IIT Madras Initiates Global Research Foundation, Fueling Innovations and Strategic Collaborations

It will be a catalyst for start-ups, patents and technologies originating from the IIT Madras Ecosystem to make a global impact, and create access to global markets, capital, funding for IIT Madras research & innovation

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is launching the IIT Madras Research Foundation to drive its global aspirations. It will be a catalyst for start-ups coming out of the Institute’s cutting-edge tech ecosystem landscape to access the global markets, capital, funding for research & innovation, scaling its Academic Master’s and Doctoral Programs through strategic University Collaborations as well as Industry Partnerships.

To realise this vision, Institute has appointed Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, a senior business management and technology professional, as the first CEO of IITM Research Foundation.

The ‘IIT Madras Research Foundation’ is being set up with a vision to expand IIT Madras’ global footprint, drive growth in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and increase engagement with Industry and R&D partnerships.

Outlining the vision for IIT Madras Research Foundation, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “IITMRF is a strategic initiative aligned with India’s vision to become the Vishwaguru and to be a creator of global startups. We are delighted to have Mr. Narayan, an industry veteran lead this initiative as its CEO.”

The Key focus areas of the foundation will include

  Patents and technologies ready for commercialisation

  Start-ups established by IITM faculty founders, students and researchers

  Explorations based on market thesis (e.g., Green growth)

  Giving global access to Start-ups from the IIT Madras ecosystem and providing them exposure to new markets, capital & technological adjacencies

  Access to IIT Madras-created technologies for alumni

  Scaling of International Academic Programs through Strategic Collaboration and Industry Partnerships

Elaborating on the key outcomes envisaged by the IITMRF, Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, said, “We believe that IITMRF will be a game changer not just for IIT Madras, but for the country because it would have demonstrated a model for an academic institution to take its innovation to the global stage.”