From the Desk of Head

Dear Colleagues, Students, and Alumni,
I am delighted to present to you the latest edition of our Chemical Engineering department newsletter. This newsletter highlights our department’s collective accomplishments over the past several months. As we stride forward into another exciting chapter, I am delighted to share with you some remarkable achievements and developments that underscore our commitment to excellence and innovation.

Our faculty members continue to make groundbreaking strides in the field of chemical engineering, not only through their research and teaching but also by spearheading innovative companies. These ventures are testament to their dedication to translating cutting-edge research into real-world applications that benefit society. These companies are pioneering advancements in various sectors, including sustainable energy, biotechnology and advanced materials, reinforcing our department's position at the forefront of technological innovation.

I am proud to announce that our department has been awarded the prestigious DST-Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure in Universities and Higher Educational Institutions (FIST) research grant for the third time. This significant grant will enable us to enhance our research infrastructure, acquire state-of-the-art equipment and support pioneering research initiatives. The grant reflects our department's robust research capabilities and our continuous pursuit of excellence in science and technology.

We are immensely grateful to our distinguished alumnus, Rajeev Gautam, for his extraordinary contribution of USD 250,000 to the department. This generous donation will establish three endowed programs, fostering an environment of academic excellence and providing critical support for future generations of chemical engineers. This development is part of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIT Kanpur, the IIT Kanpur Foundation and Dr. Gautam. His unwavering support and belief in our mission are deeply appreciated and will have a lasting impact on our researchers.

Furthermore, we express our deepest gratitude & appreciation for our distinguished alumni, Mr. Jagjeet Singh Bindra and Mr. Raj Bhargava, for their generous donations and unwavering support over the past several years. Their contributions have significantly enriched several departmental initiatives, including the creation of the new PG Research Facility, Jeet Bindra Graduate Lounge, the Distinguished Lecture Series and the Student Travel Awards.

Our students continue to achieve remarkable milestones, reflecting the high standards of education and mentorship provided by our department. In addition to numerous academic and research accolades, several of our graduates have secured prestigious faculty positions in leading institutions. These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and the unwavering support of our faculty. As we celebrate these achievements, I extend my sincere gratitude to our faculty, students & alumni for their continued dedication and contributions. Collectively, we can contribute to the advances in the field of chemical engineering and make a meaningful impact on society.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Chemical Engineering Department.

Dr. Jayant K Singh
Professor & Head

Pioneering Companies Founded by Our Faculty

Prescience Insilico

Prescience Insilico is a deep tech company that uses AI and machine learning to accelerate drug and materials discovery and development. The company's platform is designed to streamline the drug and materials discovery processes by integrating data from multiple sources. Prescience aspires to democratize artificial intelligence (AI) augmented computational modeling and simulations for the benefit of the industrial revolution in smart materials/molecules and faster drug development.

One of the key advantages of Prescience Insilico's technology is its ability to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that might not be immediately apparent to human researchers. This can help to identify new drug targets, potential drug candidates, and potential materials that might be missed using traditional drug and materials discovery methods. Overall, Prescience revolutionizes research and innovation across multiple industries through computational R&D, digital twins for formulation efficacy testing, physics-informed ML models for digital transformation, and AI-powered platform for drug discovery, enhancing materials optimization.


GitiTech Private Limited

GitiTech is on a mission to make a positive impact on the world. Founded by students, faculty members, and laboratory assistants at IIT Kanpur, the company is committed to developing sustainable solutions for everyday problems. Their flagship product, re-writable paper, is a game-changing alternative to traditional paper that can be used repeatedly. As a team of young innovators, GitiTech constantly seeks ways to improve and expand their product offerings to meet the changing needs of their customers. They invite others to join them on their journey to create a better, more sustainable world.

Approximately 50% of all paper printed in offices, schools, colleges, universities, and homes is used only once before being discarded. The environmental cost of this one-time use of paper is significant. Even recycling used paper involves substantial costs in terms of energy, water, and environmental pollution. To address this problem, GitiTech has developed a novel rewritable/reprintable paper substrate. This innovative paper allows writing with most conventional pens, such as ballpoint pens, and printing with most conventional printers, like laser-jet printers. The ink can be easily removed, making the paper reusable over many cycles. GitiTech has created numerous applications based on this reusable paper, including reusable maps, graph sheets, OMR sheets, and notebooks, all of which are being commercialized.

