IEEE SPS Bangalore Chapter, 2024
Introduction
The IEEE Signal Processing Society (SPS) Bangalore Chapter has maintained its position as the largest technical society under the Bangalore Section, with 29 student branches and the highest number of members globally. In 2024, under the leadership of our Chair, Dr. Abhishek Appaji, and the Executive Committee (Execom), the chapter saw a significant increase in both student branches and membership through a series of professional and innovative events. We have been continuously supported by SPS global and IEEE Bangalore Section both financially and technically to conduct various initiatives such as SPS forums, chapter activities, and seasonal schools. Below is a summary of major events and initiatives conducted by the Bangalore Chapter in 2024.
Key Events and Initiatives in 2024
The year kicked off with the Annual General Meeting held at BMSIT, where the formal financial summary and discussions were presented. Outstanding performers, both professional and student members, were felicitated. The new Executive Committee (Execom) was formed with members from various sectors, including industry, academia, and students. Some of the key events held in 2024 are listed below.
Technical Events
IEEE SPS Seasonal School on AI Trends in Signal Processing (January 29 to February 2, 2024)
Held at RNSIT, this seasonal school provided a comprehensive understanding of AI applications in Image Processing and Speech/Audio Processing. Topics covered included the use of MATLAB toolboxes, deep learning techniques, and hardware deployment of these algorithms.
MathWorks Workshop (February 24, 2024)
In collaboration with IEEE SPS Bangalore Chapter and IEEE Computer Society Bangalore Chapter, this workshop was held at MathWorks Bangalore Office. The event focused on “Embracing AI in Engineering: Industry, Academia, and Upskilling for Success.” Discussions on integrating AI into computer science curricula and showcased industry projects, offering valuable insights into AI’s impact on computer science.
Deep Learning Bootcamp (March 11-22, 2024)
This two-week online bootcamp, led by Anitha Rathnam K V, provided hands-on learning sessions in the first week and project work in the second week. It offered a valuable opportunity for members to upskill in deep learning techniques.
Capture the Signal (July 5-6, 2024)
Held at BMS Institute of Technology & Management, this event combined Image and Audio Processing with Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges. Participants engaged in audio/image processing tasks and worked with microcontrollers like Esp32 and Arduino. The event offered exciting prizes and was a great opportunity for networking and learning.
Faculty Development Program (FDP) on Blockchain Technologies (June 13-15, 2024)
In collaboration with TiE Bangalore, Matrix Forum, and Algorand, the IEEE SPS Bangalore Chapter participated as an outreach partner for the FDP titled “Next-Gen Educators: Mastering Blockchain with Algorand.” The program aimed to equip academic professionals with the basics of blockchain, decentralized application development, and integrating blockchain education into curricula.
IEEE SPS Industry Forum (August 20, 2024)
Held at Samsung R&D Institute Bangalore (SRIB), this forum brought together professionals, industry experts, students, and academicians to explore advancements in Biomedical Signal Processing and the Metaverse, with a special focus on GenAI. It featured keynote sessions from leading experts, a panel discussion on GenAI’s potential in biomedical engineering, and opportunities for networking.
Workshop on Wheels (December 14, 2024)
The IEEE SPS Bangalore Chapter, in collaboration with VVET Mysore, organized the “Workshop on Wheels.” Participants engaged in presentations and discussions on signal processing topics during the journey. Upon arrival at VVET Mysore, attendees participated in a workshop, followed by lunch and an optional visit to Mysore Palace. The event combined learning, networking, and cultural exploration, concluding with a return trip to Bangalore by 6:30 PM.
Authorship Workshop
The B.N.M. Institute of Technology hosted an “Authorship Workshop” on June 14, 2024, organized by the IEEE BNMIT student branch chapter of the Signal Processing Society (SPS). The workshop, attended by 85 participants, aimed to prepare students for academic publishing. Dr. Arun Balodi, Professor at Dayananda Sagar University, provided an introduction to ICASSP 2025 and conducted a comprehensive training session on LaTeX, a software tool for preparing research papers. Dr. Ambar Bajpai, Associate Professor at GITAM University, discussed the challenges of writing research papers, emphasized the importance of seeking guidance from faculty, and warned against plagiarism and predatory journals. Both speakers received mementos in appreciation of their contributions.
ICASSP Satellite Workshop (April 2, 2024)
Held at HICC Novotel Hyderabad, this workshop served as part of the preparations for ICASSP 2025, to be held in India. The event featured participants from across India and internationally, discussing cutting-edge signal processing topics. The Bangalore Chapter also provided bursaries to support deserving participants.
Women in Signal Processing – International Women’s Day Talk (March 11, 2024)
To celebrate International Women’s Day, IEEE SPS Bangalore Chapter organized a talk titled “Women in Signal Processing: Journey of SPS President 2022-23.” Prof. Athina P. Petropulu, IEEE SPS President (2022-2023), delivered an inspiring session on her professional journey, celebrating women’s contributions to signal processing.
