IIMBue 2025: Shifting Realities, Soaring Possibilities
For the alumni of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, IIMBue has always been more than an event—it’s a homecoming, a platform for inspiration, and a celebration of shared journeys. After a six-year pause, the conclave returned in 2025 with unmatched vibrancy, bringing together leaders, changemakers, and dreamers under one roof. The anticipation was palpable, and when the doors of The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru opened on 2–3 August 2025, the reunion exceeded every expectation.
More than 1,300 alumni, 57 speakers, and 40+ startups gathered over two packed days of dialogue, reflection, and reconnection. This edition’s theme, “Shifting Realities, Soaring Possibilities”, perfectly captured the spirit of our times, where technological breakthroughs, global challenges, and social transformations demand fresh perspectives and bold action.
A Gathering of Luminaries
The conclave’s speaker lineup was as diverse as it was stellar. Dr. Devi Shetty offered deep insights into the future of healthcare in a world shaped by demographic shifts and medical innovations. Rohini Nilekani spoke passionately about philanthropy, governance, and the role of civic leadership in building an equitable society. Nithin Kamath, founder of Zerodha, shared lessons on disruption in fintech, while Sahil Barua of Delhivery narrated the challenges of scaling logistics in one of the fastest-growing economies.
From Madhabi Puri Buch, who highlighted the importance of resilience in financial markets, to Pullela Gopichand, who drew parallels between sports and leadership, and Ricky Kej, whose music and climate advocacy have earned him global acclaim—every session sparked conversations that extended far beyond the stage.
As one alumnus from the Class of 2005 shared:
“Hearing leaders across such diverse fields reminded me of why IIMBue is so special—it connects business, society, and creativity in one space.”
More Than Just Conversations
IIMBue has always been about ideas that inspire action, and 2025 delivered on that promise with new formats and immersive spaces:
- Ventures Pavilion: Over 40 alumni-led startups showcased innovations across AI, climate-tech, health, defense, and more. These were not just product demonstrations but conversations about building scalable solutions for global challenges. For young founders, it was also a chance to receive direct feedback from investors, mentors, and seasoned entrepreneurs in the community.
- Authors’ Corner: Ideas found expression beyond business as IIMB alumni authors shared their journeys of writing and publishing. From fiction to strategy, memoirs to management frameworks, the corner celebrated the intellectual diversity of the alumni base.
- GCC Mini-Conclave: With India emerging as a global hub for capability centers, this special track explored strategy, governance, and talent. The highlight was a marquee session with Madhabi Puri Buch, who spoke about building institutions that balance agility with long-term sustainability.
A recent graduate summed it up:
“For me, the Ventures Pavilion was eye-opening. It showed how alumni are not just talking about the future but building it in real time.”
Themes that Defined the Conclave
The conversations at IIMBue 2025 reflected the questions that matter most today:
- How can AI be harnessed responsibly without losing sight of ethics and human judgment?
- What does the path to climate resilience look like for businesses and governments?
- How do leaders prepare for digital disruption while staying grounded in empathy and inclusivity?
- Can India’s expanding role in the global economy be balanced with equity, governance, and sustainability?
Panel discussions, fireside chats, and keynote sessions tackled these themes with refreshing candor. Many conversations also spotlighted alumni impact stories—how individuals are using their IIMB education to create change across continents and industries.
As a Class of 1990 alumnus reflected:
“It was striking to see how many of the big questions of our time are being tackled by our own alumni—whether in technology, governance, or social impact.”
Reconnecting with Purpose
While the sessions inspired, it was the corridors, coffee tables, and networking lounges that brought back the true essence of IIMBue. Alumni from across decades—from the earliest batches to the most recent graduates—shared stories, rekindled friendships, and forged new collaborations.
For many, this was the first large alumni gathering since the pandemic. The joy of reconnection was evident—whether it was meeting batchmates who had traveled from Dubai, Singapore, the US, or Europe, or discovering unexpected synergies with peers in emerging fields like biotech, green energy, or social entrepreneurship.
As Harish Mittal, President of IIMBAA, remarked:
“It’s not just a homecoming—it’s a springboard. IIMBue transforms reconnections into collaborations and challenges into opportunities.”
Or, as a Class of 2010 alumna put it more simply:
“Coming back to IIMBue felt like plugging into a power source—you leave energized and full of ideas.”
Snapshots from IIMBue 2025
- A Grand Opening – Alumni and guests arriving at The Leela Bhartiya City set the stage for two days of energy, excitement, and meaningful reconnections.
- Stellar Lineup – Keynotes by Dr. Devi Shetty, Rohini Nilekani, Nithin Kamath, Sahil Barua, Madhabi Puri Buch, Pullela Gopichand, and Ricky Kej captivated the audience with insights across healthcare, fintech, philanthropy, sports, and creativity.
- Ventures Pavilion – Over 40 alumni-led startups showcased cutting-edge solutions in AI, climate-tech, health, and defense, sparking dialogue between entrepreneurs, investors, and peers.
- Authors’ Corner – IIMB alumni authors shared stories behind their books, celebrating the institute’s vibrant intellectual culture.
- Global Conversations – The GCC Mini-Conclave highlighted India’s growing role in the global economy, with a special address from Madhabi Puri Buch.
- Moments of Reconnection – Batchmates reunited after decades, alumni traveled from across India and the globe, and new friendships were forged over conversations that stretched long into the evening.
- Closing with Purpose – A collective reaffirmation that IIMBue is not just a reunion, but a springboard for collaboration, innovation, and impact.
Looking Ahead
IIMBue 2025 was not just about celebrating the past; it was about shaping the future. The conclave highlighted the strength of the IIMB alumni network—a collective that is curious, courageous, and committed to making a difference.
The event closed with renewed energy: alumni pledging to stay connected, mentor the next generation, invest in bold ideas, and contribute to shaping India’s—and the world’s—future.
As the curtains came down, one thing was clear: IIMBue is not an event, but a movement. It is where shifting realities meet soaring possibilities, and where the power of community translates into lasting impact.
đź“Ť For more about the conclave, visit: IIMBue 2025
