The Centre for Advanced Air Quality Monitoring (ATMAN), IIT Kanpur, hosted the official launch of the AMRIT programme — Ambient air quality Monitoring over Rural Areas using Indigenous Technologies — along with the MANAS (Mumbai Air Network for Advanced Sciences) Network during the Workshop on Indigenous Air Quality Sensors and Open-Access Data Portal, held on 2 December 2025 in Mumbai.
Photographs
At Samanvay 2025, AIRAWAT Research Foundation, IIT Kanpur signed an MoU with TCS to co-develop AI-powered digital twins of cities, enabling real-time intelligence on water, green cover, emissions, and pollution hotspots. The collaboration will advance solutions in air quality, climate adaptation, green mobility, and governance — paving the way for smarter, more resilient urban futures.
The Kotak School of Sustainability presented 14 active projects spanning energy efficiency, air quality, flood risk mapping, and sustainable mobility. Prototypes like Kans-struct and lightweight cane bricks highlighted eco-friendly innovation — demonstrating how IIT Kanpur is translating research into impactful solutions for communities and cities.
Photographs
A Milestone in the Journey Towards a Sustainable Future!
Foundation Stone Laid for Kotak School of Sustainability - IIT Kanpur Building
We are proud to announce that the foundation stone of the Kotak School of Sustainability (KSS) building at IIT Kanpur was formally laid today on August 6, 2025, in the presence of Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Dean Kotak School of Sustainability - IIT Kanpur Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, senior officials from Kotak Mahindra Bank, faculty members, administrators, and Advisory Council members.
Envisioned as a LEED Platinum and Net Zero Energy building, the new Kotak School of Sustainability facility will embody sustainability in both form and function—with materials like bamboo, hempcrete, mycelium-based composites, and recycled components. The project preserves existing trees, waterbodies, and forest areas, creating a living, learning ecosystem at the heart of IIT Kanpur.
With connectivity to mass transit, EV parking, green HVAC systems, and sustainable insulation—it sets a new benchmark for academic infrastructure.
The 18450 Sqm building will house:
- 25+ advanced research labs
- Faculty offices, seminar & conference spaces
- Interactive learning zones
- Dedicated areas for PhD & post-doctoral scholars
- Eco-zones for collaboration and innovation
Photographs
The Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering, IIT Kanpur, held its 3rd Research Scholar Day on August 31, 2025, With 20+ student talks, posters, and 100+ participants, the event fostered rich discussions on energy systems, policy, and innovation — reaffirming IIT Kanpur’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy research for a resilient future.
Photographs
Title of the talk: Understanding and Predictions of Climate Extremes for Sustainability
Date, venue and time: 12th August 2025, 4:30 -6:00 PM , L-18, IIT Kanpur
Prof. Ramaswamy, an eminent atmospheric scientist and member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, discussed the Earth's energy imbalance driven by greenhouse gas emissions and land surface changes. The talk explored how these factors affect global climate systems—impacting temperature, precipitation, and sea level—and how advanced Earth System models and observations can guide sustainable solutions to address climate-related challenges.
Photographs
The Technology, Research, Innovation, and Policy Summit (TRIPS 2025), hosted by IIT Kanpur in partnership with the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), concluded successfully after a four-day programme held from 21–24 August 2025.
The summit brought together over 150 speakers and 300 participants—including leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, and innovators—from across the nation. The inaugural session featured distinguished dignitaries such as Prof. Braj Bhushan, Prof. M. M. Sharma, Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, Dr. Shivkumar Sharma, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Prof. Yogesh Joshi, and Dr. Sandeep Patil.
Prof. Bhushan opened the session with his remarks, followed by Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA, who articulated the vision of TRIPS—exploring how science and technology operate synergistically with innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy to drive sustainable growth.
The summit also featured a thought-provoking dialogue between Prof. Ashutosh Sharma and Shri Ram Madhav Ji on The New World Order and India’s Role. Through four days of deliberations, TRIPS 2025 underscored the convergence of science, technology, innovation, and policy as a foundation for addressing global challenges and shaping a sustainable, knowledge-driven future.
Photographs
Think India hosted its National Workshop at IIT Kanpur on 15–16 August 2025, bringing together volunteers from across the country. The two-day event featured thought-provoking sessions by eminent speakers, encouraging youth-driven ideas and discussions to shape India’s future.
Photographs
A workshop on "Environment and Sustainability" was organized on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5, 2025, at the Seminar Room, CESE, IIT Kanpur.
The event was jointly organized by the Center for Environmental Science and Engineering (CESE) and the Kotak School of Sustainability, and was supported by the Rawat Family Trust.
The workshop was coordinated by Prof. Manoj K. Tiwari, CESE, IIT Kanpur, and featured talks by:
- Prof. K. N. Tiwari, Professor (Retd.), AgFE, IIT Kharagpur (Convener)
- Er. Manoj Chaurasia, Regional Officer, UP State Pollution Control Board
- Dr. Abhijith G. R., Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kanpur
The workshop brought together faculty, researchers, and students to discuss pressing environmental challenges and sustainable practices for a greener future.
Photographs
Organisers: Prof. Anindita Chakrabarti and Dr. Kalindi Kokal
The Kotak School of Sustainability, IIT Kanpur, organised a one-day workshop titled "The Life of Waste: Experiences and Innovations with Solid Waste Management in India" on 28th May 2025, focusing on innovative practices and lived experiences in solid waste management across India. The event brought together experts and practitioners for an insightful discussion on models of waste management, Waste management policies, challenges, and sustainable solutions for effective waste management.
