IITKONNECT

Newsletter
Connecting Institute's Diaspora
Dean of Resources and Alumni
Vol. 6, Issue 1, March 2025

Spotlight

IITK Delegation visit Australia

The IIT Kanpur alumni spirit shone brightly as IITKarvaan arrived in Melbourne for an incredible afternoon of nostalgia, networking, and new opportunities. From reconnecting with old friends to discussing future collaborations, the event truly reflected the strength of our global alumni network.

IIT Kanpur and Police Commissionerate (PCK) Kanpur signs MoU

IIT Kanpur and Police Commissionerate Kanpur (PCK) signed a MoU to revolutionize law enforcement with advanced technology. The key initiatives include Predictive Policing & CCTV Surveillance, Drone Training for Surveillance, Student-Police Collaboration and AI for Traffic Management. This partnership is set to modernize policing with cutting-edge tech for safer communities.

IIT Kanpur signs MoU with Kuppam Area Development Authority

IIT Kanpur signed a MoU with Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA) to achieve India’s first Net Zero constituency. Under this collaboration, IIT Kanpur will serve as the technology and knowledge partner for KADA, leveraging its expertise to support the constituency of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Kuppam’s ambitious sustainability goals. The initiative will combine advanced technical interventions such as the adoption of renewable energy, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable waste management with community driven efforts to foster a culture of sustainability. The MoU was signed by Prof. Pratik Sen, Dean of Students' Affairs at IIT Kanpur (on behalf of Director IIT Kanpur), and Mr. Vikas Marmat, Project Director at KADA, and will be spearheaded by the Kotak School of Sustainability - IIT Kanpur, with Dr. Rajeev Jindal and Dr. Manoj Kumar Tiwari serving as the Principal Investigators overseeing the project.

IIT Kanpur and the Headquarters Central Command of the Indian Army signed MoU

IIT Kanpur and the Headquarters Central Command of the Indian Army signed an MoU to collaborate on developing an advanced Remote Piloting Training Module (RPTM) and a Software-in-the-Loop Simulator (SITL) for drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The MoU was signed in the presence of Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, alongside IIT Kanpur faculty members Dr. G.M. Kamath and Dr. Subrahmanyam Saderla.

IIT Kanpur signed an MoU with the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation

IIT Kanpur signed an MoU with the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation to develop a software for implementing seasonal adjustments for important economic indices like consumer price index. The MoU was signed by Shri Shivnath Singh Jadawat, Director, MoSPI; and Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of R&D, IIT Kanpur in the presence of Prof. Raja Angamuthu, Associate Dean Research & Development, and Prof. Dootika Vats, Dept. of Mathematics IIT Kanpur, the project PI.

IIT Kanpur signs MoU with University of Technology Sydney

IIT Kanpur and The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic and research collaboration. The MoU was signed by Tania Bezzobs, Director of the Research Office at UTS, and Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Research and Development at IIT Kanpur. The event was attended by Prof. Pradip Swarnakar, Founder and Coordinator, Just Transition Research Centre, IIT Kanpur, Prof. James Goodman, Acting Head of the School of Communication at UTS, and Prof. Devleena Ghosh, Honorary Professor at the School of Communications at UTS.

IIT Kanpur Signs MoU to Establish Census Data Research Workstation

IIT Kanpur signed an MoU with the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, MHA, GOI to set up a Census Data Research Workstation at its Computer Center. This makes IIT Kanpur the first technology institute in Uttar Pradesh and the third among central universities/institutes in the state to host such a facility. The MoU was signed between Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, and Ms. Sheetal Verma IAS, in the presence of key officials from IITK and the Census Directorate. This initiative strengthens India’s research ecosystem by facilitating seamless access to critical census datasets.

IIT Kanpur signs MoU with MARS Antennas and RF Systems Pvt Ltd

IIT Kanpur signed an MoU with MARS Antennas and RF Systems Pvt Ltd. to develop Smart Electric Vehicle Chargers and Smart Hybrid Inverters for Energy Storage Systems. The collaboration will drive innovation in sustainable energy solutions through joint research, knowledge exchange, and industrial partnership. MARS Antennas will provide funding and industry expertise, while IIT Kanpur, led by Dr. Amarendra Edpuganti, will contribute research and technical expertise. This initiative aligns with India’s sustainability goals and the National Manufacturing Mission, fostering clean technology advancements in EV and energy storage sectors.

