Warm greetings from the Alumni Relations Division (ARD) and the Student Alumni Relations Cell (SARC) of BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus! We are delighted to present the September 2026 edition of Campus Connect, capturing a milestone-filled month defined by alumni breakthroughs, landmark institutional partnerships, outstanding student achievements, and a vibrant campus calendar.
This September was marked by remarkable moments for our alumni community and the institute. Globally, Flam, co-founded by alumni Shourya Agarwal and Malhar Patil, raised $40 million in a Series B round, while Pixxel, founded by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal, closed a $100 million Series C round, India’s largest-ever in the space-technology sector. Anagha Rajesh took her deep-tech startup BioCompute to San Francisco, and Rahul Bisht prepared to represent India in League of Legends at the 2026 Asian Games. On campus, BITS Goa hosted the 14th International Conference on Big Data and AI (BDA 2026), a national conference on GST reforms, and a workshop for over 120 HSSC Chemistry teachers, introduced the new XR Lab, launched the AMRIT Centre for Advanced Materials, and honoured faculty at Samarpan 2026. The institute also signed collaborations with India Accelerator, Rane Group, IIT Madras, and Apollo Knowledge.
Our students continued to excel across competitive and creative arenas. Shivansh Goyal won First Prize for Best Speaker at the Goa Youth Conclave, Krish Garg secured an All India Rank of 12 at the Integral Cup 2026 and a place in the Grand Finale at IIT Madras, Team Agrisevak earned third place at the Democratised Agriculture Hackathon organised by Imperial College London, and BITSkrieg won first place worldwide at the z0d1ak CTF. Campus life thrived with the inter-hostel spirit of Zephyr 2026, Airball’s high-stakes sports auction, the Maharashtra Mandal’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, the Pre-Waves comedy night, Srutilaya’s Sursangam 2026, and SARC’s BITS2STARTUP session with alumni founders—complemented by nostalgic night captures in our Walk Down Memory Lane gallery.
The achievements of our students, faculty, and alumni reflect the enduring ethos of innovation, curiosity, and mutual support that defines BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus. As we move ahead into the semester, the energy and camaraderie of September inspire us to scale even greater heights.
From BITS Goa to $40 Million: Flam Raises Series B
Flam, the AI interactive content startup co-founded by BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus alumni Shourya Agarwal and Malhar Patil, has raised $40 million in a Series B funding round led by QED Investors in September 2026.
The company is building a new generation of interactive digital experiences, enabling creators and businesses to develop immersive videos, real-time 3D experiences, and lifelike visual agents. The latest funding marks a significant milestone in Flam’s growth and highlights the entrepreneurial journey of our alumni as they continue to make their mark in the rapidly evolving AI and technology landscape.
Flam co-founders Shourya Agarwal and Malhar Patil.
Pixxel founders Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal.
Reaching New Heights: Pixxel Raises $100 Million Series C
Carrying forward the legacy of BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, alumni Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal have achieved a major milestone with their spacetech venture, Pixxel, which raised $100 million in a Series C funding round in September 2026.
Co-led by Temasek and Seraphim Space, the round marked India’s largest-ever funding round in the space-technology sector, taking Pixxel’s total funding to $195 million. The milestone underscores the growing global recognition of Pixxel’s work in building advanced satellite and Earth-imaging technologies, while highlighting the entrepreneurial impact of our alumni in India’s rapidly expanding space ecosystem.
BioCompute Begins Its Next Chapter in San Francisco
BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus alumna Anagha Rajesh, a 2024 graduate, took her deep-tech startup BioCompute to San Francisco in June 2026, marking an important step in the company’s international expansion.
Having raised over â‚ą5 crore and developed a functional end-to-end prototype for DNA-based data storage, BioCompute relocated to the US to gain access to a larger ecosystem of deep-tech investors, research infrastructure, and technology talent. The move positions the startup to accelerate its research and development efforts as it works towards advancing the potential of DNA as a next-generation data-storage medium.
Anagha Rajesh, founder of BioCompute.
Rahul Bisht to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games.
From BITS to the Asian Games
BITS Pilani alumnus Rahul Bisht (Batch of 2013, BITS Goa) is set to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, as part of the national League of Legends esports team.
