IITG Research Park signs 3 MoAs to enhance research and development in urbanization, healthcare innovation, and deep tech entrepreneurship

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 4, 2024

In a significant advancement for fostering sustainable urbanization, healthcare innovation, and deep tech entrepreneurship, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) Research Park Foundation signed three major memorandums of agreement (MoAs) on Monday. The collaborations aim to enhance research, development, and application in these crucial sectors.

The agreements were signed by Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, with key partners, including Maj. Gen (Retd.) L. Padmanabhan, CEO of the Centre for Urbanization, Buildings, and Environment (CUBE) from IIT Madras; Dr. Sajal Sen, Chief Operating Officer of the Assam Government-IITG Healthcare Foundation; and Dr. Shankar Raman, CEO of Pravartak, a Department of Science and Technology initiative at IIT Madras.

Prof. L. Boeing Singh, Professor-in-Charge, and Satyam Sarma, Chief Operating Officer of the IIT Guwahati Research Park, were also present at the signing, alongside other dignitaries from IIT Guwahati.

Speaking in the event, Prof. Devendra Jalihal said, “We are excited to develop IIT Guwahati Research Park into an innovation hub for the Northeast. Our flagship initiative—a partnership with the Assam Government to create a super-speciality hospital and simulation lab—will unite medical and engineering professionals to tackle pressing healthcare challenges.”

“As the region continues to urbanize, we are also committed to sustainable infrastructure to prevent the issues seen in other urban areas. Through these initiatives, the Research Park is poised to contribute significantly to both regional and national development,” Jalihal added.

 Maj. Gen (retd) L Padmanabhan said, “We are excited to collaborate with IIT Guwahati Research Park to address the Northeast’s critical urban challenges. At CUBE, our mission is to provide advanced solutions in sustainable infrastructure, building, environmental planning, and smart cities. With over 250 specialized projects across India, we are committed to leveraging IIT Guwahati’s academic strengths alongside our industry expertise to drive sustainable, affordable development in the region. This partnership enables us to tap into the immense potential within the seven sister states, fostering impactful, multidisciplinary solutions for the built environment.”

In partnership with CUBE, IIT Guwahati aims to develop an advanced urban infrastructure and sustainability hub at the IIT Guwahati Research Park. This facility will serve as a centre for interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, urban planners, environmental scientists, transportation specialists, and policymakers, working to address sustainable urban development, water resource management, and efficient transportation solutions. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to creating sustainable and resilient urban frameworks tailored to the unique needs of Assam and the Northeast region.

Through its partnership with the Assam government – IITG Healthcare Foundation, IIT Guwahati Research Park will host a corporate office and interim laboratory for the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute (AAHII). Set to be a premier “Make in India” centre for medical technology, AAHII will specialize in diagnostics and treatment innovations aimed at reducing reliance on imported healthcare technology. The institute will house a postgraduate medical centre integrated with a super-speciality hospital and a cutting-edge research wing, bringing doctors and engineers together to drive indigenous healthcare advancements.

In collaboration with IITM Pravartak, IIT Guwahati Research Park will implement programs focused on skilling, entrepreneurship, and deep tech innovation. Tailored to the Northeast’s needs, with particular emphasis on the semiconductor sector, this partnership seeks to strengthen industry-academia ties and bolster regional engagement in high-tech sectors. The initiative will also align with state government efforts to empower the local workforce with skills that are future-ready, enabling sustainable economic growth and self-reliance.

These three partnerships represent a transformative step in IIT Guwahati’s ongoing mission to drive impactful innovation and tackle the distinct challenges of Northeast India. By joining forces with leaders in urban development, healthcare, and advanced technology, IIT Guwahati Research Park is setting a new benchmark as a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary research, technology advancement, and cross-sector expertise. This collective effort will not only generate transformative research but will also drive economic resilience, regional growth, and sustainable development, placing Northeast India on the map as a leader in science and innovation.