IIT Roorkee Snippets

May, 2026

IIT Roorkee Transfers Advanced Battery Technologies to Industry:

IIT Roorkee has signed two Technology Transfer Agreements for innovative lithium-ion battery electrode technologies developed by Prof. Anjan Sil of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. The technologies have been transferred to Cathion Energy Private Limited for further development and commercialization.
These innovations are aimed at enhancing battery performance, energy density, and charging efficiency for applications in electric mobility, portable electronics, and renewable energy systems. Prof. Anjan Sil, Dr. Hari Raj, CEO of Cathion Energy Private Limited, Prof. Vivek K. Malik, Dean SRIC, and Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, highlighted the importance of innovation and industry-academia collaboration in strengthening India's advanced energy storage and electric mobility ecosystem.

Prof. Soumitra Satapathi Appointed Scientific Adviser to the Government of Uttarakhand:

Prof. Soumitra Satapathi of the Department of Physics and Founding Head of the Centre for Sustainable Energy, IIT Roorkee, has been appointed as the Scientific Adviser (Science & Technology) to the Government of Uttarakhand.
Recognized for his contributions to sustainable energy, advanced materials, and innovation-driven research, Prof. Satapathi has played a significant role in advancing clean energy technologies and climate-focused solutions. His appointment reflects the growing contribution of academia in supporting science-led policymaking, innovation, and sustainable technological development in the state of Uttarakhand.

INDRA-CMIP6: High-Resolution Climate Projection Dataset for India:

Researchers from the Department of Hydrology have developed INDRA-CMIP6, a high-resolution climate projection dataset designed to improve climate risk assessment across India, particularly in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions such as Uttarakhand. The study, published in Nature, was conducted by Mr. Joyjit Mandal, Ms. Divya Sardana, Mr. Akash Singh Raghuvanshi, and Prof. Ankit Agarwal. Providing detailed projections of rainfall and temperature patterns up to 2100, the dataset is expected to support climate adaptation planning, disaster risk reduction, water resource management, and infrastructure development across the Indian subcontinent.

Advanced Precision Finishing Technology for Metallic Freeform Surfaces:

An Ultrasonic-Assisted Electrochemical Magneto-Rheological Finishing (UAEMRF) system has been developed for the high-precision finishing of metallic freeform surfaces produced through additive manufacturing. Developed by Prof. Navneet Arora, Prof. Varun Sharma, and Mr. Saurabh Singh Rathore from the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, the technology significantly enhances surface quality and precision in complex metallic components. The innovation has potential applications across aerospace, medical devices, optics, and semiconductor manufacturing, further strengthening IIT Roorkee’s contributions to advanced manufacturing and precision engineering.

Sustainable Hydrogen Generation Technology from Organic Liquid Waste:

An innovative technology for the catalytic and continuous hydrothermal gasification of organic liquid waste has been developed to produce hydrogen-rich gas suitable for high-pressure storage. Developed by Prof. N. Siva Mohan Reddy and Mr. Vikas Patel from the Department of Chemical Engineering, the technology offers a sustainable solution for industrial organic waste management while enabling clean hydrogen production for future energy applications. The innovation reflects IIT Roorkee’s continued commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies and supporting the transition towards cleaner energy systems.

Barnyard Millet-Based Edible Straws:

Sustainable barnyard millet-based edible straws have been developed as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic and paper straws. The innovation was developed by Prof. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad, Head and Associate Professor, Department of Paper and Packaging Technology, along with Ms. Tejaswini Dhanaji Patil. Combining sustainability, nutrition, and consumer safety, the biodegradable straws offer a practical solution to the growing demand for eco-friendly food packaging products while promoting environmentally responsible consumption.

Torrefied Municipal Solid Waste Fuel Technology:

A low-cost torrefied Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)-based fuel technology with enhanced fuel properties has been developed as a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-fuel-based coal. Developed by Prof. Sonal K. Thengane from the Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy, along with Mr. Abdul Rehman, Ms. Pratistha Rai, and Ms. Shruti Kumari, the innovation converts municipal waste into a cleaner and more efficient fuel source. The technology supports sustainable waste management practices, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and contributes to cleaner energy generation, reinforcing IIT Roorkee’s commitment to circular economy principles and sustainable energy solutions.