Photographs
Kotak School of sustainability at IIT Kanpur, in partnership with Indian Science National Academy successfully conducted a one-day workshop titled ‘Sustainability of Digital-cyber world’, at The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, on 8th May 2025. This unique day-long workshop was packed with a series of engaging plenary talks and panel discussions with eminent experts from academia, government, and industry. Topics included accountability indicators for digital sustainability, the ethical dimensions of digital mental health, decarbonization modelling with AI, and strategies for measuring sustainability in cyberspace.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, wherein he delivered a keynote address on “Enabling a Green & Secure Digital & Cyber Future for Viksit Bharat @2047”. Dr. Saraswat shared insights on dual nature of digitalization, its environmental and societal impacts, and the need for governance and policy innovations to ensure a secure and sustainable digital future.
In his welcome remark, Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Dean, Kotak School of Sustainability, IIT Kanpur, spoke about the vision of mainstreaming sustainability into education, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and leveraging AI for addressing environmental challenges, and further briefed about the newly launched M. Tech.in Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA, in his inaugural talk, emphasized the importance of integrating responsibility and foresight into technological development. He further talked on environmental footprint of digital technologies, the role of governance in cyber-physical systems, and the need to assess both direct and indirect impacts of emerging technologies.
Shri S. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of Axilor Ventures and Co-founder of Infosys, joined virtually as Guest of Honour. In his keynote address, he touched upon the imperatives for India’s growth, the future of technologies like quantum computing and AI, and the need for inclusive, culturally grounded, and energy-efficient digital solutions.
Photographs
The role of forests in the global carbon cycle & our understanding of past environmental changes
Dr. Mukund Rao
Date: 6 Dec 2024
Prof. Mukund Rao delivered an engaging lecture on "The Role of Forests in the Global Carbon Cycle and Our Understanding of Past Environmental Changes" on 6 December 2024. The talk highlighted the vital contribution of forests to carbon sequestration and emphasized how insights from historical environmental changes can inform present-day climate strategies
Photographs
Topic-India's climate change challenge, science risk & solutions
Prof. Raghu Murtugudde
17th Dec 2024
On 17th December 2024, the Kotak School of Sustainability hosted a seminar on "India’s Climate Change Challenges – Science, Risks and Solutions". The session was delivered by Prof. Raghu Murtugudde, from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.
The seminar took place at the Conference Room, Ground Floor, National Aerosol Facility Building, IIT Kanpur..
Prof. Murtugudde shared valuable insights on the scientific dimensions of climate change in India, the associated risks, and potential pathways for sustainable solutions. The talk was well-received by attendees from various disciplines, fostering meaningful discussions on climate action and sustainability.
Photographs
Brochure:
Title: Water droplets & Ice examples of science for technology
Dr. Thalappil Pradeep
25th March 2025
Inaugural Lecture – IIT Kanpur Swastibhavatu Lecture Series
The IIT Kanpur Swastibhavatu Lecture Series, supported by the Rawat Family Trust, was inaugurated on March 25, 2025, with a thought-provoking lecture by Padma Shri Prof. Thalappil Pradeep, Institute Professor and Deepak Parekh Chair at IIT Madras.
“Water Droplets & Ice: Examples of Science for Technology,” the lecture explored cutting-edge research in water sustainability, focusing on the role of nanomaterials, surface phenomena, and innovative technologies. Prof. Pradeep highlighted how fundamental scientific insights can be transformed into practical solutions, especially in the field of clean water and environmental sustainability.
The session drew attention to the importance of interdisciplinary research and its potential to address global challenges. The event was well attended by faculty, students, and researchers, marking a strong beginning to the distinguished lecture series
Photographs
Brochure:
Watershed Development under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
4th April 2025
Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Dean of the Kotak School of Sustainability, emphasized the significance of the workshop on Watershed Development under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) 2.0, held on April 4, 2025, at IIT Kanpur. The event marked a major step toward holistic and sustainable development.
The workshop focused on Watershed Development & Climate Resilience, aiming to refine strategies for water conservation and sustainable agriculture. Experts explored the role of AI, IoT, and modern technologies in optimizing water resource management. The event showcased innovative approaches to mitigating climate change and enhancing agricultural productivity, drawing insights from 150 participants.
Dr. Heera Lal Patel, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Government of Uttar Pradesh, addressed the gathering as the Chief Guest. He stressed the importance of respecting “Mother Earth,” which he described as encompassing “jal, jungle, zameen” (water, forest, and land), emphasizing the need to honor and protect these resources for collective progress.
Prof. Mahendra Verma, IIT Kanpur: “Climate change has a direct impact on agriculture. Scientific strategies in water conservation can mitigate these effects and boost productivity.”
Dr. Rupendra Oberoi, Delhi University: “Sustainable practices must evolve with technological advancements. AI and IoT are game changers in efficient water resource management.”
Prof. Devlina Chatterjee, IIT Kanpur, Department of Management Science, highlighted that the training for PMKSY 2.0 is set to commence soon, integrating AI into ancient Asian water conservation practices. She emphasized that the modern era is driven by AI, with smart water management systems leveraging AI and IoT to revolutionize agricultural processes
Media coverage links:
https://khushisamay.com/details.aspx?id=47351&type=Other
http://www.tahkikatsamachar.in/2025/04/blog-post.html
Media coverage photos
Photographs
National Conference on Innovative AI solutions for Sustainable Cities:
The aim of the conference was to bring together thought leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs from academia, government, and industry to explore the transformative potential of AI in addressing urban challenges. We aim to integrate corporate responsibility with the urgent need for resilient, environmentally conscious cities.
This two-day event provided a platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing innovations, and fostering collaborations to develop sustainable, livable, and resilient cities of the future. Hosted jointly by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Kotak School of Sustainability IIT Kanpur and Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, the conference will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and thematic workshops designed to inspire and empower stakeholders to adopt cutting-edge solutions in Urban Governance and Infrastructure
Photographs
