Technological innovations have radically altered our lives, with software emerging as the cornerstone of modern living. Higher education institutions must keep up with the industry trends and simulate the corporate /industrial experience to prepare students for a successful professional career. The business world is becoming more competitive and demanding, and it is no secret that candidates have to meet higher expectations. This leads us to one of the most debated topics in the world: the

gap between industry and academia. This not only makes constantly updating the curriculum vital to a student’s development, but academic institutions must take more responsibility in constantly updating employees' skills, given the huge skill gap prevailing in the country. The corporate realm can’t train them all! In fact, it also sets apart the best of academic institutions from the good ones.

For instance, the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) has launched a new program, offering an opportunity for software professionals to elevate their skills and expand their careers through its Executive Post Graduate Programme in Software Product Engineering and Management. The new program takes them deeper into the complexities of the IT industry with opportunities to explore the complete software product life cycle consisting of modules on product design, engineering, testing, maintenance, IPR, marketing, finance, and more. While IIIT-B marches forward with such unique initiatives, it is always the right time to talk about the prestigious alumni of the institute. We dedicate this yearly special issue to them.