IIT Kanpur received the National Intellectual Property Award 2024

IIT Kanpur received the National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2024 for Indian Academic Institution - Patents, cementing its leadership in innovation. The award was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi, with Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon'ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, in attendance. Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IITK, and Mr. Anshu Singh also received the honor for their contributions to intellectual property. Additionally, IITK was recognized with the WIPO National Award for WIPO Users for its innovative use of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) services, further highlighting its role in shaping India’s IP landscape.

IIT Kanpur Hosts National Conference on AI for Sustainable Cities

The National Conference on AI Solutions for Sustainable Cities commenced at IIT Kanpur, bringing together 25 Vice Chancellors, 35 academic leaders, 35 startups, and 15 local industries. Jointly organized by the Association of Indian Universities, Kotak School of Sustainability - IIT Kanpur, and CSJMU, the event explores AI-driven urban governance and infrastructure. Chief Guest Mr. Satish Mahana inaugurated the conference alongside key dignitaries. Experts like Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Ms. Anna Roy, and Mr. Corey Glickman shared insights. A Pitch Battle featured innovative startups, while Dr. Harshit Mishra delivered closing remarks, summarizing key takeaways from Day 1.

IIT Kanpur Partners with The Art of Living for Student Well-Being Program

IIT Kanpur has joined hands with The Art of Living (TAOL) Foundation to launch a holistic well-being program aimed at enhancing students' mental resilience, stress management, and personal growth. The initiative will feature meditation, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices to boost focus and emotional stability. Scheduled to begin in late March, the program will include interactive sessions and guided meditation by experienced TAOL facilitators.

IIT Kanpur develops Portable Readout Unit For Chemiresistive Sensor

IIT Kanpur developed a technology titled "Portable Readout Unit For Chemiresistive Sensor" (PRuCSor), created by Dr. Santosh Kumar Misra and his team from the Department of Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, providing a solution for measuring resistance in liquid samples. TPRuCSor is an ideal tool for a variety of applications, especially where portability and ease of use are critical.

IIT Kanpur develops BCI based Robotic Hand Exoskeleton

Prof. Ashish Dutta from IIT Kanpur's Department of Mechanical Engineering, with support from DST, UKIERI, and ICMR, developed a groundbreaking Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based Robotic Hand Exoskeleton designed to revolutionize stroke rehabilitation. This innovation aims to accelerate recovery and improve patient outcomes by integrating brain activity with therapeutic hand movements, creating a closed-loop control system.

IIT Kanpur celebrates the Annual Day of CDAP

IIT Kanpur celebrated the Annual Day of its Cell for Differently Abled Persons (CDAP), highlighting initiatives that empower differently-abled individuals. The event featured a ceremonial lamp lighting by key figures, including Prof. Manindra Agrawal (Director), Shri Vishwa Ranjan (Registrar), Prof. Anubha Goel (CDAP Coordinator), and Chief Guest Mr. Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, a renowned para swimmer, an internationally acclaimed para swimmer.

Abhivyakti 2025 highlights Innovation and Sustainability at IIT Kanpur

Abhivyakti 2025 at IIT Kanpur celebrated innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability over two dynamic days. Day 2 featured discussions on the circular economy, waste management, and sustainability, led by experts like Shri J.B. Ravinder and Prof. Rajiv Sinha. Key events included the launch of the second cohort of Startup Gateway for Garbage-Free Cities 2.0 and product showcases by Social Innovation Lab 2.0 startups. Day 3 spotlighted collaborations like Hero MotoCorp with T-Hub and 18 student-led startups presenting cutting-edge innovations. Prof. Deepu Philip concluded the event, emphasizing India’s entrepreneurial potential, solidifying IIT Kanpur's role as a hub for transformative progress.

IIT Kanpur launches KALA GRAM

IIT Kanpur launched KALA GRAM, a Design Development Centre at the Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra (RSK), aimed at preserving and revitalizing traditional crafts through innovation. The launch event featured key figures such as Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, who emphasized the importance of empowering rural artisans. Other dignitaries, such as Prof. Amey Karkare, Dean of Resources and Alumni; Prof. Satyaki Roy, Department of Design; Prof. Sudhanshu S Singh, Co-PI’s of the Design Project; Prof. Amarendra K. Singh, PIC Technopark@IITK; and Prof. Kallol Mandal, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, were among others.