Rahul, who competes with S8UL Esports, will take the BITS spirit to the international stage as esports continues to gain recognition as a competitive discipline. The League of Legends competition will be held from 29 September to 2 October 2026 at Aichi Sky Expo.
BITS Goa Hosted Global Dialogue on AI and Big Data
BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus hosted the 14th International Conference on Big Data and AI (BDA 2026) from 17th to 20th September 2026. The conference brought together researchers, academicians, and industry professionals to exchange insights on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science, while exploring emerging research directions and real world applications.
The conference fostered collaboration, knowledge sharing, and interdisciplinary exchange, reinforcing BITS Goa’s commitment to advancing research in emerging technologies.
The 14th International Conference on Big Data and AI (BDA 2026).
Strengthening Chemistry Education: BITS Goa Hosts Educators’ Workshop
The Department of Chemistry, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus, in collaboration with the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, organized a two-day workshop for over 120 HSSC Chemistry teachers from across Goa. Inaugurated by Mr. Bhagirarth G. Shetye, Chairman of the Goa Board, the workshop featured sessions on contemporary teaching practices, problem-solving and critical thinking, along with hands-on exposure to advanced Chemistry laboratories and instrumentation.
The initiative reaffirmed BITS Pilani’s commitment to empowering educators and strengthening the quality of Chemistry education across Goa.
Two-day workshop for HSSC Chemistry teachers from across Goa.
Faculty felicitated at Samarpan 2026.
Celebrating Dedication and Service at BITS Goa
As part of Samarpan 2026, BITS Pilani K. K. Birla Goa Campus honoured faculty for their years of service. Fourteen professors completed 20 years at the institute, including Prof. A. Amalin Prince, Prof. Pravin Singru, Dr. Shalini Upadhyay, Prof. Sanjay K. Sahay and Prof. Anasuya Ganguly, among others, while Prof. Sudeep Baudha marked 10 years of service. Prof. Raghunath Ratabole received special recognition for his leadership in redesigning the curriculum.
The institute congratulated all felicitated faculty, noting that their dedication and mentorship continue to shape the academic and cultural life of BITS Goa.
BITS Goa Introduced XR Lab to Foster Immersive Technology Skills
BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus introduced the Extended Reality (XR) Lab to provide students with hands-on exposure to virtual reality and immersive technologies. The launch commenced with a two day workshop on 25th and 26th September 2026, offering students opportunities to explore VR based design, prototyping, and applications across projects and technical clubs.
The initiative marked a step towards equipping students with emerging technology skills and expanding experiential learning opportunities at BITS Goa.
Poster for the XR Lab launch workshop, 25–26 September.
BGIIES and India Accelerator sign their collaboration.
BITS Goa Partnered with India Accelerator to Strengthen Startup Ecosystem
BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus, through BGIIES, entered into a collaboration with India Accelerator to create stronger pathways for students, founders and innovators to access mentorship, technical expertise, industry networks and capital. The partnership explored opportunities across GenAI, sustainability, cleantech, electric mobility, robotics, healthcare and consumer technology, alongside startup programmes, internships, demo days and knowledge sharing.
The collaboration strengthened BITS Goa’s efforts to connect academic innovation with entrepreneurship and industry opportunities.
BITS Pilani and Rane Group Forged New Industry Academia Partnership
BITS Pilani signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rane Group on 29th September 2026 to strengthen industry academia collaboration in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. The partnership focused on collaborative R&D, IPR creation, student projects, internships, deep tech talent development, and skilling, with applications spanning advanced electronics, autonomous systems, smart manufacturing, and AI.
This collaboration marked a significant step towards building stronger pathways between academic expertise and industrial innovation.
BITS Pilani and Rane Group sign an MoU.
BITS Pilani and IIT Madras sign an MoU.
BITS Pilani and IIT Madras Strengthened Academic Collaboration
BITS Pilani welcomed an important opportunity to strengthen institutional ties with IIT Madras through a delegation led by Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, on 29th September 2026. The visit included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster academic engagement, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
Prof. Ramgopal Rao also participated in a podcast titled “Your Career in the Age of AI”, discussing higher education, AI, research, and preparing students for the future. This partnership marked a significant step towards creating new avenues for collaboration between the two institutions.
