green buildings, hydrogen fuel, heating and cooling, and the policies and investments needed to bring these solutions to the mainstream. Several companies and startups at IIT Madras Research Park are pioneering such work and will contribute towards India’s Net Zero commitments.”

IITM Research Park Head of Energy Program, Anson added, “Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and we are perhaps among the last generations with the ability to take decisive action. At IITM Research Park, we are driving a technology-led transformation to enable a rapid transition. The Envision conference serves both as a reminder of the gravity of the problem at hand and as an opportunity to celebrate progress and the potential for innovation to solve not just local and national challenges but global ones as well.”

IESA Founder and Chairperson, Rahul Walawalkar noted, “As we push forward in our journey towards net-zero, it’s clear that no single organisation, industry, or country can do it alone. The scale of the energy transition demands a global collaboration platform that brings together diverse stakeholders to bridge the gap between ambition and action. This is why Envision 2025: Ground Zero for Net Zero is such a powerful platform. It’s not just a conference—it’s a convergence of thought leaders from industry, academia, startups, and government, all working towards accelerating a sustainable and resilient energy future.”

The conference covers 14 key themes, including solar and wind energy, energy storage, electric mobility, green hydrogen, waste-to-energy, grid resilience, nuclear energy, climate finance, and the circular economy. The event also features the 'Pitch to Win' competition, showcasing innovative climate tech solutions from startups.

As India moves toward its net-zero commitments, Envision 2025 plays a crucial role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.