Kanpur, February 13, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) hosted a high-level delegation from the University of Manitoba, Canada, to explore collaboration in global public health and allied deep-tech domains. Coordinated by the Office of International Relations, the visit concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Director’s Office.

The delegation comprised Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Peter Nickerson, Dean, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences; Dr. Josée G. Lavoie, Dean, College of Community and Global Health; Dr. James Blanchard, Executive Director, Institute for Global Health; and Dr. Marissa Becker, Director of Technical Collaborations, Institute for Global Public Health.

Prof. Manindra Agarwal, Director, IIT Kanpur, received the delegation and shared insights into the Institute’s academic and research strengths, including the upcoming Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, and the Kotak School of Sustainability. He highlighted IIT Kanpur’s growing leadership in the MedTech sector, a key area of interest for the visiting delegation.

Prof. Bushra Ateeq, Dean of International Relations, outlined IIT Kanpur’s expanding global partnerships and discussed potential avenues for sustained academic engagement. Prof. Deepu Philip, Professor-in-Charge, SIIC, presented an overview of the innovation ecosystem and its contributions to advancing MedTech solutions addressing healthcare challenges.

Discussions focused on strengthening institutional ties and advancing joint research in global public health, digital technologies, data sciences, artificial intelligence, med-tech for health, and medical devices. The deliberations were enriched by Dr. Vasanthakumar Namasivayam (Ex-IAS) and Shri Vikas Gothalwal (Ex-IAS), who emphasized technology-driven approaches to public health challenges.

The visit culminated in the signing of an MoU to foster comprehensive academic and research cooperation between the two institutions. The agreement outlines collaboration in the development of mutually beneficial academic programs and courses; coordination of faculty mobility for teaching, research, and training; facilitation of student mobility for study and research; and joint academic activities including collaborative research, publications, and symposia. The partnership places special emphasis on digital technologies, data sciences, med-tech for health, and medical devices.

The engagement reflects a shared commitment to leveraging interdisciplinary expertise and international collaboration to advance impactful solutions in global public health. IIT Kanpur looks forward to building a sustained partnership with the University of Manitoba to promote academic excellence and innovation-driven outcomes.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialized schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

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