Thousands of Indian Institute of Technology alumni will gather in Long Beach, California, next April for the Global Pan-IIT Conference, focusing on innovation and collaboration across various sectors.
LONG BEACH, CA – The Global Pan-IIT Conference is set to take place in Long Beach, California, from April 22 to 25, 2026, bringing together thousands of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumni, entrepreneurs, and executives. This four-day event aims to highlight the significant impact that this relatively small community of Indian-origin technologists has had on innovation, capital, and public life in both India and the United States.
Under the theme “Innovate, Ignite and Thrive,” the conference is expected to attract over 2,500 participants from around the globe. Shashi Tripathi, a venture capitalist and chair of the 2026 gathering, emphasized the importance of convening “some of the world’s brightest minds and industry leaders” during a time when technology, geopolitics, and economic power are rapidly evolving.
The conference will address various themes that reflect both opportunities and challenges in the global economy. Topics will include artificial intelligence, health and sustainability, investment and venture capital, private equity and exit planning, as well as what organizers describe as “global connect geopolitical issues.”
Tripathi noted that the event is designed to be inclusive, stating, “Anyone can attend. You don’t need to be from IIT, you don’t need to be Indian.” This openness aims to foster a diverse environment where ideas can flourish.
For decades, IIT graduates have been recognized for their contributions to Silicon Valley and the broader technology sector. However, Tripathi pointed out that the community has expanded its influence into healthcare, startups, venture capital, and corporate leadership. “We are now moving beyond tech,” he explained. “We are in healthcare. We are in businesses. We are into startups. We are creating the economy as part of this ecosystem.”
In addition to panels and policy discussions, the conference will offer an immersive experience for attendees. Organizers plan to include curated lunch discussions focused on careers and hiring, evening cultural programming, morning yoga sessions, and workshops for children. Audience engagement will be enhanced through a conference app, allowing for real-time questions and interactions.
The Pan-IIT conference series has previously featured notable figures such as Narendra Modi, Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Satya Nadella, and Sundar Pichai. However, Tripathi emphasized that the 2026 edition is less about celebrity appearances and more about continuity. It serves as a reminder that a network forged in India’s engineering classrooms now spans two economies and increasingly, two futures.
According to IANS, the Global Pan-IIT Conference represents a significant opportunity for collaboration and innovation among a diverse group of leaders and thinkers.