INSIGHT-HUB (May 10, 2024)
In collaboration with BMS Institute of Technology & Management, this event featured Varun Sarathchandran, a recipient of the IEEE SPS Scholarship, providing mentorship on opportunities in signal processing and scholarships to aspiring students.
Signal Synergy Conclave (June 20-22, 2024
This event, hosted by IEEE AIT SPS SBC & IEEE AIT MTT-S SBC in association with IEEE SPS Bangalore Chapter, was held at Atria Institute of Technology. It provided a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in signal processing.
CONECCT 2024
The SPS Bangalore Chapter was also actively involved in CONECCT 2024, where Author Workshops were held to guide participants on effective research writing. There were numerous events organised by IEEE SPS Bangalore Chapter and the listed here are just few due to the limitation in number of pages. Year 2024 was a remarkable year for IEEE Signal Processing Society Bangalore Chapter, with a wide range of events that fostered learning, networking, and collaboration. The chapter continues to grow and provide valuable opportunities for students, professionals, and academics in the field of signal processing. The events held throughout the year have further strengthened the chapter’s commitment to advancing the signal processing community both technically and professionally without missing the fun part also.
Mysore Student Congress (6 July 2024)
The IEEE Mysore Subsection Student Congress 2024, themed “Beyond the Classroom,” was held on July 6th at Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering, attracting 106 participants. The event featured a heritage walk, keynote speeches by Anindhya Saha and Dr. Hrishikesh Damle, technical sessions, interactive activities, a workshop on PCB circuits, a treasure hunt, and a beatbox performance. The Congress provided a platform for students to learn from experts, engage in hands-on activities, and network with peers, fostering a vibrant learning environment.
Social Outreach and DEI Initiatives
IDEASPRING 24
As a technical sponsor for the “IDEASPRING” event held in February 2024, IEEE SPS played a key role in supporting the Design Impact Movement, a social initiative by Titan Company Ltd. This initiative empowers individuals and organizations to drive sustainable change through social design. Recognizing the limitations of short-term solutions, the platform encourages individuals to address global challenges by aligning their ideas with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Open to individuals from various sectors like Environment, Healthcare, and Agriculture, the platform provides access to resources and support, including the Design Impact Awards, which offer grants to innovative social design projects.
ICWITE 2024
The IEEE International Conference for Women in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ICWITE 2024) is a flagship event of the IEEE WIE Bangalore Section, held in Bangalore, India, from February 16-17, 2024. This international conference, with IEEE SPS as a technical sponsor, focuses on “Engineering Sustainable Futures Responsibly.” It brings together women researchers, technologists, and entrepreneurs to showcase their expertise, share innovative solutions, and foster an ecosystem for women in these fields. ICWITE 2024 features a diverse program, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, paper and poster presentations, workshops, and project demonstrations across various domains like AI/ML, blockchain, and renewable energy, with a strong emphasis on humanitarian applications.
PROGRESS Workshop
Held on April 2, 2024, from 09:00 to 10:30 IST in Hyderabad, promoted diversity and inclusion in signal processing. The session featured renowned speakers, including Prof. V. John Mathews from Oregon State University, Prof. G. Bhuvaneswari from Mahindra University, and Prof. Monika Aggarwal from IIT Delhi, who shared insights on cutting-edge advancements in signal processing research and their applications. The workshop fostered valuable knowledge exchange and discussions among attendees, with the session chaired by Abhishek Appaji and Mita Paunwala.
K-12 STEM Education Programs
The K-12 STEM education programs, sponsored by IEEE STEM and TRY ENGINEERING, aimed to provide hands-on learning experiences to students in underserved schools through mobile labs and workshops. These events, organized in collaboration with institutions like REVA University, VVIET, Atria Institute of Technology, and BMSIT, brought STEM education directly to schools with limited resources. Through interactive sessions on robotics, coding, engineering challenges, and more, the programs inspired students and sparked their interest in STEM fields. The initiative helped bridge the educational gap, empowering young learners with valuable skills and knowledge for the future.
Cymaplog
Held on 5 May 2024 in collaboration with BMSCE ISRC, highlighted the importance of green urban mobility and environmental cleanliness. This engaging triathlon, lasting five hours, included a cyclothon from B.M.S. College of Engineering to Cubbon Park, a marathon through city stretches, and a plogging race targeting heavily littered areas around Cubbon Park. Over 90 participants actively cleaned these hotspots, combining fitness with environmental responsibility. CYMAPLOG 2.0 fostered a sense of shared responsibility for preserving Bengaluru’s urban beauty. Participants left with a renewed understanding of their role in creating cleaner, healthier cities.