IIT Kanpur Hosts Classical Music Concert with Legendary Artists

IIT Kanpur hosted a grand Indian Classical Music concert, supported by the P. T. Narasimhan Fund for Classical Arts in collaboration with SPIC MACAY - IIT Kanpur Chapter and the Ministry of Culture. A huge audience witnessed spellbinding performances by Padma Shri Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan (Sitar), Padma Shri Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar (Sarod), and Shri Ishaan Ghosh (Tabla). This first-ever concert under the fund highlights IIT Kanpur’s commitment to preserving classical arts.

IIT Kanpur Researchers Unveil CXCR2 Structure, Paving Way for Targeted Therapies

Researchers from IIT Kanpur’s Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering have successfully visualized the atomic structure of CXCR2, a key receptor linked to cancer progression and respiratory disorders. Published in Molecular Cell, this breakthrough, achieved using cryogenic-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), reveals how CXCR2 interacts with chemokines, unlocking potential for next-generation targeted therapies for diseases like COPD, asthma, atherosclerosis, and pancreatic cancer.

C3i Hub hosts Cybersecurity Hackathon to Drive Innovation and Startup Growth

IIT Kanpur recently hosted a successful Hackathon focused on cybersecurity, bringing together bright minds to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the field. The event featured students, professionals, and industry experts collaborating to develop innovative solutions for cybersecurity threats. Participants worked on real-world problems, showcasing their creativity and technical skills in an intense and competitive environment. The event also served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange, reinforcing IIT Kanpur's role as a hub for cutting-edge research and startup innovation.

IIT Kanpur Hosts Quantum Quest 2025 to Advance India’s Quantum Ecosystem

The Mission Coordination Cell of the National Quantum Mission (NQM) at IIT Kanpur hosted Quantum Quest 2025, a premier event fostering collaboration in quantum technologies among academia, industry, and policymakers. The event featured Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, Dr. JBV Reddy, and Prof. Manindra Agrawal, and launched the NQM newsletter, Quantum प्रबोधनम्. Experts discussed advancements in quantum AI, cryptography, and materials. Startups like QNu Labs, QpiAI, FORTYTWO LABS, and PrenishQ Pvt. Ltd. showcased innovations. Industry leaders from IBM, TCS, and ISRO explored India’s quantum roadmap, emphasizing adoption, talent development, and policy support.

IIT Kanpur Innovators Win Hyundai Hope Scholarship for AI-Driven Headset

Mr. Abhishek Bhardwaj (BT/EE), Ms. Saumya Kumari (BT/CHE), and their mentor, Prof. Amar Behera (Department of Design, IIT Kanpur), was awarded the prestigious Hyundai Hope Scholarship by Shri Kiren Rijiju at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi. Their groundbreaking project, the "Advanced AI-Driven Headset for Visually Impaired People," integrates AI, AR, and multi-sensor technology to enhance accessibility for individuals with Stargardt Disease and Retinitis Pigmentosa. Featuring gaze tracking, object recognition, and AR navigation, this innovative wearable empowers users with greater independence in education, work, and daily life, revolutionizing assistive technology for the visually impaired.

Alumni in Focus

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma (BT/CHE/1982), was conferred with the Padma Shri 2025 for his distinguished service in the field of Nanosciences and Nanotechnology. .

Dr. Pawan Goenka (BT/ME/1975), Chairman of Indian National Space Promotion (IN-SPACe) was conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri 2025.

Mr. Gyanesh Kumar (BT/CE/1985) was appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner. Mr. Kumar brings with him an extensive and rich experience serving in the public domain.

Prof. Pushpak Bhattacharyya (MT/CSE/1986) was appointed Chairman of RBI’s high-level committee to develop the Framework for Responsible and Ethical AI (FREE-AI) in the financial sector.

Prof. Rajiv K. Varma (BT/PhD/1980/1988), was named an IEEE Fellow effective from January 2025.

Mr. Ambarish Kenghe (MT/CSE/1998) was appointed as the Group CEO of Angel One, effective March 2025. He also co-founded Chromecast, revolutionizing the smart TV industry.

