June 20, 2026 | HYSEA, in partnership with the Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) and powered by Infosys Springboard, successfully concluded Project Drona 2.0, a flagship faculty development initiative designed to strengthen industry–academia collaboration and equip educators with the skills, perspectives, and technological expertise required to prepare the next generation of AI-ready professionals.
The programbrought together 397 faculty members from over 60 engineering colleges across Telangana for a comprehensive learning journey that combined 14 AI learning modules, five leadership courses, four AI certifications, expert-led masterclasses, industry interactions, and hands-on capstone projects. Through a blend of technical learning, leadership development, and practical application, Project Drona 2.0 enabled educators to integrate emerging technologies into teaching, research, and innovation.
Setting the Stage
Project Drona 2.0 commenced with an inaugural ceremony that brought together leaders from government, academia, and industry to reinforce a shared vision of building a future-ready talent ecosystem. The program was envisioned as more than a faculty development initiative—it was a collaborative movement to bridge the gap between academia and industry by empowering educators with contemporary knowledge, practical exposure, and a deeper understanding of emerging technologies.
Participants embarked on a structured learning journey focused on Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, leadership, and innovation, laying the foundation for meaningful classroom impact and stronger industry engagement.
Nenu Saitam – AI for Bharat
A defining milestone of Project Drona 2.0 was the “Nenu Saitam – AI for Bharat” initiative, delivered in collaboration with Viswam.AI. The initiative encouraged faculty members to actively contribute to India’s regional language AI ecosystem by supporting the development of AI models in Indian languages.
Demonstrating that educators are not merely consumers of technology but active contributors to its evolution, the initiative highlighted the importance of inclusive, responsible, and locally relevant AI. Faculty members were encouraged to participate in building AI solutions that reflect India’s linguistic diversity, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to innovation with societal impact.
Thought Leadership: Staying AI-Ready
As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, continuous learning has become essential for educators. To address this, Project Drona 2.0 featured an insightful Fireside Conversation moderated by Pankaj Vaish, with Prof. P. J. Narayanan, Director, IIIT Hyderabad, on the theme:
“How Faculty Are Using Industry Connects and Research to Stay AI-Ready.”
The discussion explored the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on education, the growing significance of research-led innovation, and the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry. Participants gained valuable insights into fostering curiosity, embracing lifelong learning, and preparing students for an AI-first world through experiential and research-oriented education.
Learning Through Industry Engagement
A key strength of Project Drona 2.0 was its emphasis on experiential learning. Throughout the program, participants worked closely with industry mentors from TCS, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and Broadridge, applying their learning to real-world business challenges through structured capstone projects.
This hands-on approach enabled faculty members to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions while gaining valuable exposure to contemporary industry practices. The capstone experience also fostered collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving—skills that educators can now carry forward into their classrooms and institutions.
Celebrating Achievement: Project Drona 2.0 Convocation
The learning journey culminated in the Project Drona 2.0 Convocation, a celebration of commitment, collaboration, and achievement.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Flt. Lt. Bipin Chandra Dutt Pendyala, President, HYSEA, who highlighted the pivotal role of educators in shaping a future-ready workforce and reaffirmed HYSEA’s commitment to strengthening industry–academia partnerships.
Vinay Agrawal presented “A Year in Perspective,” reflecting on the program’s evolution, key milestones, and the collective impact created through sustained collaboration among academia, industry, and government.
Delivering the Special Address, Prof. Tadisina Kishen Kumar Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, JNTUH, spoke on “Beyond Teaching: Faculty at the Frontline of Innovation and Commercialization,” encouraging educators to embrace research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization as integral aspects of higher education.
One of the most inspiring moments of the ceremony was the recognition of 212 “Dronas” representing 33 colleges, who successfully completed all program requirements and presented impactful capstone projects that reflected both technical excellence and practical relevance.
The convocation concluded with closing remarks by Nitin Kumar Reddy, CEO, TASK, who reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration among government, industry, and academia in building a resilient, innovation-driven talent ecosystem for Telangana.
Recognizing Institutions that Enable Excellence
Project Drona 2.0 celebrates not only individual achievement but also institutional leadership.
HYSEA recognized 28 colleges whose faculty demonstrated exceptional commitment to learning, innovation, and successful program completion.
The prestigious Prabhava Puraskaram was presented to five institutions in recognition of their exemplary leadership, sustained support for faculty development, and commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning. The awards underscored the vital role educational institutions play in enabling transformative initiatives and nurturing future-ready educators.
A Lasting Impact
Project Drona 2.0 reflects HYSEA’s continued commitment to creating meaningful partnerships that strengthen Telangana’s technology ecosystem. By bringing together government, academia, and industry, the initiative has empowered educators with future-focused skills, industry insights, AI capabilities, and practical experience that will influence thousands of students across the state.
As educators return to their institutions equipped with new knowledge, stronger industry connections, and an innovation-driven mindset, Project Drona 2.0 leaves behind a lasting legacy – one that extends beyond faculty development to shaping the next generation of technology talent and reinforcing Telangana’s position as a leader in innovation, research, and digital transformation.