Inauguration of 1 kW Solar Tree on Campus:

A 1 kW Solar Tree was inaugurated near the Placement Office (opposite ABN School) as part of IIT Roorkee’s commitment to sustainable and green energy initiatives. Developed under the guidance of Prof. Soumitra Satapathi from the Department of Physics and Joint Faculty at the Centre for Sustainable Energy, the innovative smart solar system is designed to generate solar power efficiently while utilizing minimal ground space.
The inauguration was attended by Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee; Prof. Inderdeep Singh, Dean of Infrastructure; along with faculty members, officials, and students.

Inauguration of the Centre for Regulatory Affairs:

The Centre for Regulatory Affairs (CRA), a joint initiative of the Forum of Regulators and IIT Roorkee, was inaugurated by Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister of Power, at IIT Roorkee. The Centre aims to strengthen India’s power sector regulatory ecosystem through research, capacity building, advisory support, and policy collaboration.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Manohar Lal emphasized the importance of regulatory innovation, demand flexibility, and research-driven technologies in shaping the future of the power sector. Shri Jishnu Barua, Chairperson, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and Forum of Regulators, highlighted the Centre’s role in enhancing regulatory capacity and showcasing India’s leadership in the sector. Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, noted that the Centre will serve as a multidisciplinary platform connecting academia, policymakers, regulators, and industry to support sustainable and future-ready energy governance.

Industry Academia Meet 2026:

The Industry Academia Meet 2026 was organized by IIT Roorkee in collaboration with leading industry associations to strengthen partnerships among academia, industry, government agencies, and innovation stakeholders.
Discussions focused on innovation, technology transfer, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and strengthening the “lab-to-market” ecosystem. Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee; Shri Deepak Ramachandran Seth, Joint Magistrate, Roorkee; Prof. Vivek K. Malik, Dean SRIC; and Prof. Naveen Kumar Navani, Dean of Academic Affairs, emphasized the importance of collaborative research, industry engagement, experiential learning, and sustainable technologies in addressing regional and national challenges.

Uttarakhand Industry-Academia Conclave on Hydrogen (UIACH-2026):

The Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy (HRED), in association with Pinaka Green Pvt. Ltd., successfully organized the Uttarakhand Industry-Academia Conclave on Hydrogen (UIACH-2026). The conclave focused on accelerating the clean energy transition and advancing India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
A key outcome of the conclave was the proposal to establish an “Uttarakhand Hydrogen Valley” based on a Hub-and-Spoke model, with IIT Roorkee serving as the central innovation hub. Distinguished addresses were delivered by Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee; Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Principal Secretary (Energy, Planning, Irrigation & Minor Irrigation), Government of Uttarakhand; Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, Managing Director, UJVNL; Prof. R.R. Sonde, Chairman, Jodhpur Hydrogen Valley; Prof. Inderdeep Singh, Dean of Infrastructure; and Prof. S.K. Singal.
The conclave was coordinated by Prof. Sonal K. Thengane and Prof. Pratham Arora.

Shri Mukundan Ramakrishnan (B.E. Electrical Engineering, 1988):

Shri Mukundan Ramakrishnan, Distinguished Alumnus Awardee and Managing Director & CEO of Tata Chemicals Limited, has been elected President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the term 2026–27.
A highly respected industry leader with extensive experience across multiple sectors within the Tata Group, Shri Ramakrishnan has made significant contributions to Indian industry through visionary leadership and innovation-driven growth. His election to this prestigious position reflects his outstanding professional accomplishments and continued contributions to India’s industrial and economic development.
The IIT Roorkee community takes immense pride in this achievement and extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a successful and impactful tenure.

Dr. Rajeev Gautam (PhD. BSBE, 1991):

Dr. Rajeev Gautam, esteemed alumnus of IIT Roorkee and President of HORIBA India, has been inducted as a Co-opted Member of the Managing Committee of the Association of Diagnostics Manufacturers of India (ADMI).
As the apex industry body representing diagnostic manufacturers across the country, ADMI plays a vital role in promoting quality standards, innovation, ethical practices, and policy dialogue within the diagnostics ecosystem.
Dr. Gautam’s induction reflects his distinguished industry leadership and continued contributions to the healthcare and diagnostics sector. In his new role, he will support industry engagement, collaborative initiatives, and policy advocacy aimed at strengthening India’s diagnostics landscape and patient-care ecosystem.