Kanopy Techno Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Kanopy Techno Solution (KTS) is a leading company in the field of electrochemical instrumentation and accessories. The company was founded in 2014 by a group of researchers and alumni from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. KTS has collaborations with various research labs at IIT Kanpur for the research and development of its diverse products. The core team includes eminent professors and researchers from IIT Kanpur with considerable expertise. KTS aims to provide comprehensive solutions for electrochemical research by offering electrochemical scientific analytical instruments and accessories, including potentiostats, galvanostats, electrodes, and various electrochemical cells. The company also offers electrochemistry laboratory kits for basic and advanced levels to meet the curricular requirements of different academic and industrial organizations. KTS's various training programs, such as student internships, workshops, and Quality Improvement Programs (QIPs) in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, promote a research culture in academic institutes and industries in the field of electrochemical science and engineering.

Highlights

Notable Research

Recognition for Faculty

Prof. Raju Kumar Gupta invited to join editorial board of Materials Today Sustainability

Materials Today Sustainability is a multi-disciplinary journal covering all aspects of sustainability through materials science. Prof. Gupta key research interests include Photocatalysis, Sustainable materials, Wastewater remediation, CO2 capture and conversion, Perovskite solar cells, Energy storage devices, Hydrogen generation and nitrogen fixation.

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Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship for the year 2024-25.

The Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship aim to provide Indian faculty, researchers, and professionals the opportunity to teach and conduct research at a U.S. institution. It is truly a remarkable achievement and a testament to Dr. Mangal’s dedication and expertise in the field. His key research areas include Polymer physics, Colloids..

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STEM Impact Awards 2024

Our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Siddhartha Panda, Department of Chemical Engineering and Coordinator, NCFlexE along with Mr. Vishwaraj Srivastava, for their groundbreaking invention, the 'Haptic Smart Watch for Blind & Visually Impaired'. This cost-effective smart wearable features a touch-sensitive tactile interface that utilizes vibrations to display information. This is the third consecutive time IIT Kanpur has been awarded this prestigious award.

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Translational Research

“Munh Parikshak: A non-invasive handheld, oral cancer testing device”

Invented by Prof. Jayant Kumar Singh from the Dept. of Chemical Engineering & his team at IIT Kanpur, is available for licensing. The novel device, with IPA No. 202411015420, is a handheld and portable device developed for the early detection of oral cancer. It analyzes the health of the subject by capturing images and requires no chemicals or additional processes, making it easy to use.

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Joint US and European Union (EU) patent with Shell for a ‘catalytic wet oxidation process’

Starting the collaboration way back in 2014, the SMPO team of Shell Technology Centre, Bangalore, & IIT Kanpur have jointly developed an innovative process for the treatment of industrial wastewater. While the project team at IIT Kanpur is led by Prof. Nishith Verma, Chemical Engineering Dept., the Shell project team is led by Mr. Kaushik Basak, Principal Engineer (SMPO)..

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Recognition for Students

Best Poster Award at MD-60 Conference !!

Congratulations to Varad Daoo, PhD scholar from Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kanpur has won a Best Poster Award at the MD-60 Conference jointly organized by the European Center for Atomic and Molecular Calculations (CECAM), and Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR).

Department Students Secured First & Second position in hackathon ChemQuest Organised by ChESSx,IIT Patna

🌟Winners of ChemQuest:🥇 Komal Kumari (220540)🥇 Punam Singh (220835)🥇 Khushi Aggrawal (220529)
🥈 Runner Up Team: 🌟 Diya Saraf (220383) 🌟 Shrimi Agrawal (221036) 🌟 Dargu Sakshi Sameer (220323)

Alumni Achievements

Our Alumnus Mr. Rahul Gautam (BT/CHE/1975), Chairman & MD of Sheela Foam, for being honored as one of the '𝟭𝟬𝟬 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗜𝗧𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀'!

His remarkable journey and Legacy of Building India's Story make us proud. His inclusion amongst this distinguished cohort of 100 individuals, chosen from a pool of approximately 250,000 IIT alumni is a testament to his remarkable achievements and contribution to the industry. Join us in celebrating his extraordinary achievements and their enduring impact on IITK and beyond!