Major Conferences and Collaborations
SPCON 2024
IEEE SPS, as a technical co-sponsor, partnered with IISc and IEEE Communication Society Bangalore Chapter organized SPCOM 2024, the 15th in a series of biennial conferences held at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, India, from July 1-4, 2024. This premier event brought together researchers from academia, industry, and research laboratories to exchange knowledge and insights on the latest advancements in signal processing and communications. The conference program was enriched by 3 plenaries, 5 tutorials, 20 invited talks, and approximately 75 contributed papers, featuring distinguished speakers and a panel discussion on the impact of AI on these fields. SPCOM 2024 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the organizing committee, the support of IEEE SPS and ComSoc Bangalore Chapters, and generous contributions from financial sponsors. IISc provided crucial institutional and financial backing for the successful execution of the conference
CONECCT 2024
IEEE SPS, as a technical sponsor, contributed to the success of IEEE CONECCT 2024, the 10th edition of a premier international conference dedicated to advancements in Electronics, Computing and Communication Technologies. Held at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, from July 12-14, 2024, CONECCT 2024 served as a flagship event for the Bangalore Section of IEEE, bringing together scientists, technology leaders, and innovators to discuss cutting-edge research and the future of technology. The conference featured a highly selective technical program encompassing peer-reviewed papers, invited talks, and a diverse range of professional events, including plenary talks, workshops, industry-led sessions, panel discussions, and thought leadership forums
SPACE 2024
Knowledge partner with AESS at SPACE 2024 (22 and 23 July 2024) The SPACE conference, organized by the IEEE AESS Bangalore Chapter, serves as a premier interdisciplinary forum for experts, engineers, and researchers from space, aerospace, and defense domains. This conference benefits from the support of knowledge partners like IEEE SPS, a specialized society within IEEE focusing on signal processing and applications. Held annually, SPACE provides a platform to discuss the latest advancements, explore innovative approaches, and address technical challenges in these critical fields. The conference fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing between industry professionals, researchers, and government agencies. It features keynote presentations, technical sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, all aimed at driving progress and innovation in aerospace and defense
Bharat 6G Summit
Partnered with COMSOC Bangalore Chapter at IIITB The IEEE BHARAT 6G SUMMIT was held on August 31, 2024, in Bangalore. This event brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss key aspects of 6G technology, including network architectures, spectrum sharing, radio access technologies, AI/ML in 6G, security, and sustainability. The summit aimed to foster collaboration and advance India’s position as a global leader in 6G development.
ICASSP 2025 Satellite Events (April 2, 2024)
Ph.D. Forum – Poster Session
The Ph.D. Forum – Poster Session, held from 11:00 – 12:00 IST, 13:00 – 14:00 IST, and 16:00 – 16:30 IST at MRG2, provided a platform for Ph.D. students to showcase their research in the field of signal processing. Attendees had the opportunity to view and discuss innovative research findings presented through posters. The session was chaired by N. Venkateswaran, facilitating engaging discussions and knowledge exchange among participants.
Sparse Signal Processing in 5G and 6G Wireless Communication
This tutorial, held from 11:00 – 13:00 IST at MRG1, explored the principles and applications of sparse signal processing in the context of 5G and 6G wireless communication systems. Speakers Aditya Jagannatham from IITK and Suraj Srivastava from IIT Jodhpur provided valuable insights into the evolving technologies that underpin modern wireless networks. The session was chaired by K V S Hari, allowing for a deep dive into the subject and fruitful interaction with the audience.
SPS Edu Board Event – IoT Workshop
The SPS Edu Board Event – IoT Workshop took place from 11:00 – 13:00 IST at MRG2, designed for both students and teachers. The workshop covered key topics such as basic coding, electronics, Arduino, and circuit building, with a focus on the Internet of Things (IoT). Participants also worked on a hands-on project related to a traffic light controller, gaining practical experience and insights into IoT applications. The session aimed to enhance the understanding of IoT concepts and foster skills in electronics and programming.
Industry Forum
The Industry Forum, held from 14:00 – 16:00 IST at MRG1, brought together prominent industry leaders to share their perspectives on the latest trends and challenges in signal processing and its applications. Speakers included Dr. Venu Kandadai, CEO of Manjeera Digital Systems; Dr. Krishna Nagarajan, CEO of Couth IT; Ayan Ghosh, Sr. Manager at Silicon Labs; and Dr. Sriram Mudulodu, Director of Engineering at Silicon Labs. The session was chaired by N Venkatesh and Sanjeev, offering an insightful discussion on the current landscape and future directions in the industry.
SPS India Conclave Meeting
The SPS India Conclave Meeting, held from 16:30 – 18:00 IST at MRG1, focused on the progress of ICASSP 2025 preparations and the future plans for Indian SPS Chapters. The meeting also featured presentations from various chapters and student chapters. Chaired by Chirag Paunwala, the session provided an opportunity for attendees to discuss key developments and initiatives within the Indian signal processing community, promoting collaboration and planning for the future of SPS in India.