The Symposium on Data for Public Good 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators from across the globe to explore the transformative potential of data in addressing societal challenges. Held in JN Tata Auditorium, in IISc, on September 19-20, the symposium served as a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration.

Imagine a room filled with over 1,200 brilliant minds – government officials, industry titans, academic visionaries – all focused on one thing: harnessing data to solve our greatest societal challenges. This event wasn’t just a symposium; it was an effort towards creating data driven future.

This year’s gathering underscored CDPG’s dedication to transforming data into a catalyst for societal advancement – tackling real-world issues in healthcare, urban mobility, sustainability, and beyond. From discussions on responsible AI to sessions on sustainable urban planning, this symposium was about harnessing data for meaningful change. Backed by major collaborators like Maruti Suzuki (Platinum Sponsor) and IEEE Bangalore Section (Knowledge Partner), the symposium marked a new era in data-driven innovation and collaboration.

Workshops sparking real-world solutions

As a collaborative hub, CDPG’s mission is clear: to leverage data ethically and impactfully for public resilience and growth. To this end, day-one of the symposium kicked off with workshops designed to bridge knowledge and practical impact.

Topics covered included:

• • Education and Training for Responsible AI
  • Harnessing the Power of Remote Sensing Data
  • Secure Data Handling Using Privacy Enhancing Technologies
  • Young Researchers’ Forum on Data and AI for Public Good
  • Geospatial Data Processing on the GSX Platform
  • Healthcare Knowledge Graphs and Analytics
  • Data for Urban Good: Perspectives on Data Science and MLOps

These sessions encouraged participants to engage directly with cutting-edge tools and practices in data science, facilitated by experts from ISRO, IISc, IIT, Wipro, Siemens, and more. The dynamic exchanges within these workshops spurred new ideas and fostered collaboration, energising attendees to think beyond conventional boundaries.

Visionary keynotes and provocative panels

On day two, keynote sessions took centre stage, featuring esteemed voices like Sharad Sharma, Co-Founder of iSPIRT Foundation, and Jayesh Ranjan IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of ITE&C & Department of Industries & Commerce of the Telangana Government. The dialogues were nothing short of compelling, tackling data’s potential in reshaping sectors such as public health, urban mobility, and privacy. Conversations weren’t just theoretical; they were grounded in actionable insights for ethical, impactful data application.

One standout panel on sustainable urban mobility deeply explored the complexities of modern transportation. Experts discussed actionable, data-driven strategies that cities can adopt to reduce emissions, alleviate congestion, and promote greener living spaces.

Other eminent speakers included:

• • Hitesh Kumar Makwana – Surveyor General of India, Govt of India
  • Abhijeet Sinha – National Program Director, Ease of Doing Business, Project Director, NHEV, President, CPOs of India, & Ex-CAG Member
  • Tulika Pandey – Senior Director, MeitY

A hackathon for the future: The Bengaluru Mobility Challenge

A highlight of the symposium was phase two of the Bengaluru Mobility Challenge. Co-hosted with the Bengaluru Traffic Police, this challenge invited innovative minds – from students to seasoned data professionals – to devise data-driven solutions to the city’s growing traffic congestion issues. Participants analysed live traffic data, using it to propose groundbreaking solutions for a safer, more efficient urban transport system. The event culminated in vibrant presentations from teams like GetFined from RV College of Engineering and Vidyashilp Tech from Vidyashilp University, each recognised for their impactful, real-world applications.

A new benchmark for data-driven transformation

Prof. Inder Gopal, Chairman of CDPG, emphasiszed how the symposium met its key objectives by addressing key challenges in using data to benefit citizens meaningfully. The second edition, significantly larger than the previous year, saw expanded participation and scope, enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration among experts from various fields. This gathering of diverse expertise is set to drive forward innovative solutions with far-reaching societal impact.

As we look to the future, the success of this symposium reinforces the importance of continued dialogue, experimentation, and partnerships. The outcomes of the 2024 event set the stage for even greater impact in the years to come. It also reaffirmed CDPG’s leadership when it comes to data. The momentum generated here is set to fuel continued innovation, paving the way for a future where data truly serves the public good.

A huge thank you to all the participants, partners, and organiszers who made this event a grand success! Together, we are charting a path towards a data-driven, equitable, and innovative future.