IIT Kanpur, Blockchain For Impact to promote healthcare startups in India

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and Blockchain For Impact (BFI) have entered into a strategic partnership for promoting entrepreneurial initiatives through the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur. The BFI will nurture innovations and advancements in healthcare in the country under its BFI-Biome Virtual Network programme.

BFI has pledged to allocate over US Dollar 1,50,000 across three years to develop programmes specifically tailored to healthcare-focused startups at SIIC. The partnership will focus on leveraging IIT Kanpur's established leadership in fostering entrepreneurship and BFI's commitment to advancing biomedical research. The collaboration aims at developing impactful solutions that address critical gaps in India's healthcare landscape.

The agreement was signed by Kantesh Balani, dean of resources and alumni (DoRA), IIT Kanpur; and Gaurav Singh, CEO BFI. Ankush Sharma, professor-in-charge, SIIC, IIT Kanpur; Satya Prakash Dash, senior advisor, BFI, and Pooja Agrawal, programme director, BFI, were also present on the occasion.

This partnership between IIT Kanpur and BFI signifies a significant step forward in advancing healthcare innovation in India. By bringing together diverse expertise and resources, this collaboration holds immense promise for improving public health and ensuring equitable and accessible healthcare for all.

Also read QS World Ranking 2024: IIT Kanpur ranks 36th globally, 2nd in domestic for data science and AI

Kantesh Balani said, "I am very optimistic about the partnership between IIT Kanpur and BFI. This MoU will help us share knowledge, support startups effectively, and improve our capacity building efforts."

Gaurav Singh said, “Meeting the IIT Kanpur incubatees was incredibly inspiring. Their boundless energy and unwavering dedication to healthcare innovation are truly awe-inspiring. IIT Kanpur's exceptional support for these entrepreneurs aligns perfectly with our shared mission of accelerating impactful solutions in biomedical research.”