Kanpur: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur inaugurated the four-day Technology, Research, Innovation, and Policy Summit (TRIPS) 2025 with the theme “Bridging Research, Innovation, and Policy for a Sustainable Future.” The event brought together thought leaders, scientists, policy experts, and industry pioneers nationwide to shape India’s future through collaborative science and innovation-driven policy.
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, served as the Patron. Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, President of INSA and Institute Chair Professor at IIT Kanpur, led the summit as the Chairperson.
The summit commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting at Blue World Castle by Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director of IIT Kanpur, followed by Sarasvati Vandana and Laxmi Vandana. Prof. Bhushan delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the critical role of TRIPS in influencing science and technology-driven policymaking. He remarked, “This congregation of ideas will inspire pre-thoughts and new propositions that can elevate the nation’s trajectory.”
Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma and Dr. Yogesh Joshi were also present, alongside the launch of the Digital Diplomacy poster by key dignitaries. Student volunteers presented tokens of appreciation to the guests.
In the opening session, Prof. Manmohan Sharma, Emeritus Professor of Eminence at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, joined virtually and discussed the significance of fundamental research, citing breakthrough innovations in the chemical industry and catalysis. Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, Former Director General of CSIR and Former Secretary of DSIR, followed with a powerful address on Viksit Bharat @100, focusing on inclusive scientific progress, healthcare innovations, and bridging the Bharat–India divide through affordable technology.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, highlighted the role of Earth sciences in India’s development. Expert talks were delivered by Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, Member of the Governing Body of BRIC and an expert in foreign affairs. A short video was then presented to introduce the CGC Summit 2025, scheduled for September 13–14, 2025.
The second half featured impactful addresses by Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, Global SVP at InMobi; Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE (via online talk); and Dr. Rupa Vasudevan, Chancellor of B.E.S.T. Innovation University, Andhra Pradesh. All speakers highlighted their work in their respective fields and shared experiences and ideas to inspire the younger generation in science and technology.
Following this, sessions at the Royal Pavilion and Cambridge Court took place alternatively. In session 1.1, Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, elaborated on astronomy’s role in driving sustainable technological advancements. Prof. Avinash Agarwal, Director of IIT Jodhpur, presented the Mantrabbhasha Initiative, showcasing his interdisciplinary research contributions. Meanwhile, in session 1.2, Dr. Shivkumar Sharma, National Organizing Secretary of Vigyan Bharati, and Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director of CSIR’s National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, shared their insights.
The organizing committee of TRIPS 2025 consisted of accomplished academicians and experts who played pivotal roles in planning and executing the summit. Prof. Yogesh M. Joshi, Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, convened the committee. He was ably supported by co-convenors Prof. Sri Sivakumar, Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, and Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, former Secretary of the Science Engineering Research Board (SERB) and Senior Advisor to the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Organizing secretaries such as Prof. J. Ramkumar, Dr. Sandip Patil, Prof. Rahul Mangal, Dr. Prabhat K. Dwivedi, Prof. Rabibrata Mukherjee, and Prof. Chandra Shekhar Sharma brought together expertise from multiple premier institutions. It played critical roles in coordinating various aspects of the summit.
The scientific advisory committee comprised eminent scholars who provided guidance and oversight to ensure the summit’s academic rigor and relevance. This committee included Prof. Vinod K. Singh, Institute Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry at IIT Kanpur and President of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI); Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, a distinguished professor from the Department of Civil Engineering and Dean of the Kotak School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur; and Prof. Sandeep Verma, a leading figure in the Department of Chemistry and Professor-in-Charge of the Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology.
Supporting the summit’s execution on the ground were the dedicated coordinators, including Dr. Prerna Sinha, a Postdoctoral Fellow and DST INSPIRE Faculty at the Centre for Nanosciences, IIT Kanpur; Mr. Yogesh R.G. Singh and Mr. Prashant Kumar Bhargav, both PhD research scholars in the Materials Science Programme at IIT Kanpur; and Dr. Saurabh Tomar, a postdoctoral fellow at C3iHUB, IIT Kanpur. Their combined efforts ensured seamless organization and smooth facilitation of the event.