Shri Yogesh Sharma (M.Sc. Physics, 1997):

Shri Yogesh Sharma, Co-Founder and Chairperson of Mamsys, Netherlands, recently delivered a session at Bharat Innovates 2026 – Global Readiness Sprint, an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
During the session, he shared valuable insights on European business ecosystems, enterprise engagement, trust-building, and innovation culture across European markets. Drawing from his extensive entrepreneurial experience, he offered practical guidance to Indian startup founders preparing to expand into global markets and represent India at the international event in Nice, France.
His participation reflects the growing global influence of IIT Roorkee alumni in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and international collaboration.

Prof. Ravi Kumar (PhD. Mechanical Engineering, 2000):

Prof. Ravi Kumar, Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, has achieved a remarkable sporting milestone by securing the national ranking of No. 17 in his squash category, as announced by the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI).
SRFI rankings are determined based on performances in national-level tournaments conducted throughout the ranking cycle. Securing a place among the top 20 players in the country reflects sustained competitive excellence, disciplined preparation, and consistent performances against highly ranked opponents.
Prof. Kumar’s achievement is a matter of pride for the IIT Roorkee community and serves as an inspiring example of balancing academic excellence with sporting passion and dedication.

Mr. Aniket Gupta (B.Tech. Computer Science and Engineering, 2017):

Mr. Aniket Gupta has been featured in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for his contributions to the fintech sector.
Mr. Gupta is the Co-Founder & CEO of xPay, a Y Combinator-backed cross-border payments platform that helps Indian businesses seamlessly accept international payments and expand their global reach. Along with co-founder Mr. Rakshit Bansal, he has built xPay into a trusted solution for exporters and internet-first companies operating across international markets.
During his time at IIT Roorkee, Aniket was actively involved with SDSLabs and Watch Out, and later served as General Secretary, Technical Affairs. His recognition by Forbes reflects a remarkable entrepreneurial journey and serves as an inspiration for aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs across the IIT Roorkee community.

Mr. Saurav Kumar (B.Tech. Physics, 2025):

Mr. Saurav Kumar represented India and IIT Roorkee at the World Para Swimming Series 2026 held in Berlin, Germany, competing against athletes from more than 60 countries. He was among only ten swimmers selected to represent India at the prestigious international event.
He delivered an outstanding performance across the 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle, and 50m Butterfly events, recording significant improvements over his previous national timings. In the 50m Freestyle event, he secured first position among Indian participants and ninth position overall.
Mr. Kumar’s achievement reflects exceptional dedication, perseverance, and sporting excellence. IIT Roorkee takes immense pride in his accomplishment and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors.

Academic Collaboration with National University of Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City:

IIT Roorkee signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National University of Viet Nam, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) on 6 May 2026 at ITC Maurya, New Delhi, in the presence of H.E. To Lam, President of Viet Nam; Prof. Vu Hai Quan, Minister for Science and Technology, Viet Nam; and Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of India.
The collaboration aims to promote joint research, academic exchange, capacity building, and collaborative programmes in the areas of sustainability, climate resilience, artificial intelligence, electronics, and emerging technologies. The MoU was exchanged between Prof. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai of VNU-HCM and Prof. Anil Kumar Gupta of IIT Roorkee, marking an important step towards strengthening academic and research cooperation between the two institutions.

Partnership with SkyySkill Academy for Electric Vehicle Training:

IIT Roorkee, through its E&ICT Academy, has partnered with SkyySkill Academy to launch industry-oriented certification programmes in Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology, aimed at developing a future-ready workforce for India's rapidly growing electric mobility sector.
The programmes will offer hands-on training in EV systems, battery technologies, charging infrastructure, diagnostics, and energy optimization through live sessions, practical assignments, and industry-focused projects. Highlighting the significance of industry-academia collaboration, Prof. Sanjeev Manhas, Chief Investigator, E&ICT Academy, IIT Roorkee, noted the importance of addressing emerging skill requirements, while Shri Himansu Sekhar Panda, CEO, SkyySkill Academy, emphasized the role of experiential learning in preparing professionals for evolving opportunities in the EV ecosystem.

