IHFC and IIT Delhi Launch Co-Innovation Center at NMIT Bangalore to Promote Technology Innovation

Bangalore, February 28, 2025 - The I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), a technology innovation Hub of IIT Delhi, has collaborated with Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bangalore  to launch a pioneering Co-Innovation Center (CiC). The Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi (IHFC), set up under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NMICPS) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, is embarking on a transformative journey by collaborating with ten prestigious institutes to establish Co-Innovation Centers. This ambitious initiative aims to nurture the spirit of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship among the youth of India.

IHFC collaborates with 10 leading institutions across India to launch transformative Co- Innovation Centers, in Deep Tech, AI and Robotics; promoting Translation Led Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship among Indian Youth
Vision Behind the Co-Innovation Centers

The vision driving this initiative is to foster innovation and technological growth among India’s young minds. These centres are being set-up to groom and hone the skills of aspiring entrepreneurs and innovator. This will encourage them to think outside the box and create impactful solutions that address pressing market needs. Furthermore, they aim to promote research and development of indigenous deep-tech products. This clearly aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Through this initiative, IHFC aims to inspire India’s youth to innovate and experiment with new ideas in technology research and its translation. This is a significant step toward empowering the younger generation and equipping them with the skills to compete globally.

Ashutosh Dutt Sharma, CEO of IHFC, speaking during the inauguration of the Co-Innovation Centre, at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bengaluru said “India is in top five position globally in terms of number research publications. However, surprisingly it struggles to figure even in top 30 position while productizing the rare innovations. To reduce the huge gap between Idea generation and translation of technology into products, I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC) a Technology Incubation Hub of IIT Delhi is establishing ten Co-Innovation Centres (CiC) across India”  

Further he added – “The CiC’s encourage startups in the four verticals – Medicine, Agriculture, Industry and Defence. Here they nurture and mentor the startups including funding, up-skilling and helping startups to take their products into the market”. 

Dr. M.S. Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor, Nitte (Deemed to be University), was the Chief Guest of the inaugural ceremony. He reiterated that the teacher should not just be the distributor of knowledge, he should inspire the students to become entrepreneurs of futuristic India. He assured that the NMIT’s CiC would create a platform for students to dream and implement the innovative thoughts in venturing new endeavours.

Dr Prashanth N, the mentor of CiC said “INNOVATION means Imagination, Novelty, Nurturing, Opportunity, Vision, Adaptability, Transformation, Ingenuity, Optimization and beneficial for the Next Generation”. He further added “IHFC has laid down the vision for CiC and the Co-Innovation Centre at NMIT will operate in mission mode to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, paving the way for a brighter future for the nation”.

Currently, IHFC is focused on establishing 10 centers across key locations in India. With these efforts, the dream of an empowered and innovative young India is closer than ever.

During the Inaugural Ceremony Dr. H.C. Nagaraj, Principal, NMIT welcomed the gathering. Dr. Omid Ansari, Executive Director of International Affairs, Penn State University, Harrisburg, USA; Dr. Akash Sondhi, GM (Head), Campus Engagement and Consulting, IHFC, TIH, IIT Delhi; Dr. Sandeep Shastri, Vice President, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru campus; Rohit Punja, Administrator, Nitte Education Trust; Deans, Heads of the Departments & faculty members at NMIT and students were present on the occasion.