Mr. Satish Chandra (BT/CSE/1991) was named an ACM Fellow for his groundbreaking contributions to software development tools.

Prof. Ashish Goel (BT/CSE/1994) was named an ACM Fellow for his groundbreaking work in algorithms for social networks, market design, and civic platforms.

Dr. Mohit Bansal (BT/CSE/2008), John R. & Louise S. Parker Distinguished Professor and Director of the MURGe-Lab at UNC Chapel Hill, received the prestigious PECASE Award (Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers) from The White House.

Dr. Mohit Bansal (BT/CSE/2008), was named 2025 AAAI Fellow. Dr. Bansal's work in multimodal AI foundations and faithful language generation and summarization exemplifies this excellence.

Dr. Jainendra Jain (M.Sc/PHY/1981) was awarded the 2025 Wolf Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work on the fractional quantum Hall effect.

Dr. Achyut Wagle (PhD/ECO/2018), was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu University (KU). With a PhD in Economics from IIT Kanpur, Dr. Wagle brings valuable expertise and leadership experience to KU.

Dr. Prerna Sinha (PhD/MSP/2023) was awarded the Best Thesis Award in the Carbon Materials category at the INYAS National Competition for Research Excellence.

Faculty Achievement

Prof. Jayant K. Singh (BT/CHE/1997), Department of Chemical Engineering, was elected to the prestigious Fellowship of the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc)-2025.

Prof. Wasim Ahmad was awarded the Mahalanobis Memorial Medal 2024. Prof. Ahmad currently pursuing research in Emerging Markets Finance, Climate Finance, and Fintech.

Giving Back

Dr. Shishpal Rawat Support Sustainability Lecture Series at IIT Kanpur

Dr. Shishpal Rawat (BT/EE/1979) and Mrs. Hemangi D. Rawat have generously contributed to support the Distinguished Lecture Series in Sustainability under the Kotak School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur. This Distinguished Lecture Series will bring national and international thought leaders to inspire dialogue and action on sustainability. The MoU was signed by Prof. Sachidanand Tripathi, Dean of the Kotak School of Sustainability. Their visionary support will foster innovation and thought leadership in sustainable development.

IIT Kanpur Announces Two New Undergraduate Scholarships

IIT Kanpur announced the establishment of two new undergraduate scholarships, generously instituted by Distinguished Alumnus Mr. Manoj P. Singh (BT/EE/1974) and Mrs. Rita Singh. Dr. T. B. Singh Scholarship honors Dr. Tej Bahadur Singh, a renowned metallurgist and industry leader, supporting deserving undergraduate students. The Smt. Kusum Singh Scholarship is dedicated to empowering female undergraduate students, celebrating Smt. Kusum Singh’s legacy of mentorship and community upliftment. With a distinguished career at Deloitte, Mr. Manoj Singh continues to give back to his alma mater.

IIT Kanpur Establishes Prof. Kanwar Singh Nalwa Memorial Scholarship

In honor of Prof. Kanwar Singh Nalwa—a visionary in sustainable energy, passionate researcher, and inspiring mentor—IIT Kanpur is proud to establish the Prof. Kanwar Singh Nalwa Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will support students in the Department of Sustainable Energy, ensuring his legacy of dedication and excellence continues to inspire future innovators.

The Class of 1965 Pledges ₹2.5 Crore for Innovation Award at IIT Kanpur

The Class of 1965 pledged ₹2.5 crore during their Diamond Jubilee Reunion to establish the Pioneering Research & Innovation Award. This annual award will honor groundbreaking research and innovation at IIT Kanpur, reflecting the institute’s founding vision. Their generosity builds on past contributions, including the Pioneer Batch Continuing Education Center and support for the Opportunity School.

The Class of 1980 Pledges ₹4.2 Crore to Support IIT Kanpur Initiatives

At their 45-Year Reunion, the Class of 1980 announced a generous ₹4.2 crore donation to support key campus initiatives. Their contribution will fund Hall 3 renovations, girls' hostel improvements, facility upgrades, and a Corpus Fund. Additionally, the donation will support prestigious awards, including the Prof. Pravir Dutt Excellence Award, Prof. K.S. Gandhi & Prof. S.K. Gupta Research Excellence Award, and the Humanities-Technology Bridge in tribute to Prof. Mahajan & Prof. Dhanagare.