IIT Jodhpur, DRDO collaborate to inaugurate DIA center of excellence for research

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur), in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation, inaugurated the DRDO-Industry-Academia Center of Excellence (DIA-CoE) today, April 19, 2024. Through partnership between academia, industry, and DRDO research labs, the DIA-CoE seeks to advance multidisciplinary research and create the next generation of defense technology innovators.

IIT Jodhpur's experience in a variety of areas directly related to strategic and warfare sectors, like as technologies for desert operations, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, mobility, and robotics, makes it a suitable choice for DRDO to build the CoE.

Santanu Chaudhury, director, IIT Jodhpur, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, saying, "The entire journey towards innovation, product development, and implementation is equally imperative. This holistic approach is exceptionally critical, underscoring the unique role of this center. It transcends mere academic research, delving into real-world problems that demand solutions, yet it does not stop there—it progresses towards transformation. This comprehensive ecosystem marks a significant step, one that academia must wholeheartedly appreciate and take it forward."

Focused areas of research

The center of excellence will lead targeted research efforts in specific domains, including desert warfare technologies, futuristic omni mobility systems, and artificial intelligence for Information and wargaming technologies. Additionally, it will undertake science and technology endeavors as outlined by DRDO.

Diverse innovative projects

In the initial phase of collaboration, IIT Jodhpur and DRDO will embark on a diverse array of innovative projects. These initiatives encompass ventures such as the multi-agent amphibious quadcopter system, bioinspired flapping wing model, AIOT based water monitoring technologies, smart apparel for desert warfare, and more.

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Financial backing by DRDO

Former director of Defence Laboratory Jodhpur, Ravindra Kumar, currently serves as the director the center, supervising its strategic initiatives and collaborative ventures.

DRDO will provide funding for all research projects conducted by the center, fostering interaction between IIT Jodhpur faculty and various DRDO laboratories to identify research areas and coordinate their implementation.

Future project prospects

Moreover, upcoming projects will explore vital areas such as cold plasma-based technologies, hydrogen-based power generation systems, and energy harvesting for defense applications, among others.