Pune Hosts Inaugural ISPRS GIFTS Summit 2025: A Hub for Geospatial Innovation
The first-ever ISPRS GIFTS Summit 2025 kicked off in Pune, bringing together global experts to discuss geospatial innovation and frontier technologies for sustainability. The event, held at Symbiosis International University, highlights India's growing role in the geospatial sector.
Real Estate Pune:Mumbai, September 3, 2025: The inaugural GIFTS Summit 2025, a flagship event by the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), opened with great momentum in Pune. This international gathering united global thought leaders, policymakers, researchers, and industry innovators to discuss the latest advancements in geospatial technology and their applications for sustainable development.
The Summit was inaugurated by Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Pro Chancellor, and Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor of Symbiosis International University. The Chief Guest, Dr. Shimrit Maman, Chair of the Israel Space Agency, delivered the keynote address. The event also saw the presence of eminent dignitaries such as Padma Shri Dr. Pramod Kale, Former Director of ISRO Satellite Centre, Dr. P.S. Roy, Senior Scientist and Educator, and Dr. Anjana Vyas, Geospatial Researcher and Educator. Their attendance underscored the strong knowledge and institutional foundation of the Summit.
The conference was convened by Dr. Shirish Ravan, Director of the EarthSight Foundation, and Dr. Tarun Pratap Singh, Director of the Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics. MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications, headquartered in Pune and curating events in emerging domains of science and technology for the last 25 years, served as the Event Partner for the inaugural edition of GIFTS Summit 2025.
Day 1 – September 1, 2025
On the first day, the Summit featured two main tracks:
- Governance Track (YASHADA): This track focused on using geospatial technologies for policymaking, disaster management, and citizen engagement. Speakers included Niranjan Sudhanshu (DG, YASHADA), Shekhar Gaikwad (Additional Director General, YASHADA), Prof. Dan Blumberg (Ben Gurion University, Israel), Dr. Kunal Satyarthi (DoLR, GoI), Dr. Suhas Diwase (Maharashtra), and Dr. Shekhar Singh (PCMC).
- Knowledge Track (Bharati Vidyapeeth): Themed “Youth for Spatial Futures,” this track featured Dr. Shamita Kumar, Principal of BVIEER, Prof. Dr. Vivek Saoji (VC, Bharati Vidyapeeth), Prof. Dr. Salavatore Amaduzzi (University of Udine, Italy), and technical sessions by Dr. Shashi Kumar (IIRS) and Dr. Aravinth R. (BVIEER).
Day 2 – September 2, 2025
Day 2, held at Symbiosis International University, featured lead talks by Prof. Dan Blumberg (Ben Gurion University, Israel), Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana (Survey General of India), Dr. Prakash Chauhan (Director, NRSC), Dr. Kunal Satyarthi (DoLR, GoI), and Dr. S.P. Aggarwal (Director, NESAC). The day also hosted panel discussions on governance, innovation, and industry growth, along with parallel sessions on remote sensing, sustainability, frontier technologies, and disaster resilience.
Day 3 – September 3, 2025
The Summit will conclude with technical sessions, poster presentations, and the Geo-Vision 2025 Student Congress, where students will present innovative projects and be honored with the Geo-Vision Awards.
The GIFTS Summit 2025, hosted in Pune, stands as one of the most significant ISPRS events held in India in recent years. By bringing global thought leaders to Pune’s academic and policy institutions, the Summit reaffirms both India’s leadership and Pune’s role as a knowledge capital in advancing geospatial innovation and frontier technologies for sustainable growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GIFTS Summit 2025?
The GIFTS Summit 2025 is a flagship event by the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), focusing on geospatial innovation and frontier technologies for sustainability.
Where and when is the GIFTS Summit 2025 being held?
The GIFTS Summit 2025 is being held in Pune, India, from September 1 to September 3, 2025.
Who are the key organizers of the Summit?
The Summit is organized by Dr. Shirish Ravan, Director of the EarthSight Foundation, and Dr. Tarun Pratap Singh, Director of the Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics. MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications is the Event Partner.
What are the main tracks of the Summit?
The main tracks of the Summit include the Governance Track, focusing on policymaking and disaster management, and the Knowledge Track, themed 'Youth for Spatial Futures.'
What is the significance of the Geo-Vision 2025 Student Congress?
The Geo-Vision 2025 Student Congress is a platform for students to present innovative projects and be honored with the Geo-Vision Awards, highlighting the next generation of geospatial leaders.