The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) and Headquarters Western Command, Chandimandir, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 20, 2025, to foster collaboration in research and development (R&D), innovation, and indigenisation across diverse domains of mutual interest.

The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur, and Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, GOC-in-C, Western Command, in the presence of Prof. Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava, Acting Dean of Research and Development, IIT Kanpur. The signing ceremony was held at IIT Kanpur, marking a significant step toward strengthening academic-military cooperation.

The partnership is aimed at advancing joint research in areas including engineering, physical sciences, biomedical sciences, management, and social sciences. The MoU also envisions enhancing the educational exposure of Army officers under the jurisdiction of Western Command and creating opportunities for faculty and students of IIT Kanpur to engage with real-world challenges faced by the Armed Forces.

This collaboration is expected to facilitate exchange of knowledge, joint projects, internships, training, and technological innovation tailored to the needs of national security and development.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Manindra Agrawal stated, “This MoU signifies yet another step towards bridging academic research and real-world defense needs. By working closely with the Indian Army’s Western Command, we aim to develop indigenous technologies and solutions that serve defense strategic purposes. It also offers a unique opportunity for our students and faculty to engage in meaningful translational work.”

This collaboration between IIT Kanpur and the Western Command is a strategic convergence of academic excellence and defense expertise. It will accelerate innovation in critical areas while offering real-world insights to our researchers. We look forward to impactful outcomes that address national priorities and foster indigenisation. This MoU is a testament to the transformative potential of partnerships between premier research institutions and the Armed Forces,” said Prof. Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava.

Following the MoU signing ceremony, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, GOC-in-C, Western Command, was hosted by Prof. Deepu Philip, the Professor in Charge of Incubation and Innovation at the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur. Professor Philip facilitated an extensive tour of the SIIC and several advanced research facilities across the campus. The visit included the Smart Systems and Operations Lab (SSOL) led by Professor Deepu Philip, the Center for Developing Intelligent Systems (CDIS) headed by Professor Nitin Saxena, the Drone Centre of Excellence under Professor Abhishek, the UAV Lab guided by Professor Saderla, and the C3i Hub, where he observed a demonstration of innovations in cybersecurity.

Prof. Deepu Philip said, “This engagement with the Indian Army is a pivotal opportunity to apply academic knowledge and translational research to solve critical defense challenges. At SIIC, we are committed to enabling mission-oriented innovation, and this collaboration will help unlock new avenues where startup agility meets military-grade application.”

A key highlight of the visit was a live demonstration of advanced defense technologies by startups incubated at SIIC IIT Kanpur. This showcase exemplified the depth and maturity of innovation being nurtured at the institute. The solutions developed by startups such as TerrAqua UAV Solutions Private Limited, Maraal Aerospace, DreamAerospace Private Limited, and Xterra Robotics Private Limited demonstrated capabilities in UAV technology, field-ready robotics, and real-time surveillance systems, specifically tailored for defense and national security applications.

Lt Gen Katiyar also engaged in discussions with faculty members including Prof. Abhishek Sarkar, Prof. Bishakh Bhattacharya, Prof. Shakti Singh Gupta, Prof. Abhishek, and Prof. Bharat Lohani, focusing on collaborative opportunities in defense-focused R&D and innovation.

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 through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has significantly contributed to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts various academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and three 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 fosters innovation and academic rigor.

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