Our Alumnus Ms. Vartika Shukla (BT/CHE/1988), for being featured in ‘The She List’ Top 100 Women Achievers of India by India Today

Currently serving as the Chairperson and Managing Director (Technical) at Engineers India Ltd. (EIL), she continues to exemplify professional excellence and dedication to India's growth. Ms. Vartika Shukla received her bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 1988. Join us in congratulating her on this remarkable achievement!

Spotlight Visits

Department New Initiatives

Excited to Unveil the Chemical Engineering Department New Website- Discover, Engage, Connect!

Recently Launched Department Management System (DoChE-MS) with Comprehensive Modules for Finance, Resource Management, Academics, and Campaigns

Latest Book Release by Our Faculty

57th Convocation 2024 Awards & Honours

  • Director’s Gold Medal
    For outstanding all round achievement and leadership among all the students graduating in 5-year undergraduate programmes
    Viplav Patel Chemical Engineering-Electrical Engineering
  • Outstanding Phd Thesis Award
    For the best thesis in Doctor of Philosophy programmes in each of the departments
    Prateek Dwivedi Chemical Engineering
  • Outstanding Phd Thesis Award
    For the best thesis in Doctor of Philosophy programmes in each of the departments
    Haider Ali Chemical Engineering
  • General Proficiency Medals
    For the best academic performance among the graduating students of all 4-year/5-year and 2-year M.Sc. programmes in each of the departments
    Pratyush Gupta Chemical Engineering
  • IIT Kanpur Excellence Awards Leadership In Students' Affairs
    For exemplary work related to student governance, hostel management and leadership in organization of events at the Department/Hall/Institute level
    Dhwanit Balwani Chemical Engineering
  • IIT Kanpur Excellence Award In Art & Cultural Activities
    For outstanding work in various fields of art and culture
    Kaustubh Agrawal Chemical Engineering
  • Shrimati Tara Dube And Shri Raj Deva Dube Memorial Gold Medal
    For the best academic performance in 4-year/5-year programmes of the Chemical Engineering department
    Harjap Singh Chemical Engineering
  • Shri Ghisa Lal Kamdar Memorial Medal
    For the best outgoing 4-year undergraduate student of the Chemical Engineering department
    Ayush Raj Chemical Engineering
  • Raghvendu Shukla Memorial Merit Award
    For the best academic performance among all graduating female student in the four-year UG program of Chemical Engineering department
    Vidhi Jain Chemical Engineering
  • Dr. Chandrakanta Kesavan Best Research Thesis Award
    For the best graduating full time Master’s student of any department students who have CPI 6.5 or greater and must have completed Master’s thesis in the area of energy sustainability and climate solutions
    C Navya Nirmala Chemical Engineering

PhD Students Shine: Exciting Placements Across Prestigious Institutions

Satyabrata Patro

(PhD/CHE/2024)

Researcher, Tata Steel

Ashok Ummireddi

(PhD/CHE/2021)

Assistant Professor, Chemical and Materials Engineering (SCMS) IIT Goa

Prateek Dwivedi

(PhD/CHE/2024)

Postdoctoral Researcher, Cleveland University

Khushboo Suman

(PhD/CHE/2020)

Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering IIT Madras

Chemineers

EXERGY'24

EXERGY'24 is a second edition of nationwide Chemical Engineering festival in India organised by Chemineers Society, IIT Kanpur, where the concept of Exergy extends beyond thermodynamics to symbolize the realization of our full potential as Chemical Engineering students.
Exergy'24

Events Photo

ETHNIC EVENING

Embracing diversity as we celebrate Ethnic Evening with vibrant colors, delicious refreshments, and cherished moments with friends and professors.

Events Photo

Building Bonds: Happy Hours Unite Professors and Students in Relaxed Dialogue

Farewell Fiesta: Celebrate and Reminisce at the Departmental Farewell Evening

To our incredible graduating class of 2024! Let's cherish these memories forever and continue to celebrate the bond

Gratitude Series

IIT Kanpur Alumnus Dr. Rajeev Gautam donates USD 250,000 to establish Endowed Programs in the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Kanpur

AbOUT THE DONATION

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) alumnus Dr. Rajeev Gautam has made a significant contribution of USD 250,000 to establish three endowed programs in the Department of Chemical Engineering, IITK. The development comes as part of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IITK, IIT Kanpur Foundation, and Dr. Gautam. The sum would be utilized towards the institution of an Endowed Faculty Chair, a Faculty Fellowship and a Travel Grant program for students.The contribution comes as a major boost to enrich academics and research activities in Chemical Engineering at IITK. The endowments will provide faculty and students alike with opportunities to further excel in their respective fields.

