Indus Valley Times

By Mahendra Darjee

 Sambalpur, Oct. 6 – IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, made a significant leap forward in the field of product management with the unveiling of Udbhavanam, an innovative event that paves the way for future-ready product management. As part of this initiative, the institution has become the first in India to establish a university chapter of the International Software Product Management Association (ISPMA). This new chapter, in collaboration with ISPMA, signifies IIM Sambalpur’s commitment to nurturing global leaders in the fast-evolving field of product management.

The theme of the event, “Future-Ready Products: Mastering Innovation in Product Management”, underscored the institution’s focus on fostering innovation through its newly established Center of Excellence. This center, spearheaded by AlphaBeta, is set to bridge academia and industry by focusing on cutting-edge trends in product management, technology, and design.

Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, expressed his vision during the event, stating, “India is set to become the epicenter of product management, driving innovation and entrepreneurship. With our core values of innovation, integrity, and inclusiveness, we are creating centers of excellence in partnership with ISPMA and the Ministry of IT. Our aim is to build a thriving ecosystem that enables seamless collaboration between producers and consumers, addressing both local and global challenges.”

The keynote speaker, Prof. Hans-Bernd Kittlaus, Global Chair of ISPMA from Germany, delivered an insightful presentation on “Platform vs. Product – What is Different from a Product Manager’s Perspective.” He emphasized the importance of platforms in today’s digital age, noting that “software-driven platforms are now integral to managing both digital and physical products embedded with advanced technologies. Leveraging these platforms is essential for sustaining market leadership.”

Adding to the discourse on future trends, Sapna Grover, Partner Director, Product Manager at Microsoft, discussed “Product Management in the Age of AI,” highlighting the transformative power of AI in reshaping industries and enhancing productivity. She remarked, “AI is not just a buzzword. It is creating tangible value across sectors, and every company is integrating AI into their products. As product managers, we must embrace AI responsibly to drive the next wave of innovation.”

A key highlight of the event was a workshop on “SPM Essentials for Startups: From Vision to Execution,” conducted by Prof. S. Sadagopan, Chairman of ISPMA India Chapter. He emphasized that “software is not merely a tool but the foundation of future industries. Startups that harness technology can reshape the world and create a brighter future.” He also lauded IIM Sambalpur for becoming the first Indian institute to establish a student chapter of ISPMA, joining global institutions like UC Berkeley.

The event featured several other industry leaders, including Rahul Singh Babu, Senior Director at HighRadius, and Rupam Bhattacharjee, Chairman of Waysahead Global, who participated in a panel discussion on “Bridging Real and Virtual: Strategies for Seamless Digital Integration.”

The day concluded with a session titled “Perspective: Taskmaster to Trailblazer”, led by prominent figures such as Venky Mahadevan, Fellow of the British Computer Society, and Deepak HP, Director of Product Management at SAP Labs. This session explored how Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are transitioning from being task-oriented managers to leaders driving technological innovation.

Udbhavanam marks a crucial step for IIM Sambalpur as it sets the stage for creating future-ready leaders and fostering innovation in product management. The institution’s collaboration with global organizations like ISPMA and support from industry leaders positions it at the forefront of product management education and research in India.