External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar launches IITM Global Research Foundation
The foundation has been conceived as a sustainable and scalable platform to take IIT Madras’s academic, research and innovation strengths to the global stage.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has launched the IITM Global Research Foundation’, an initiative of Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) aimed at strengthening its global footprint.
This launch marks a significant milestone in IIT Madras’ journey to become the world’s first
multinational university, positioning the institute as a globally-networked hub for education,
research, innovation and entrepreneurship, IIT Madras said in a statement.
The foundation has been conceived as a strategic, sustainable and scalable platform to take IIT Madras’s academic, research and innovation strengths to the global stage. It will support international academic programmes, research and consultancy, startup collaboration, and technology transfer. Focus areas include data science, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, space, mobility, energy and water systems, health technologies, and green technologies.
IITM Global Research Foundation is designed as a dynamic ‘plug-and-play’ framework that enables deep-tech innovators, researchers, startups, and industry partners to access global markets, capital and
research opportunities.
The launch event was attended by Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras; Prof Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean (Global Engagement); Madhav Narayan, CEO, IIT Madras Global Research Foundation; along with faculty members, researchers, students and other stakeholders.
Prof Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said the IITM Global Research Foundation is aimed at strengthening international collaboration through technology transfer, joint research projects, and overseas market access for startups. It will also attract foreign investment, he said.
"Initially, we are establishing a presence in five locations (United States, UK, Dubai, Malaysia and Germany). Based on success, this initiative will be expanded to multiple nations,” he said.
Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar with Mr. Mith R Jain, Co-Curricular Affairs Secretary, IIT Madras, at a Fireside Chat
Dr S Jaishankar said countries progress by strengthening domestic capabilities and then engaging internationally to contribute to and benefit from the global environment.
"We have never considered the world as a inimical or hostile place from which we have to defensively protect ourselves. We have limitations on our resources. With limited resources how do you have maximum impact? That is actually the problem that has to be solved.
"What we try to do in Indian Foreign Policy and diplomacy today is solve that problem. We try to do that partly using our competitiveness and strengths and leveraging other institutions and possibilities."
Speaking on India assisting foreign countries, Dr Jaishankar said, “An IIT Madras campus in Tanzania is a way by which Indian Foreign Policy has leveraged the capabilities of an institution here to make a huge impact.”
The minister also inaugurated the IITM Festival Fortnight, the annual technical festival Shaastra; and the cultural festival Saarang. During the visit, the minister participated in a fireside chat with students and faculty.
IIT Madras comprises 18 academic departments, 15 centres of Excellence, 23 research centres, and nearly 100 advanced laboratories, supported by over 650 faculty members and a student community of more than 10,000. Through the IITM Global Research Foundation, the institute seeks to extend its international engagement while maintaining its focus on education and research.