CHENNAI: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) on Friday unveiled a major expansion of its international footprint with the launch of the IIT-M Global Research Foundation, even as it signed a series of high-impact memoranda of understanding with leading global institutions and industry partners.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar formally launched the initiative on the campus, marking a significant step in positioning the institute as a global hub for deep-tech research, innovation and knowledge exchange.
As part of the global rollout, IIT-M inked MoUs across key regions, 3 in USA, 1 in the UK, 3 in Germany, 3 in Dubai, 3 in the Asia-Pacific region including Singapore and Malaysia, and 6 under the India-for-Global initiative. The partnerships will focus on joint research, startup and industry collaboration, global talent exchange, and translating advanced research into real-world applications.
Designed as a flexible ‘plug-and-play’ platform, IIT-M Global aims to connect researchers, startups and industry with international markets, capital and R&D opportunities. Anchored in the institute’s faculty base, advanced infrastructure and industry linkages, the initiative will drive innovation with a clear focus on societal impact.
Jaishankar also inaugurated the IIT-M Festival Fortnight, comprising the Open House, Shaastra, the institute’s annual technical festival that will go on till January 6, and Saarang, the cultural festival scheduled from January 8- 12.