IIT Madras launches Research Foundation to drive growth in innovation, increase engagement

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) is launching the IIT Madras Research Foundation. It will serve as a catalyst for start-ups emerging from the Institute's cutting-edge tech ecosystem landscape to gain access to global markets, capital, and funding for research and innovation. Moreover, it seeks to enhance the reach and impact of its academic programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, by forging strategic collaborations with universities and industry partners.

The IIT Madras Research Foundation is being established with the vision of expanding IIT Madras' worldwide reach, driving development in innovation and entrepreneurship, and fostering relationships with industry as well as research and development collaborations. In order to carry out this vision, the Institute appointed Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, a senior business management and technology professional, as the first CEO of the IITM Research Foundation.

Speaking on the vision for IIT Madras Research Foundation, V Kamakoti, director, IIT Madras, said, “IITMRF is a strategic initiative aligned with India’s vision to become the Vishwaguru and to be a creator of global startups. We are delighted to have Mr. Narayan, an industry veteran lead this initiative as its CEO.”

Madhav Narayan is a 37-year industry veteran with multi-geo expertise strategizing, building, transforming, and expanding businesses for global technology giants like Intel, HP, Dell, Samsung, and Epson. He was one of the original members and creators of the Redington Group. He has developed excellent long-term ties with key players in governments, the larger IT ecosystem in numerous emerging nations in the MEA and APAC regions, and academic institutions in India, the Gulf, and the United States, as well as global forums such as the World Economic Forum (WEF).

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IIT Madras Research Foundation: Focus areas

The foundation will focus on the following areas:

• Identifying patents and technologies primed for commercialization.
• Supporting startups founded by faculty members, students, and researchers affiliated with IIT Madras.
• Undertaking ventures aligned with market trends, such as sustainable growth initiatives.
• Facilitating global outreach for startups within the IIT Madras ecosystem, enabling them to explore new markets, secure funding, and access related technologies.
• Providing access to technologies developed by IIT Madras for its alumni.
• Expanding international academic programs through strategic collaborations and partnerships with industry stakeholders.