The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) announced on October 1, 2023 that Dr. Gopichand Katragadda has been appointed as the 142nd President of their prestigious institution. Dr. Katragadda’s appointment holds a special place in the institution’s annals as he becomes the first Indian to assume this esteemed role. In fact, his presidency marks the first time an Indian has held the highest office in any global engineering body. He succeeded Professor Bob Cryan CBE, the Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University of Huddersfield.
As President, Gopi is poised to work closely with the IET to chart its course and strategies in advancing engineering and technology within our society. He’ll be the face of the IET at various events and conferences, passionately advocating for its interests. Gopi will also play a pivotal role in supporting the continuous professional development of IET members and spearhead initiatives aimed at advancing innovation and research within the engineering community, with a particular focus on the AI landscape.
Gopi firmly believes that AI is the technological force of our time, akin to the internet’s transformative potential in the early 1990s. He emphasizes that engineers must lead the way in delivering a resilient future by embracing innovation and technological advancements. He is dedicated to working with policymakers to define ethical frameworks for the use of data and AI, ensuring that these technologies serve humanity responsibly.
Dr. Katragadda boasts a remarkable career as a technologist and executive leader. He is the founder and CEO of Myelin Foundry, and serves as an independent director for esteemed organizations such as Bosch India Limited and ICICI Securities. In his previous roles, he has served as the Group Chief Technology Officer and Innovation Head of Tata Sons, facilitating pioneering products and services, strategic technology collaborations, and innovation across the Tata Group. Additionally, he has been the Chairman and Managing Director of GE India Technology Centre, where he played a pivotal role in growing GE’s largest R&D center. Gopi’s diverse achievements also include over 30 journal publications and five patents.
Dr. Gopichand Katragadda brings a clear vision and a resolute sense of purpose to his role as President of the IET. His passion for promoting innovation and research in engineering, especially in the realm of AI, shines through. His mission is to ensure that engineers play a central role in shaping a resilient and ethical future driven by AI. As he leads the IET into the future, he remains committed to the institution’s mission of engineering a better world, inspiring us all to dream big and work diligently to achieve it.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is one of the world’s largest and most influential organisations, having over 168,000 members across 150 countries. It is a multifunctional professional engineering institution with a remarkable mission: to encourage technical innovation while inspiring, educating, and influencing the world’s engineering community. The IET works with engineers, legislators, business executives, and academics to actively shape the world. The IET channels its collective energy into a variety of key themes, such as digital transformation, energy, healthcare, transport, and manufacturing. additionally, the institution leads the way in research and innovation in emerging fields, such as quantum engineering, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity. By staying ahead in technological advancements, the IET empowers its members to lead the charge in engineering a brighter future.
