The 19th edition of AZeotropy, IIT Bombay’s flagship annual chemical engineering symposium, unfolded on March 22, 2025, bringing together young innovators, industry leaders, and academic minds from across India. With a dynamic mix of workshops, speaker sessions, panel discussions, and competitions, the one-day extravaganza offered a rich platform for learning, networking, and celebrating the spirit of chemical engineering.
Applause for Our Campus Ambassadors
A huge shoutout goes to the campus ambassadors across the country. Their dedication and tireless efforts were instrumental in building excitement, driving participation, and making AZeotropy 2025 the roaring success it was.
Workshops That Jumpstarted the Day
AZeotropy 2025 kicked off with three technical workshops that gave participants hands-on exposure to advanced simulation and modelling tools:
- DWSIM: Focused on process simulation and modeling—ideal for budding process engineers.
- Ansys: A deep exploration of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis.
- OpenFOAM: An open-source workshop introducing CFD applications and practical implementations.
These sessions laid a solid technical foundation and sparked insightful conversations between students and experts.
Inauguration Ceremony: Words That Inspired
Post workshops, the inauguration ceremony set the tone for the day. Senior professors from IIT Bombay’s department of chemical engineering shared their perspectives on the future of the field. Their motivational messages reinforced the importance of such platforms in bridging academia with industry needs.
Power-Packed Speaker Sessions
AZeotropy’s lecture series was a true centerpiece, offering an uninterrupted sequence of thought-provoking talks:
- S. Bharathan, Director-Refineries, HPCL, delivered a compelling session on how chemical engineers are powering engineering transitions and sustainability in industry.
- Maulik Mehta, CEO of Deepak Nitrite, shared his leadership journey, inspiring aspiring chemical engineers to pursue impactful careers in the corporate world.
- Prof. Genki Yoshikawa from Japan captivated the audience with a lecture on The Future of Artificial Olfaction. His session stood out not just for its content but also for its energy—especially when he played an original song composed for AZeotropy, turning the lecture hall into a celebration of science and music.
Engaging Panel Discussions with Industry Leaders
The event featured two lively panel discussions that explored cutting-edge themes:
*Entrepreneurship in the Chemical Industry: This session unpacked the startup ecosystem, highlighting opportunities and roadblocks for chemical tech ventures.
*Sustainable Energy Transitions in Chemical Industries: Experts discussed how the industry can—and must—adapt to the global call for cleaner energy solutions.
These discussions fostered two-way conversations, giving attendees direct access to industry veterans and academic leaders.
VR Workshop: A Virtual Refinery Tour
Adding a futuristic edge to the event, a Virtual Reality (VR) workshop ran alongside the main program. Participants explored a real-time 3D model of an oil refinery—an immersive experience that blended learning with technology in a truly memorable way.
Competitions: Innovation Meets Execution
A series of high-energy competitions brought out the best of strategy, creativity, and technical skill among student participants. Final rounds were judged by experts and filled with gripping moments. Some of the standout contests included:
- AZEOROVER: Teams designed chemical energy-based rovers and navigated complex challenges—showcasing top-tier engineering and teamwork.
- Chem-O-Philia: A thrilling chemical engineering quiz that kept participants sharp and engaged with a mix of serious science and fun trivia.
- IDP (Industrial Design Problem): Students solved real-world industrial challenges with innovative design thinking.
- CHEMPRENEUR: A startup pitch event blending entrepreneurship with chemical innovation, highlighting business ideas that could transform the industry.
A Fitting Finale
The day concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony, honouring winners and recognizing excellence across all competitions. For many, it was not just the awards but the journey and collaboration that made it a day to remember.
Looking Forward to AZeotropy 2026
AZeotropy 2025 succeeded in blending technical rigor with vibrant community energy. It not only highlighted the relevance of chemical engineering in solving global challenges but also kindled curiosity in the next generation of engineers. As per the press release, with renewed passion and vision, the organizing team now looks ahead to an even bigger and bolder AZeotropy 2026.
