Long Beach, California, is gearing up to host a powerhouse assembly of IIT graduates and tech leaders at the Global Pan-IIT Conference, scheduled for April 22-25, 2026. Billed as ‘Innovate, Ignite and Thrive,’ the event will draw over 2,500 participants worldwide, highlighting how a tight-knit group of Indian-origin professionals is driving change in innovation hubs on both sides of the Pacific.
Venture capitalist Shashi Tripathi, the conference chair, shared insights in an IANS interview, revealing plans for grand keynotes, interactive panels, fireside chats, and hands-on workshops. A key session with NVIDIA will dive into startup fundraising and market entry tactics. Themes span AI advancements, sustainable healthcare solutions, investment landscapes, venture capital trends, private equity maneuvers, and strategic exits—mirroring the dual opportunities and challenges of the global economy.
Tripathi stressed inclusivity: ‘No barriers—open to all, regardless of alma mater or nationality.’ This ethos reflects the IIT alumni’s dual loyalty: thriving in America’s economy while fueling India’s growth. Despite comprising just 2% of the U.S. populace, Indian-Americans punch above their weight with an 8% economic contribution, spanning tech, business, healthcare, and beyond.
Challenging the narrative of India’s brain drain, Tripathi pointed to profound ties: ‘We’re building startups and ecosystems, not just sending money.’ Half his portfolio targets Indian ventures, born from intimate knowledge of the ecosystem. On AI, he hailed it as a game-changer surpassing the internet, thanks to its instant accessibility—no steep learning curve required.
‘Ignore AI at your peril—jobs will go to those who don’t adapt,’ he cautioned, yet remained optimistic about new opportunities emerging. Looking ahead, Tripathi sees India and the U.S. as ideal AI allies: U.S. capital and creativity meeting India’s digital scale. Their synergy could dominate the AI era, fortifying economic bonds and innovation pipelines. The Pan-IIT Meet stands as a testament to this enduring partnership.