Tech Trek 2.0: Transforming Tomorrow's Tech Leaders Through AI & Data Science
Tech Trek, Jio Institute's AI & data science residential summer programme concluded its second edition with remarkable success, bringing together 30 bright minds spanning 10 Indian states for an intensive five-day journey into the future of technology. From June 23-27, 2025, participants from 25 premier educational institutions, including the likes of IIT Madras, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communications Technology (DA-IICT), MIT Manipal, and VIT, alongside professionals from industry leaders like Reliance Industries and Nielsen Media, converged at Jio Institute's campus for a transformative learning experience that seamlessly blended academic excellence with hands-on innovation.
Learning by Doing
The programme's strength lay in its multi-faceted pedagogy, extending far beyond traditional classroom settings. Participants learned data storytelling, AI-powered systems and product lifecycle management through practical workshops. They engaged in intensive coding sessions using Python and GitHub. Industry visits to the 5G Innovation Center at Reliance Corporate Park and FYND offered insights into how cutting-edge technologies such as AI and digital twins translate into practical applications.
The programme featured an intensive Hackathon Challenge that transformed learning into practical innovation. Participants formed groups to tackle real-world problems using AI, data storytelling, and product thinking methodologies. The diversity of solutions was remarkable, ranging from predictive traffic management systems and mental health chatbots to AI-driven educational tools.
Comprehensive Learning Curriculum
Tech Trek 2.0 delivered tech-led education through a carefully curated curriculum led by distinguished faculty and industry experts. The programme's academic foundation was built on five core modules:
- Data First to AI-First Evolution: Dr. Shailesh Kumar, Dean of Jio Institute, and Chief Data Scientist, Jio Platforms, guided participants through the paradigm shift from traditional data processing to AI-powered systems, exploring how organizations can leverage AI to drive innovation and efficiency.
- Data Storytelling Mastery: Mr. Raghav Shyam, Co-founder of Wilson Consulting, demonstrated the art of transforming complex analytics into compelling narratives.
- AI Fundamentals & Ethics: Dr. Mohamad Nassar from New Heavens University provided comprehensive coverage of the building blocks of AI, while emphasizing ethical and moral considerations.
- Computer Vision & Deep Learning: Dr. Sudipta Roy, Associate Professor at Jio Institute, delivered sessions focusing on advanced machine learning techniques, to understand how computers interpret and analyze visual information.
- AI Product Lifecycle Management: Dr. Vishnu Prasad and Dr. Kalyan Tadepalli led workshops on bringing AI solutions from concept to market, covering product development, implementation strategies, and real-world case simulations.
Industry Visits and Social Engagement
Industry visits provided invaluable real-world exposure. At Reliance Corporate Park (RCP), participants explored the 5G Innovation Center, Telecom OS laboratory, and Oil & Gas Simulation units, exploring how cutting-edge technology translates into practical applications. The visit to FYND offered insights into AI's role in retail and product development within a dynamic startup ecosystem.
Social engagement activities, including a talent showcase and movie night, created networking opportunities and built lasting connections among participants.
Transformative Outcomes
The Closing Ceremony on June 27, featuring Chief Guest Mr. Farooq Adam, Founder of FYND, celebrated the programme's achievements. Dr. Palak Sheth, Project Director at Jio Institute, emphasized the programme's mission to develop "technology creators rather than mere consumers". Mr. Adam's keynote address, "The AI Future," explored human-AI collaboration, ethical deployment, and entrepreneurial thinking in the contemporary tech landscape.
The programme's impact extended beyond technical skill development. Participants gained exposure to industry best practices, developed professional networks, and acquired a deeper understanding of AI's societal implications.
Looking Forward
Tech Trek 2.0 reinforces Jio Institute's commitment to nurturing the next generation of technology leaders. By combining world-class education with hands-on experience and industry exposure, the AI & data science programme created a unique ecosystem where theoretical knowledge transforms into practical innovation.
As one participant reflected during the closing circle: "It wasn't just about learning code. It was about learning to think, to question, and to create." This sentiment captures the programme's essence—developing not just technical skills, but the critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities essential for tomorrow's technology leaders.