The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has reported a significant rise in research and development (R&D) funding for the 2023-24 academic year, marking a 39.44% increase compared to 2021. This surge in financial support highlights the institute's growing focus on technological innovation and research excellence. According to official data, IIT-B has secured ₹700 crore for its R&D efforts in the current academic year. This marks the highest funding received by the institute in the past three years, surpassing the ₹500 crore received for 2021-22 and ₹576 crore for 2022-23. The increased investment reflects IIT-B’s expanding role in advancing research projects that align with India’s national goals.
Aligning R&D with National Priorities
The rise in funding comes as part of IIT-B’s ongoing efforts to support India’s broader mission of achieving technological self-reliance. The institute has launched several large, multidisciplinary research centres, which foster collaboration among experts from diverse fields to address complex, high-impact challenges. These centres serve as a cornerstone for IIT-B’s contributions to India’s technological advancements.
Key Projects
Among the key R&D initiatives underway at IIT-B is a project on hydrogen pressure vessel manufacturing, utilizing textile-based composites known as TeCoPV. Funded by the Ministry of Textiles, this project aims to create a cost-effective and indigenous solution for safe gaseous hydrogen storage. The initiative also includes risk assessments and life cycle analyses to ensure the viability and sustainability of the technology. In addition, IIT-B is spearheading the Maharashtra Drone Mission, an ambitious project aimed at positioning Maharashtra as a leader in indigenous drone technology. Funded by the Technical Education Department of the Government of Maharashtra, the mission has a five-year budget of ₹151.8 crore. The project seeks to advance drone technology and develop new applications that could elevate Maharashtra's status in this emerging sector.
Research Across Multiple Disciplines
Professor Shireesh B Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, emphasized that the institute’s research spans a wide array of fields, including science, engineering, design, management, and the humanities. Each year, the institute initiates numerous R&D projects, ranging from short-term consultancy engagements to long-term sponsored research efforts. The duration of these projects typically falls between two to five years, and they are funded through grants from government bodies and non-governmental organizations.
Industry and Government Partnerships
This year, IIT Bombay has attracted 35% of its R&D funding from industrial partnerships, while the remaining portion has been sourced from government grants. Professor Kedare noted that the close integration of academic programs with research activities has propelled the institute onto the global stage. He highlighted the importance of IIT-B’s involvement in government projects, which has played a crucial role in securing additional grants from various government departments, further enhancing the institute's research portfolio.
Research Excellence
The recent surge in funding underscores IIT Bombay’s status as a world-class research institution. By focusing on cutting-edge R&D projects, IIT-B continues to make significant contributions to India’s technological growth and innovation landscape. The institute's leadership is confident that these initiatives will pave the way for future breakthroughs and strengthen its position as a global leader in education and research.
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