The department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur aspires to be a global
leader in engineering education, research, and innovation. Built on a strong
foundation in the mechanical sciences, the department is committed to advancing
cutting-edge research, transformative technologies, and impactful engineering
solutions. The department aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation
of engineering innovation and strengthening the country's advanced industrial
ecosystem.
To realise this vision, we seek the support of our alumni, industry partners, and well-wishers. The following initiatives are designed to catalyse excellence in education,
research, and technological innovation.
ME Department Excellence Fund
The ME Department Excellence Fund will support activities that enrich the academic and intellectual environment of the department. Contributions to this fund will enable:
- Student travel awards to present research at leading international conferences
- Outreach initiatives that inspire the next generation of engineers
- Seminars and workshops with global experts
- Student excellence awards recognising outstanding achievements
- An International Visitors Program to bring distinguished scholars and industry leaders to the department
IIT Kanpur provides a matching grant for contributions made to this fund, amplifying the impact of donor support.
Early Career Faculty Catalyst Fund
Attracting and nurturing exceptional faculty is essential for sustaining academic excellence. The Early Career Faculty Catalyst Fund will provide top-up research support for newly recruited faculty members, enabling them to initiate ambitious research programs during the early stages of their careers. This support helps young academicians build momentum, develop innovative ideas, and secure major research grants from national and international funding agencies.
Frontiers of Innovation Research Fund
Breakthrough innovations often begin with early-stage ideas that require initial support to demonstrate feasibility. The Frontiers of Innovation Research Fund will provide resources for faculty members to develop proof-of-concept prototypes and exploratory research ideas. These efforts will help accelerate innovation, raise Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), and create technologies that can attract substantial support from research agencies and industry partners.
This fund aims to transform bold ideas into impactful technologies.
Undergraduate Discovery and Research Fund
Undergraduate research is a powerful way to inspire curiosity and creativity among young engineers. The Undergraduate Discovery and Research Fund will support student-led research projects, design initiatives, and innovation activities. It will also contribute to the modernisation and upgrading of undergraduate laboratories, ensuring that students gain hands-on exposure to cutting-edge tools and technologies.
By supporting early research experiences, this initiative will help cultivate the next generation of innovators in mechanical engineering.
Graduate Research and Innovation Fund
Postgraduate students play a vital role in advancing research and developing technologies with real-world impact. The Graduate Research and Innovation Fund will support graduate-level research projects and translational research activities, helping students bridge the gap between academic discovery and industrial application. The fund will also support the upgradation of advanced research laboratories, ensuring that our students work with modern tools and facilities aligned with global standards.
Sameer Khandekar Memorial Lecture Series – Fundraising Appeal
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur proposes to institute the Sameer Khandekar Memorial Lecture Series in honor of our beloved colleague, Prof. Sameer Khandekar, whose untimely passing in December 2023 left an irreplaceable void in our academic community.
Legacy Endowments and Named Giving Opportunities
Donors may also support the department through endowed gifts that create a lasting legacy. Possible endowment opportunities include:
- Named scholarships for deserving students
- Named faculty chair positions to attract and retain world-class faculty
- Named infrastructure and laboratory facilities within the department
- Memorial funds honouring beloved teachers, mentors, or colleagues
- Batch endowments created by alumni groups to celebrate shared legacy
Endowments ensure that the impact of your contribution continues to benefit future generations of students and researchers.
Partner With Us
We warmly invite alumni, industry leaders, and friends of the department to join us in strengthening the future of mechanical engineering at IIT Kanpur.
Your support can help empower students, enable groundbreaking research, and build the technologies that will shape the future of industry and society.
We also welcome new ideas and suggestions on how alumni and partners can contribute to the continued growth and excellence of the department.