The IIT Kanpur Research and Technology Park Foundation (Technopark@iitk) in collaboration with the Indian Industries Association, Kanpur Chapter hosted a webinar titled “Technovation with IIT Kanpur” on 9th July focussing on the crucial role research and development plays in the economic growth of the country and the opportunities of collaborations that exist for industries to work together with IIT Kanpur.

Dr. GM Kamath, Director, Technopark@iitk and Faculty, Aerospace Engineering, IITK was the main speaker for the event. Mr. Sunil Vaish, CEC Member & Ex-National President, IIA; Mr. Dinesh Barasia, Secretary, IIA, Kanpur Chapter; and Mr. Sunil Pandey, National Vice President, IIA steered the proceedings and moderated the Q&A session. Mr. Vaish in his welcome address said, “MSMEs do not always have the means or the financial muscle to access and invest in technology. Initiatives like Technopark can prove to be a vital step in bridging this gap and helping MSMEs solve their technical challenges.”

In the hour-long session, Dr. Kamath spoke about the needs of the industry across sectors which include new disruptive technologies, indigenous technology solutions and training and upskilling. He then highlighted how Technopark@iitk can provide necessary support to help increase & accelerate R&D collaborations;training and upskilling through courses, workshops; strengthen industry-student connect and engagement; bridge the gapsfor lab-to-market transition; identify potential technologies and help IITK faculty with industry-connect and commercialization.Some of the focus sectorsunder spotlight include Healthcare and Med-Tech, Defence, Agri-Tech, Deep-Tech and Core Manufacturing.