In a groundbreaking moment for the Indian academic landscape, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur was honoured with the prestigious Grand Jury Award in the Government Institute Category at the CII Annual Summit on Technology, Intellectual Property, and Industry-Academia Partnership held yesterday, December 12, 2024, at Hotel Lalit, Delhi.
This inaugural award recognizes IIT Jodhpur’s exemplary efforts and unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations between academia and industry. This is the first time the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is presenting the Industry-Academia Partnership Awards, which aim to recognize institutions that excel in forging impactful collaborations to drive technological and societal advancements, and in this first version of awards, IIT Jodhpur was honoured with the prestigious Grand Jury Award in the Government Institute Category.
The award was presented by the jury consisting of Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, former Director General of CSIR and Vipin Sondhi, Chairman of the CII National Mission on Technology, Innovation & Research, in the presence of an august gathering of industry stalwarts, academic luminaries, and policy leaders from across the nation. Accepting the award on behalf of the institute were Professor Avinash Kumar Agarwal, Director of IIT Jodhpur, and Professor Sampat Raj Vadera, Adviser to the Director.
Amid illustrious peers such as IIT Gandhinagar, which won Gold, IIT Bombay, which secured Platinum, and IIT Delhi, which achieved Diamond, IIT Jodhpur was recognized with the Grand Award, the penultimate accolade. This achievement reflects the institute’s steadfast dedication to innovation, cutting-edge research, and impactful partnerships that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
On this occasion, after receiving the award, Prof. Avinash K. Agarwal, Director, IIT Jodhpur said, “This award is a celebration of the collective effort of our faculty, staff, and students who have tirelessly worked toward building bridges between academia and industry. We are humbled and inspired to continue our mission of excellence.”
IIT Jodhpur’s remarkable accomplishments are a testament to the collaborative spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence demonstrated by its faculty, staff, and students. Through groundbreaking initiatives, the institute has championed innovative research, technology development, and skill-building programs, establishing itself as a beacon of progress in India’s educational ecosystem. Its focus on fostering intellectual property creation and translating research into real-world solutions has set a benchmark for others to follow.
Professor Sampat Raj Vadera, Advisor to the Director, IIT Jodhpur said, “Our success is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for societal impact. This recognition fuels our determination to achieve even greater heights.”
Under the visionary leadership of Professor Avinash Kumar Agarwal and the strategic guidance of Professor Sampat Raj Vadera, IIT Jodhpur has not only strengthened its industry ties but also paved the way for pioneering contributions to national growth. Their presence at the summit underscored IIT Jodhpur’s role as a leader in redefining how institutes of higher learning collaborate with industry partners to address critical societal challenges.
We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Professor Kaushal A. Desai, Dean of Resource and Alumni, IIT Jodhpur, and his team for their contributions to this initiative. The Office of Corporate Relations and the Office of Research and Development initiated the application process for this prestigious award.
This recognition marks a pivotal milestone in IIT Jodhpur’s journey toward becoming a global leader in technology and innovation. It highlights the institute’s pivotal role in driving India’s progress and its commitment to creating a sustainable, knowledge-driven future.
About the Event The CII Annual Summit on Technology, Intellectual Property, and Industry-Academia Partnership is a flagship event that brings together thought leaders to discuss and promote symbiotic relationships between industry and academia. The newly instituted Industry-Academia Partnership Awards aim to recognize institutions that excel in forging impactful collaborations to drive technological and societal advancements.