Kanpur, October 5, 2021: In its efforts to get underway the upcoming School of Medical Research and Technology, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with REC Foundation, the CSR arm of REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited).

REC Foundation has committed a financial assistance of Rs. 14.4 Crores under its CSR program to IIT Kanpur for the construction of student housing facilities at the upcoming SMRT.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by Prof. Jayant Kumar Singh (Dean, Resources and Alumni), IIT Kanpur and Shri Saurabh Rastogi (Chief General Manager), REC Limited, New Delhi at REC World Headquarters, Gurugram, Haryana in the presence of Shri Sanjay Malhotra, IAS (Chairman and Managing Director), REC Limited and Prof. Abhay Karandikar (Director, IIT Kanpur).

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur said, “We are grateful to REC for their generous support to an ambitious program of the institute. SMRT will bring together the expertise of engineering technologies, biomedical research and clinical set-up under a single umbrella to create a one-of-its-kind world-class medical school in the country. SMRT will also drive innovations in affordable healthcare through technology interventions making an overall societal impact. We are hopeful that REC’s contributions will go a long way in creating a lasting legacy.”

School of Medical Research and Technology (SMRT) will be India’s first medical school that aims to narrow the gap between Medical Sciences and Technology disciplines. As a part of the SMRT, the Institute will set up a world class 500-bed super specialty hospital and centres of excellence (CoE’s) for pursuing R&D activities in futuristic medicine. The School is likely to offer Post Graduate and Doctoral Programmes in various Super Specialties. This is one of the most ambitious projects in the history of IIT Kanpur with the budget for first phase at Rs. 600 Crores. SMRT is expected to:

• Train and nurture next-generation medical professionals for the country.

• Develop affordable devices and technologies for medical/health care needs of the country.

• Develop engineering solutions to unmet medical needs of the rural areas of the country.

• Serve as the hub for generating knowledge economy which focuses on technology for health care needs

• Serve as a role model for other medical institutes to emulate

As per this CSR Agreement, the REC will provide financial support through its CSR initiative to IIT Kanpur towards establishment of the School of Medical Research and Technology (SMRT) at IIT Kanpur, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh). This CSR contribution will be utilized for the construction of 2 Hostel Towers with furniture, fixtures, landscaping, external lighting and solar power generation facility for post graduate students.

Dr. Kajal, IAS (Executive Director, CSR), REC Limited, Shri M L Meena (General Manager, Finance), REC Foundation, Prof. Jayandharan Rao, Professor in Charge, SMRT and Shri Kapil Kaul, Chief Executive Office (IIT Kanpur Development Foundation) were also present on the occasion.

ABOUT IIT KANPUR: Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, is one of the premier institutions set up by the Government of India. Registered in 1959, the institute was assisted by nine leading institutions of the U.S.A in the setting up of its academic programs and laboratories during the period 1962-72. With its record of path-breaking innovations and cutting-edge research, the institute is known the world over as a learning center of repute in engineering, science, and several interdisciplinary areas. In addition to formal undergraduate and postgraduate courses, the institute has been active in research and development in areas of value to both industry and government.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.