Recognising Excellence
Four awards honouring outstanding IIT alumni in research, entrepreneurship, community service, and lifetime achievement.
Nominations close 12 September 2026, 3:00 PM Melbourne time
About the Awards Programme
Now in their third year, the IITAV Annual Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding contributions by IIT alumni to research, entrepreneurship, and community. Winners are announced and presented at the Annual Diwali Gala each October.
Lifetime Achievement Award
IITAV's highest honour. Recognises an extraordinary IIT alumnus who has demonstrated sustained excellence, leadership, and service — leaving a lasting legacy and impact on Victoria and the broader Australian and Indian communities. May be conferred posthumously.
Eligibility
- Alumnus of any Indian Institute of Technology
- Resident in Australia with significant contributions to Indian and/or Australian communities
- Demonstrated sustained excellence and impact in career and community
- Embodies the values and ethos of the IITs
- Has contributed meaningfully to the growth and mission of IITAV
Application Requirements
- 1.Completed nomination form (self-nominations and nominations by IITAV members both accepted)
- 2.Brief description of achievements and contributions of nominee
- 3.Supporting documents
- 4.Nominee's photo
Prize
Honorary
+ Certificate, Trophy, IITAV profile feature
Evaluation Criteria
Award Sub-Committee
Chaired by a past president of IITAV or past award recipient, a senior IIT alumnus with significant professional or community experience, and a nominee from the IITAV Management Committee.
Closes 12 September 2026, 3:00 PM AEST
MCR Young Researchers Award
In honour of the late Prof. Mahesh Chandra Rander
Celebrates outstanding early-career researchers from the IITs residing in Victoria. Recognises those who address real-world problems with creative, research-based solutions and foster links between academia, industry, and community.
Eligibility
- IIT alumnus or current student under 35 years of age (as of 31 December 2026)
- Conducted research within the past two years
- Residing in Victoria, Australia
- Member or Associate Member of IITAV
- Lead author or principal investigator of the submitted research
- Both published and unpublished works accepted
- Previous recipients are not eligible
Application Requirements
- 1.Completed application form with short research impact answers
- 2.CV (maximum 2 pages)
- 3.Up to 2 letters of reference
- 4.Copy of research: published paper, thesis extract, or technical report
- 5.Video presentation (under 5 minutes)
Prize
A$1,000
+ Certificate, Trophy, IITAV profile feature
Evaluation Criteria
Award Sub-Committee
Chaired by a senior academic from Indian or Australian universities, plus two IIT alumni academics from Victorian institutions, one industry expert, and one IITAV observer.
Closes 12 September 2026, 3:00 PM AEST
Dilip Desai Rising Entrepreneur Award
In honour of the late Dilip Desai
Celebrates the spirit of innovation, leadership, and enterprise amongst young IITians in Victoria. Recognises founders building impactful startups or ventures that address real-world challenges across India and Australia.
Eligibility
- Founder or co-founder of a venture in operational status serving customers
- IIT alumnus or current student residing in Victoria, Australia
- Member or Associate Member of IITAV
- Actively involved in the operations or strategy of the venture
- Previous recipients of this award are not eligible
Application Requirements
- 1.Completed application form with entrepreneurial journey questions
- 2.A short pitch deck
- 3.CV (maximum 2 pages)
- 4.Up to 5-minute video pitching the business and showcasing its impact
- 5.Contact details of up to 2 referees (investors, mentors, advisors, or co-founders)
- 6.Optional: supporting materials such as media features or testimonials
Prize
A$1,000
+ Certificate, Trophy, IITAV profile feature
Evaluation Criteria
Award Sub-Committee
Chaired by a senior entrepreneur, VC, or business leader, plus a nominee from the IITAV Management Committee.
Closes 12 September 2026, 3:00 PM AEST
IITAV Volunteer of the Year Award
Certificate and Trophy
Acknowledges outstanding voluntary service to IITAV and the broader community. Determined entirely by the IITAV Management Committee — no nominations required from members.
Naming rights available — 3 or 5-year tenure
Past Winners
Celebrating the outstanding alumni recognised at previous IITAV Annual Award ceremonies.
Prof. Arun Kumar
Dr. Rishabh More
Winner · Monash University
Arvind Poshnath
1st runner-up
Abhishek Arya
2nd runner-up
Saby Bhattacharya
Sridhar Karuppasami
Kaneez Fiza
Dr. Dilip Desai
posthumous
Rahul Tyagi
Brunswick Fur Food
Propose a New Award
Sponsors may propose new award categories subject to approval by the IITAV Management Committee. Minimum contribution of A$1,000 plus certificate and trophy costs. Naming rights for 3 or 5 years.
Enquire about sponsorship →Award Governance
An Awards Sub-Committee is appointed annually by the IITAV Management Committee for a 2-year tenure. All Sub-Committee decisions on awards are final and binding. The committee ensures transparency and fairness throughout the selection process.
Sponsor queries: mail@iitav.org.au