IIT Kharagpur, one of India’s premier institutions for technology and research, is set to host Optima 2025, the flagship Techno-Optimization Fest of the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering from March 7 to 9, 2025. The event aims to bring together some of the brightest minds in technology, optimization, and business strategy, offering a platform to compete, learn, and network with industry leaders.
Founded in 1951, IIT Kharagpur is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious engineering institutions, known for its cutting-edge research and academic excellence. The Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, which organizes Optima, has a long-standing reputation for pioneering advancements in operations research, supply chain management, and data-driven decision-making.
A Legacy of Excellence: Optima 2023 Recap
The previous edition, Optima 2023, was a grand success, featuring cutting-edge competitions, distinguished guest speakers, and prestigious industry sponsorships. The event attracted top students from IITs, NITs, and IIMs, competing in challenges spanning operations research, artificial intelligence, finance, and simulation modeling. Prominent speakers included Dr. Ravindra K. Ahuja (Founder & CEO, Optym), Prof. M. K. Tiwari (Director, IIM Mumbai), and industry leaders from Tata Steel, Swiggy, Sabre Travel Technologies, and Air India Digital and Tech. The event was sponsored by Air India, Blue Yonder, FlexSim, Ormae, and other leading firms, strengthening the bridge between academia and industry.
A Platform for Innovation and Excellence
Optima 2025 will feature a range of high-impact competitions, guest lectures, and workshops aimed at fostering problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and industry readiness among students. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in real-world challenges, enhance their technical expertise, and interact with professionals from leading global firms.
Flagship Competitions
The event will host several competitions across multiple domains, offering a total prize pool of ₹3,00,000 and pre-placement interview (PPI) opportunities for top performers. Key competitions include:
● HackTank – A BizTech Hackathon where participants solve business and technology-related challenges, with ₹1,00,000 in prizes and PPIs for winners. ● Strategy Sutram – A business strategy challenge testing decision-making and problem-solving skills.
● Operheimer – A real-world operations modeling competition, focusing on optimization and logistics.
● AI Odyssey – A challenge for AI and machine learning enthusiasts, testing their ability to build intelligent models.
● Stratathon – A game theory-based strategy event, evaluating negotiation and decision-making capabilities.
Industry-Led Learning Opportunities
A major highlight of Optima 2025 is its lineup of guest lectures by top industry experts, who will provide insights into artificial intelligence, operations research, data science, supply chain, and business strategy. The event will also feature exclusive workshops conducted by leading companies, offering participants hands-on experience in emerging technologies and industry best practices.
Industry Partnerships and Sponsorships
Optima 2025 is sponsored by Hire3X, Sirius DigiTech, Blue Yonder, and Optym, organizations known for their contributions to technology and optimization. These collaborations ensure that the event remains closely aligned with industry trends and provides participants with valuable exposure to professional opportunities.
Registration and Participation
Students from across the country, including IITs, NITs, and leading business schools, are invited to participate. With a total prize pool exceeding ₹3,00,000, along with internship and job opportunities, Optima 2025 offers a platform for aspiring professionals to showcase their skills and gain industry recognition.