BITS Pilani and Apollo Knowledge Joined Hands to Advance Healthcare Innovation
BITS Pilani signed an MoU with Apollo Knowledge to advance healthcare research and strengthen India’s healthcare technology workforce. The partnership brought together Apollo’s clinical expertise with BITS Pilani’s strengths in engineering, technology, and data science, focusing on research driven by real world clinical challenges, specialised healthcare programmes, technology enabled learning, and work integrated opportunities across the Apollo network.
This collaboration marked a significant step towards building industry ready talent and advancing technology driven healthcare solutions.
BITS Pilani and Apollo Knowledge sign an MoU.
BITS Pilani leadership and alumnus Anurag Jain at the launch of the AMRIT Centre.
BITS Pilani Goa Campus Launches AMRIT Centre for Advanced Materials
BITS Pilani proudly announces the AMRIT: Anurag Jain Materials Research and Innovation Center of Excellence at its K K Birla Goa Campus, made possible by alumnus Anurag Jain’s generous USD 1 million seed funding.
Led by Prof. N. N. Ghosh, the centre will advance research in 2D and functional materials, spanning semiconductors, batteries, hydrogen, photovoltaics and carbon capture. Beyond research, AMRIT aims to nurture innovation, industry collaboration, intellectual property and entrepreneurship, strengthening India’s technological capabilities.
A Voice to Remember: First Prize for Best Speaker at Goa Youth Conclave 2026
The spotlight was on BITS Goa at the Goa Youth Conclave, 2026 as Shivansh Goyal secured the First Prize for Best Speaker. Organised by the Retired University and College Teachers Association Goa (RUCTAG) on September 8, the conclave followed the theme “Future Speaks… Let’s Listen.” This achievement is a testament to Shivansh’s confidence, clarity of thought, and ability to communicate ideas with conviction.
Cecil Osta, Mridul Singhania and Saar Arora also represented BITS Goa at the event, making their presence felt beyond the classroom.
Shivansh Goyal wins Best Speaker at the Goa Youth Conclave 2026.
Krish Garg qualifies for the Integral Cup 2026 Grand Finale with an All India Rank of 12.
Into the Integral Cup Grand Finale, 2026
BITS Goa’s mathematical talent was showcased on a national platform at the Integral Cup 2026, India’s largest undergraduate mathematics competition. Krish Garg successfully cleared Round 2 of Season 2, held on September 6, earning an impressive All India Rank of 12 among 500 participants.
Competing across four rigorous mathematical tracks, Krish demonstrated exceptional problem-solving ability and secured a place in the Grand Finale, to be held at IIT Madras. His achievement places him among the top performers in the competition and highlights his dedication and commitment.
Team Agrisevak Secures Third Place at Imperial Hackathon
Avneesh Shrivastava and Deepali Shukla, students at the BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, secured third place at the Democratised Agriculture Hackathon 2026, an event organised by Imperial College London and financed by the Imperial Global Connect Fund. Under the name Team Agrisevak, they competed against teams from the UK, India, and Sri Lanka.
Their NitroSeed invention allowed for biological nitrogen fixation in staple crops, providing a sustainable substitute for synthetic fertilisers. The prize was given in recognition of the team’s innovative approach, their entrepreneurial mindset, and their potential to turn precision agriculture into a sustainable and inclusive business.
Avneesh Shrivastava and Deepali Shukla of Team Agrisevak take third place.
BITSkrieg, the cybersecurity group of BITS Goa, wins the z0d1ak CTF.
BITSkrieg Secures 1st Place Worldwide at z0d1ak CTF
Aarth Shah, Anurag Kashyap, Kumar Asmit, Md. Arman Abdullah, and Sankeert Santosh Madyalkar, five second-year students who are part of BITSkrieg, the cybersecurity group at BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, won first place worldwide in the z0d1ak Capture The Flag competition, which took place at VIT Vellore on 19 September and was organised by Team z0d1ak.
