New Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur concluded the third edition of its industry-academic and innovation conference 'IITK Coordination 2026' at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. At the conference, representatives from industry, government and academia discussed promoting research, technology and innovation and strengthening collaboration between industry and academic institutions. During this, IIT Kanpur and Gates Foundation announced a partnership to advance locally developed affordable diagnostic solutions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, attended the conference as the chief guest. The partnership, which took place in his presence, aims to strengthen India's science and innovation ecosystem and accelerate the development of affordable health testing solutions.
'It is necessary to take it from the laboratory to the real product'
Dr. Jitendra Singh said that coordination is an important initiative to bring people associated with academia, research and industry on one platform. He said that technologies like biotechnology, quantum technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play an important role in the next industrial revolution. India is also moving in this direction, but long-term partnerships are necessary to take research out of the laboratory and turn it into real products. He expressed confidence that platforms like Samanvay will contribute to achieving the goal of Developed India 2047.
IIT Kanpur's emphasis on strengthening health services
Director of IIT Kanpur, Prof. Manindra Aggarwal said that the responsibility of educational institutions is to convert scientific knowledge into solutions that can improve the lives of people. The institute is working towards developing solutions to national and global challenges by linking research, entrepreneurship and industry.
He said that the partnership with the Gates Foundation is part of this effort. Leveraging locally developed affordable diagnostic solutions can help strengthen health services. Through coordination, efforts are being made to spread such ideas and technologies to the people, which can benefit the needy communities.
Affordable health technology will reach deprived communities
Archana Vyas, India Country Director, Gates Foundation, said India's scientific talent, engineering expertise and manufacturing capacity can play an important role in increasing access to affordable and quality health technologies. He informed that in partnership with IIT Kanpur, the possibilities of faster and accessible testing solutions will be worked on by bringing together engineering, biotechnology and AI.
He said that strengthening India's indigenous research capacity will help in converting scientific discoveries into practical health solutions and develop self-reliant health innovation ecosystem. Along with India, other countries of the Global South can also benefit from this.
Brainstorming on emerging technologies and health innovation
Mirik Gogri, Head of Corporate Strategy at Aarti Industries, Principal of Spectrum Impact and Founder of India Translational Research Initiative (ITRI) delivered the keynote address at the conference. This was followed by a panel discussion on 'Emerging Technologies Shaping India's Innovation Future'.
Apart from this, topics like innovation in health services and use of technology and research in building a better society were also discussed.
Experts from IIT Kanpur presented three lectures. Professor Tarun Gupta, Goldman Sachs Sustainability Chair, reflected on the role of innovation in India's crucial decade of growth. Dean of Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Prof. Anil K. Lalwani discussed the future of inclusive healthcare, while Prof. Sachchidanand Tripathi pointed out the need for collaboration to make research effective in the real world.
21 exhibitors showed new technical solutions
21 exhibitors participated in the technology exhibition organized at Samanvay 2026. These included EndureAir, Wadhwani School of AI and Intelligent Systems, C3I Hub, Anant Systems, Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, CuraDev, Cute Brains Pvt Ltd, Kotak School of Sustainability, OffGrid, ScanNext, Airavat Research Foundation and Brahman Spacetech and other institutions and companies.
The exhibition presented innovations related to aerospace, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, cyber security, sustainable energy, medical technology, robotics and precision agriculture. These demonstrations highlighted the diversity of the institute's research and innovation ecosystem.
Target to raise one billion dollars by March 2029
IIT Kanpur also launched the 'Greater Than Us' campaign in New Delhi on 14 October 2026 as part of its broader research and innovation efforts. The campaign aims to raise one billion US dollars by March 2029. Under this, focus will be on strengthening the basic capabilities of the institute, encouraging talents and promoting cutting-edge research and innovation.
IIT Kanpur, established in the year 1959, is an institute of national importance. The institute has 21 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programs and three specialized schools on its campus. There are more than 580 full-time faculty and more than 9,500 students. Through events like Samanvay, the institute is making efforts to link research with industry needs and take technical solutions to actual use.
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