Sharing gratitude for this gesture, Prof. S. Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur said, "We are grateful to Dr. Rajeev Gautam for his generous support to his alma mater. The institution of the Endowed Faculty Chair, Young Faculty Fellowship and Travel Grant will enrich faculty and student endeavors by facilitating more robust research efforts, recognizing young faculty talent, and providing global exposure opportunities to students. I am sure these programs will further strengthen the academic and research activities at the Chemical Engineering Department by empowering emerging researchers."

Expressing gratitude to Dr. Gautam, Prof. Kantesh Balani, Dean of Resources and Alumni, IIT Kanpur said, "We sincerely appreciate Dr. Rajeev Gautam's vision and generosity in instituting these endowed programs that would strengthen IIT Kanpur's research excellence in Chemical Engineering. Such strong support from our alumni community strengthens our efforts to provide transformative learning experiences. We are confident this will have a lasting impact in empowering students and faculty to push boundaries and attain new heights."

[Source @IITK]

About the Donor

Prof. K. Ganapathy Ayappa Dr. Rajeev Gautam, commenting on the significance of the endowed programs, stated, "It brings me immense pride to be able to give back to my alma mater in whichever possible ways to promote research and academic excellence. The Department of Chemical Engineering provided me with resources to set a strong technical foundation for my professional journey and success. I hope that the endowed programs empower the next generation of changemakers in the field of Chemical Engineering." Graduating in Chemical Engineering from IITK in 1974, Dr. Gautam went on to make a mark in the field while pioneering creative solutions to meet industry demands. He has played a key role in the creation and introduction of various catalytic and separations applications for the refining, petrochemical, and gas processing sectors. Spanning a four-decade-long stint with Honeywell, Dr. Gautam retired as President Emeritus, Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies. Recognizing his extensive work in the field, IIT Kanpur honored Dr. Gautam with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2020. The endowed programs supported under the donation, namely Om Prakash Gautam Endowed Faculty Chair, the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Faculty Fellowship, and the Rajeev and Joyce Gautam Travel Grant for students, reflect Dr. Gautam’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in the field of Chemical Engineering.

Message from Head of Department

Prof. K. Ganapathy Ayappa Dr. Jayant K. Singh, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Kanpur, said,"We are thankful to alumnus Dr. Rajeev Gautam for his generous contribution to chemical engineering at IIT Kanpur. This support will enrich our department's research ecosystem and learning environment. It reaffirms our culture of excellence and will benefit both faculty and students. We look forward to the progress in chemical engineering knowledge and innovation through these transformative initiatives" The MoU represents a significant milestone in IIT Kanpur's journey towards academic excellence and the institution's commitment to cultivating a culture of innovation, scholarship, and global engagement in the field of chemical engineering.

Arish Ali Scholarship - Donor: Mr. Arish Ali (BT/ΕΕ/1996)

“Your scholarship has eased financial strain, enabling me to pursue aspirations and affirming my belief in my idea's transformative impact on industry growth. Thank you for your crucial support!”

Vidhi Jain ’23 A Heartfelt Testimonial from Arish Ali Scholarship Recipient

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Make a Gift

ChE@IITK appreciates our alumni's philanthropic support—be it time, talent, or funds❤️. Your generosity significantly impacts our infrastructure and initiatives for faculty and students.
We seek ongoing support for upgrades and new programs. The ChE Excellence Fund supports:
  • 🌍 International student travel for research presentations.
  • 🎉 Chemineer's Society activities, including happy hours and promoting the chemical engineering program.
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Newsletter Team

Jayant K Singh

Professor & Head

Akash Choudhary

Assistant Professor
Dept. Publicity(Convenor)

Himanshu Sharma

Assistant Professor

Rahul Mangal

Associate Professor

Debjani Banerjee

Senior Research Establishment Officer

Abhishek Mishra

Research Establishment Officer