A multi-disciplinary R&D centre with the Indian government's Department of Biotechnology, the HTIC is home to engineers, healthcare professionals, and industry/government representatives who develop technology designed to improve access to healthcare. Dr. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam is the director of the HTIC. It hosts an incubator for the development and commercialisation of medical technology. It also facilitates collaboration with various stakeholders, such as hospitals and labs, industry partners, and government health organisations to build healthcare solutions and programmes.
The ICCW brings together global researchers and disruptive technology to innovate sustainable solutions for providing clean water to communities. With six state-of-the-art laboratories, an incubation hub, and a pilot production facility, the ICCW's clean water interventions have positively impacted the lives of 8.5 million people and hold over 100 patents. It is led by Prof. T. Pradeep, the professor-in-charge, and provides training and analysis solutions for governments and industries in addition to its research activities.
Launched in 2003, the NPTEL is one of India's largest Massive Online Open Course programmes. It produces over 2,300 high-quality courses in a wide range of science, maths, and humanities subjects, available online to the public for free. Learners can gain certifications for these courses by paying an examination fee, which is 50% less for disadvantaged learners, funded through CSR contributions. The courses have garnered over a billion views and 15,00,000 exam registrations.
Spearheaded by Prof. Indumathi Nambi, the CZC was an all-India entrepreneurship contest that invited students and early-stage startups to ideate and build technologies that reduce emissions and contribute to carbon-neutral systems. The 2018 and 2019 editions provided mentorship and financial support to innovations in agriculture, industries, transportation systems, urban areas, and water and waste management. Run in coordination with the student-run technical festival Shaastra, the challenge was supported through CSR contributions.
Researchers at IITM have devised and deployed a solar panel and battery system which provides direct current to appliances. The DC supply reduces the size and cost of the setup, providing an efficient inverter-free electricity solution. This is a much-needed intervention in areas which suffer from frequent power cuts or where the electricity grid does not reach. Costs are funded partially through central subsidies and user fees, and the rest is proposed to be met through CSR funds and donations.
The TTK Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) is transforming the landscape of assistive devices for people with locomotor impairments. More than 30 million potential users in India are forced to choose between ineffective low-cost devices and expensive imports that are poorly adapted to their needs. R2D2 has developed over twenty prototypes with public and private funding, in close collaboration with industry and end-users, to fill this gap. Three of their prototypes are close to commercialisation:
NeoBolt: A motor-powered attachment with a rechargeable battery that converts wheelchairs into roadworthy vehicles, enabling mobility and improving accessibility. Commercialised by the R2D2 startup NeoMotion.
Standing Wheelchair: A manual wheelchair that the user can shift between upright and seated positions, providing medical and therapeutic benefits. Commercialised by Phoenix Medical Systems.
IITM Knee: A polycentric knee for users with above-knee amputations, with multiple axes of rotation facilitating improved stance phase stability, swing behaviour, and toe clearance for improved performance on uneven terrain.
Innovative and sustainable sanitation can revolutionise living areas and drastically reduce waste quantities. The Ministry of Urban Development established a Centre of Excellence in Decentralized Wastewater Management at IIT Madras. Prof. Ligy Philip and Prof. B. S. Murty are actively involved in designing and implementing efficient waste treatment systems. Faculty and students have implemented these approaches in villages in Tamil Nadu.
To know how you can support projects like these, please email us at
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