The 21st Annual Session of Students’ Chemical Engineering Congress (IIChE SCHEMCON – 2025) was formally inaugurated today at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)-Vellore. Organized for the first time at VIT by the School of Chemical Engineering and the IIChE VIT Student Chapter, in association with the IIChE Vellore Regional Centre and sponsored by DST-ANRF, the two-day event is set to explore the theme of “Sustainable Development in Energy and Environment.”

The esteemed Chief Guest for the session was Padma Shri Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Council for Science & Technology, who delivered a thought-provoking Plenary Session on “Opportunities and Challenges in Chemical Engineering: Agriculture to Aerospace.” The Guests of Honour included Ms. Tara Parthasarathy, Managing Director, Ultramarine and Pigments Ltd. (UPL), Ranipet, and Dr. Ajay Bansal, President IIChE-Kolkata & Registrar, NIT Jalandhar. Dr. Sandhya Pentareddy, VIT Executive Director, graced the occasion and emphasised the critical importance of creating a sustainable and better world for the future, urging participants to actively contribute to research in this vital area. The dignitaries on the dais also included Dr. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Jayabarathi T., Registrar; Dr. Velu S., Dean, School of Chemical Engineering; and Dr. L. Muruganandam, Convenor, IIChE SCHEMCON-2025.

SCHEMCON, the Students’ Chemical Engineering Congress, is a premier annual event organized by the student chapters of the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE). It serves as a vital national platform for Chemical Engineering students to interact, learn, and gain essential exposure to the expanding frontiers of chemical engineering. This year’s congress features a comprehensive program including 7 Keynote Sessions, 12 M.P. Chary Presentations, 170+ Paper Presentations, and 95+ Poster Presentations. The technical sessions are broadly classified under 14 themes, reflecting the modern and interdisciplinary nature of the field.

Conference Themes Include:

• AES: Alternative energy sources and storage
• AMC: AI/ML in chemical and allied engineering
• CSE: Catalysis for sustainable future in Chemical Engineering
• ESD: Environmental and sustainable Development
• GCH: Green Chemistry
• I50: Industry 5.0
• NAN: Nanotechnology
• PTE: Pharmaceutical Technology
• MMT: Materials and manufacturing technologies

SCHEMCON-2025 aims to foster innovation and discussion in crucial areas for a sustainable future, marking a significant milestone in chemical engineering education and research in India.