The IEEE Student Branch at Loyola-ICAM College of Engineering and Technology (LICET) has experienced a dynamic and enriching journey over the past two academic years. From launching new chapters to organizing technical workshops and insightful guest lectures, each initiative has bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world technological applications, while nurturing leadership, teamwork, and a spirit of innovation among students.
Cultivating Innovation Through Tech Talks and Engagement
A major highlight of the branch’s first academic year was the official inauguration of the IEEE Student Branch Chapter and IEEE Photonics Society at LICET. The event, held in the LICET Auditorium, featured T.D. Subash, a member of the IEEE Photonics Society’s Board of Governors, who presided over the ceremony. With 244 attendees, the launch marked a significant milestone in expanding IEEE’s presence on campus and set a strong foundation for future initiatives.
Building on this momentum, the chapter organized several impactful events to expose students to emerging technologies and career pathways. An Expert Talk on Embedded Systems and IoT was delivered by Hareesh Janakiraman, Microcontroller Application Engineer at Texas Instruments. Attended by over 30 participants, the session offered valuable insights into the latest industry trends and job opportunities in the embedded systems domain. Another thought-provoking lecture, “Revolutionizing Industries with IoT and Robots,” was led by Mr. Shivkumar, COO at MELSS, and attended by 65 second-year students and faculty. The session explored evolving roles and innovations in robotics and IoT, helping students understand future prospects in these rapidly developing fields.
Continuing its commitment to socially relevant innovation, the chapter hosted a guest lecture titled “Advancing Technology and Innovation to Empower Artisanal Deep-Sea Fishers,” presented by Mr. J. Bino and Mr. Vincent Joseph. The session emphasized the role of technology in supporting coastal communities and was attended by 88 students and faculty in the F11-Smart Room.
In the following academic year, the branch organized a three-day national workshop on “Advancements in Photonics and Optical Networks.” The workshop brought together 31 students and researchers in electronics and communication engineering and featured distinguished speakers including Brindha (Sri SaiRam College of Engineering), Uma Maheswari (LICET), Vivek Devendra Kachhatiya (SRM), and H. Usha Rani (Anna University). Topics covered included Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), photonic integrated circuits, and AI applications in optical networks. Through a mix of expert presentations, hands-on discussions, and real-world case studies, participants gained a deeper understanding of the evolving optical technology landscape. Certificates were awarded to recognize their active participation and learning.
The branch also demonstrated its dedication to creativity and engagement through a variety of student-focused events. On National Space Day, a Space Ideathon challenged ten student teams to present innovative ideas in space technology, while also learning about ISRO’s projects. IEEE Day was celebrated with interactive games and refreshments, fostering camaraderie and community spirit among members.
The academic year’s most anticipated event, however, was Technexus, LICET’s flagship inter-college technical fest. The event attracted 154 participants from various institutions and featured competitions such as Codeathon, Circuit Debugging, Technical Quiz, and Poster Design. These activities provided a dynamic platform for students to test their knowledge, develop technical skills, and collaborate with peers in a spirited environment.
As part of the prestigious Loyola College, Chennai—established in 1925 by Jesuits—LICET benefits from strong ties to international academic institutions and professional societies. The continued support from alumni, many of whom are leading experts in their fields and volunteer their time to mentor students, has been instrumental in the chapter’s growth. Their selfless contributions continue to inspire and empower the next generation of engineers, reinforcing LICET’s legacy of excellence and service.
Future Forward
The achievements of IEEE LICET Student Branch members speak volumes about the impact of its programs and culture. From securing top honors in prestigious competitions like the e-Yantra IIT Bombay Drone Challenge to consecutive wins in the Smart India Hackathon in 2024 and 2025, these milestones highlight the power of effective mentoring, strong teamwork, and hands-on experience.
At the heart of this success lies a commitment to best practices that prioritize student leadership and engagement. Volunteers are not only guided but also encouraged to take initiative, contribute ideas, and rotate through leadership roles, building confidence, creativity, and collaboration. This inclusive, student-driven model ensures that every member can thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Through these forward-thinking efforts, the IEEE LICET Student Branch is not just nurturing engineers—it’s shaping innovators and leaders committed to excellence and societal progress.
