Title of the Seminar: Seminar on IBM Q2D Pearl Program
Venue: CSE Seminar Hall, St. Thomas College of Engineering & Technology, Kozhuvalloor, Chengannur
Date & Time: 14th October 2026 (Wednesday), 1:00 PM – 2:40 PM
Resource Person: Mr. Akhil Retnakumar
Participants: Students of S7 CSE (Batch 1 and Batch 2)
Number of Students: 82
Faculty Coordinators: Prof. SanthyMol T, Prof. Nimisha Philip
POs and PSOs Mapped: PO10, PO12, PSO1
1. Introduction
Seminars by industry professionals help engineering students look beyond the syllabus and understand the skills, technologies, and opportunities that shape their professional careers. With this objective, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering organised a seminar on the IBM Q2D Pearl Program on 14th October 2026 at the CSE Seminar Hall. The session was handled by Mr. Akhil Retnakumar and attended by 82 students of S7 CSE along with faculty members. The seminar introduced students to the IBM Q2D initiative and the diverse opportunities it offers for career advancement and skill enhancement.
2. About the Initiative (IBM Q2D)
IBM Q2D is an academia-industry initiative working in collaboration with IBM to build industry-ready professionals by embedding current information technology and industry-domain skills into university curricula. It bridges the gap between traditional syllabi and real-world industry requirements. Programmes under this initiative include IBM-recognised certifications, digital badges, access to industry-aligned content, innovation labs, live projects, and dedicated internship and placement opportunities. Key technology domains covered include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), and Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
3. Objectives of the Session
- To introduce students to the IBM Q2D initiative and its association with academic institutions.
- To make students aware of opportunities available through IBM-recognised learning and certification pathways.
- To provide insight into emerging technology domains and the skills currently demanded by the industry.
- To give students an opportunity to interact directly with an industry resource person and clarify doubts.
- To motivate students towards continuous skill development and professional career readiness.
4. Session Details
Mr. Akhil Retnakumar began the session by introducing himself and outlining the corporate and technological footprint of IBM. He then detailed the purpose and scope of the Q2D Pearl Program, explaining how structured learning tracks help engineering students develop practical competencies alongside their regular university coursework. The session was delivered in an interactive format, encouraging students to ask questions and discuss industry expectations.
The speaker highlighted pathways spanning AI/ML, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, and Data Science, explaining how gamified experiential learning models help students build professional portfolios beneficial for higher education, scholarships, and career placements.
5. Learning Outcomes
Through this seminar, participating students were able to:
- Understand the core purpose, scope, and benefits of the IBM Q2D initiative.
- Identify learning, certification, and career opportunities accessible through the programme.
- Gain awareness of emerging technology domains and high-demand industry skills.
- Interact effectively with an industry professional and articulate technical queries.
- Recognise the critical need for continuous learning in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
6. PO and PSO Mapping and Justification
The seminar is mapped to relevant Programme Outcomes (POs) and Programme Specific Outcomes (PSOs) as detailed below:
| Outcome | Justification |
|---|---|
| PO10: Communication | Students attended a technical presentation by an industry professional and actively interacted with the resource person to clarify their doubts. |
| PO12: Life-long learning | The session on emerging technologies and professional opportunities highlighted in-demand skills and the necessity of continuous learning. |
| PSO1: Professional skills | Awareness of IBM-recognised certifications and structured industry skill pathways directly supports the enhancement of professional competencies. |
8. Conclusion
The seminar on the IBM Q2D Pearl Program provided students with valuable insights into industry initiatives, certification pathways, and emerging technological domains. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering expresses its sincere gratitude to Mr. Akhil Retnakumar for sharing his expertise, and to the college management and faculty coordinators for successfully organizing the event. Student feedback confirmed an overwhelming positive response and high indirect attainment across all mapped outcomes.
Download full report from the 'View Report' button from the right panel.
Prepared By,
Prof. SanthyMol T & Prof. Nimisha Philip
Faculty Coordinators
Date
14 October 2026
Venue
CSE Seminar Hall, St. Thomas College of Engineering and Technology
Chief Guest
Mr. Akhil Retnakumar