The fact that they achieved this result while competing against thousands of teams from around the world shows clear technical ability and a good level of teamwork, and has inspired the newly joined members of the team to continue bringing acclaim to BITS on both national and international levels.
BITS2STARTUP: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey
The Student Alumni Relations Cell of BITS Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus hosted BITS2STARTUP, the latest edition of its BITS2 talk series.
Alumni founders Shubham Maheshwari (Co-Founder, Lingopanda) and Navdeep Rajotia (Co-Founder, DART Council) from the Class of 2017 shared their personal experiences on team formation, multiple failures that occur during a startup and described the harsh times of turning innovative ideas into viable ventures. They also shared their two cents on the process or rather the “not process” of thinking about an innovative idea.
BITS2STARTUP with alumni founders Shubham Maheshwari and Navdeep Rajotia.
Zephyr 2026 brought hostels together from 18th to 20th September.
Clash of the Hostels: Tech, Sports and Talent Take Over Campus at Zephyr 2026
BITS Pilani K.K Birla Goa Campus recently came alive as Zephyr 2026 took place from 18th September to 20th September. The event brought together hostels across campus to compete in a variety of cultural, technical and sporting events. Throughout the event we witnessed competitive sporting spirit, genius technical minds and wonderful talent on display.
Some memorable moments include the hostel DH-1 winning basketball as freshers and the PhD hostel CH-2 winning football for 2 consecutive years now. To end the event the students and faculty enjoyed a DJ night which was held at the basketball courts.
Airball Organizes High-Stakes Sports Auction
During mid-September, Airball hosted its annual auction style induction process, drawing large crowds of sports analytics enthusiasts and budding strategists eager to make the cut. Modeled on high stakes franchise sports bidding, the simulation tested candidates on valuation models, real time risk calculation, budget management and portfolio composition under strict time constraints.
Participants engaged in intense bidding duels, dynamic trading negotiations and tactical debates while panel judges evaluated their analytical skills and market intuition. The competitive and fast paced event served as a true masterclass in strategic decision making at BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus.
Airball’s annual auction-style induction.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations organised by the Maharashtra Mandal.
Unity in Festivity: BITS Goa Celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with Devotion & Culture
The BITS Goa Maharashtra mandal club organized a beautiful 4 days of celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi. Marking the arrival of Lord Ganesha, the festivities featured traditional puja rituals, vibrant cultural performances, and the crafting of eco-friendly clay Ganesha by students and faculty.
The campus resonated with joyous chants, rhythmic drumbeats and a strong sense of unity as everyone gathered to seek blessings for wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings.
Setting the Stage for Waves: Pranav Sharma & Vidit Sharma Leave Campus in Splits
Bits Goa hosted famous stand-up comedians Pranav Sharma and Vidit Sharma on the 18th of September for their annual pre-waves event. The auditorium was fully packed before the two took the stage and the high energy from the comedians spread quickly through the crowd for a night filled with nonstop laughter.
Pre-Waves comedy night with Pranav Sharma and Vidit Sharma.
Srutilaya presents Sursangam 2026.
Srutilaya Hosted Sursangam 2026 at BITS Goa
Srutilaya, the Music Club of BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus, hosted Sursangam 2026 on 26 September 2026 at the campus auditorium. The event featured renowned Carnatic musicians Vid. Ramana Balachandran and Vid. Sumesh Narayanan who delivered captivating performances that were enjoyed by students, faculty members and music enthusiasts alike.
The concert brought together members of the campus community for an evening of classical music and cultural appreciation. Organized by Srutilaya with support from Eckstein Engineering Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd., the event successfully celebrated India's rich musical heritage and received an enthusiastic response from attendees.
As we conclude this September edition, we look back on a month that captured the true spirit of BITS Goa—from alumni raising funding rounds and representing the nation, to new partnerships and learning spaces on campus, and triumphs by our students in conclaves, competitions, and hackathons.
Let us continue to nurture a supportive and ambitious campus culture, driving innovation, community, and lifelong bonds across every batch.
Thank you for being an indispensable part of our journey. Stay connected, stay inspired, and let us carry this momentum into the months ahead.
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