The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) is set to host India’s first-ever Strategic Workshop on Human-Centred Design (HCD) in Defence on September 16–17, 2025, at the Prabandhan Boardroom and Convention & Exhibition Centre (PBCEC), IIT Kanpur.

The event is being organised under the aegis of the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-COE) and the Department of Design, IIT Kanpur.

This pioneering initiative marks the first structured, national-level effort to integrate human-centred design principles into the defence innovation ecosystem in India. The workshop aims to bring together defence personnel, industry leaders, and academic experts to address current challenges, explore new opportunities, and develop a strategic roadmap for establishing a dedicated Human-Centred Design vertical at DIA-COE, IIT Kanpur.

Distinguished Participation

The workshop will witness the presence of several eminent dignitaries and thought leaders, including Shri L.C. Mangal, Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Technology Management), DRDO, Dr. N. Ranjana, Director, Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO, Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean, Research and Development, IIT Kanpur, Mr. Sanjay Tandon, Director, DIA-COE, IIT Kanpur, Prof. Satyaki Roy, Head, Department of Design, IIT Kanpur and Dr. Vivek Kant, Associate Professor, Department of Design, IIT Kanpur (Workshop Host). These leaders will guide the academic, strategic, and operational dimensions of the workshop, steering a collaborative approach to innovation in defence design.

Interactive Program & White Paper Development

The two-day workshop will include expert talks, panel discussions, and interactive group-based brainstorming sessions. Participants from defence organisations, academia, and industry will co-develop a draft white paper, laying the foundation for HCD integration into defence systems and processes. This participatory format ensures that insights from end-users, developers, and researchers are actively incorporated into the final outcomes.

A Vision for Human-Centred Innovation in Defence

Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Dr. Vivek Kant stated, “This is the first participatory workshop of its kind in India for Indian defence, and it represents an important step towards embedding Human-Centred Design into the entire sector. Our goal is to ensure that defence technologies are not only state of the art but also user-ready, safe, and resilient for the personnel who rely on them.”

This workshop reinforces IIT Kanpur’s long-standing commitment to promoting self-reliance in defence technologies through multidisciplinary research, deep industry-academia collaboration, and a strong focus on user-centric innovation.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, please visit www.iitk.ac.in.