About the Institute

National Leather Development Programme (NLDP) had undertaken a project, called “Support to the Saddlery Sector in Kanpur” during the second phase of its implementation (1998 : 2002) under SIDE-NLDP. Uttar Pradesh Export Corporation (UPEC) had been designated as the implementing agency in the beginning of the project , i.e. , during 1999 :2000. However, this task was assigned to the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT K )at the end of November 2000 on account of its association with the project in the development of polymeric saddle trees since the beginning and also in view of localional advantages as well as hassle – free implementation.
Having appreciated the requirement brought forth by the exporters, the NLDP swung into action and undertook the project in the middle of 1998 with the objective of overall upgradation and modernization of the industry with its wholehearted support and involvement. Some of the leading exporters were roped in and a plan of action was formulated by consulting them. A formal committee was also constituted o to make the whole exercise fruitful, result – oriented an transparent. The following areas had been identified with the help of the industry to be addressed on priority:


Sometimes towards the end of 1999, while the implementation of the project was underway, it was thought that some institutional arrangement should be established for effective and purposeful utilization of the infrastructure to be created. Later on, it was this approach, which culminated into the establishment of IISTEM as an integral part of this project.


Listed below are the notable achievements of the project so far:



A world – class institute called IISTEM has been established. Having an autonomous character, it is registered as a society under Societies Registration Act.

Spread over an area of 5 acres in the newly developed industrial area in Banthar, Unnao on Lucknow – Kanpur Highway, the institute has got its permanent premises with approximately 2,000 sq. meters constructed area. The building has been constructed by Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) with a total cost amounting to Rs. 100 lakh. This premise was inaugurated on 29 December 2002 by Shri Arun Shourie, the then Hon’ble Minister for Commerce & Industry, Government of India.