IITRAANA Global Conference 2026 Held in Silicon Valley:

IIT Roorkee Alumni Association of North America (IITRAANA) hosted its Global Conference in Silicon Valley, California, bringing together 200+ alumni and families from across the USA and several countries worldwide.
The conference witnessed online participation and addresses by Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, and Prof. Yogesh K. Sharma, Dean of Resources & Alumni Affairs (DoRA); while Prof. Naveen Navani, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Prof. Karun Rawat, Dean of International Relations, attended the conference in person, reflecting IIT Roorkee’s strong global alumni engagement.
The event featured inspiring keynote talks by Ms. Vinita Gupta, eminent IIT Roorkee alumna and the first non-US-born woman to take a company public in the United States, and Ms. Anshu Bhardwaj, Chief AI Transformation & Simplification Officer at PayPal and a leading voice in AI-driven innovation, along with panel discussions by Shri Vishal Saxena and Shri Dhananjay Lal on AI and innovation. The conference was convened by Mr. Vipin Goswami, Ms. Himali Varshneya and Prof. Shreyas Kumar.
IIT Roorkee proudly continues to foster its US-based global alumni engagements and initiatives, further strengthening its global alumni network and outreach.

IIT Roorkee at Pan IIT Bangalore Summit 2026:

Prof. Yogesh K. Sharma, Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs (DoRA), and Prof. Vivek K. Malik, Dean of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy (SRIC), represented IIT Roorkee at the Pan IIT Bangalore Summit 2026.
The summit brought together distinguished IIT alumni, entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers from around the world, providing a vibrant platform for discussions on technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
During the summit, the delegates engaged extensively with members of the IIT Roorkee alumni community and explored opportunities for alumni engagement, mentorship, industry collaboration, research partnerships, and global outreach. These interactions further strengthened IIT Roorkee’s alumni connect and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to building impactful and enduring relationships with its alumni worldwide.

Shri Brijesh Chandra Srivastava (B.E. & M.E. Civil Engineering, 1985 & 1987):

Brijesh Chandra Srivastava has authored “The Document Fortress”, a practical guide on documentation and record management in public works and infrastructure projects.
Drawing upon more than three decades of professional experience at RITES Limited, the book highlights the critical role of robust documentation systems in supporting project execution, audits, dispute resolution, and arbitration processes.
The publication has received appreciation from senior engineering leaders, including Shri O.P. Tripathi, Special Director General, CPWD, who noted in the foreword that the book deserves a place on every office desk in India.
Particularly relevant for professionals working in railways, highways, CPWD, PWDs, public sector undertakings, and infrastructure consultancies, the book serves as a valuable resource for engineers, administrators, and project practitioners.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed alumni for visiting IIT Roorkee. It is always a pleasure to welcome our alumni back to their alma mater and reconnect through meaningful interactions, shared memories, and discussions on the Institute’s continued growth and development.

• Shri Arvind Kumar Gupta (Civil Engineering), Shri A.K. Garg (Mechanical Engineering), Shri A.K. Goel (Electrical Engineering), Shri Pradeep Gupta (Mechanical Engineering), Shri Ravi Kant Garg (Civil Engineering), and Shri Satish Kumar (Chemical Engineering) from the Batch of 1976 met with the Dean of Resources and Alumni Affairs on 8 May 2026 to discuss preparations for their upcoming Golden Jubilee Reunion. The interaction included nostalgic reflections on their student years at the then University of Roorkee, along with discussions on strengthening alumni engagement and participation in Institute initiatives.

• Shri Harsh Enkhia (B.Arch., 2002), Principal Architect at H.E. Designs, visited the DoRA Office along with his son on 16 May 2026 to discuss preparations for the Silver Jubilee Reunion of the Batch of 2002, scheduled to be held in November 2026. The visit provided an opportunity to deliberate on reunion plans and alumni participation, while also reconnecting with the Institute and fellow alumni.

• Prof. Alankar (B.Tech., Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, 2002), Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Bombay, visited the DoRA Office on 25 May 2026, accompanied by Prof. Nikhil Dhawan, Associate Professor, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, IIT Roorkee. Discussions focused on strengthening alumni connections and exploring opportunities for academic engagement, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.

• Mr. Ambuj Kumar (B.E. Chemical Engineering, 1999), CEO, Social Venture Partners, Bengaluru, visited the DoRA Office on 27 May 2026 and shared valuable perspectives on social impact, leadership, and alumni engagement. The interaction explored opportunities to leverage alumni expertise and networks in support of the Institute’s outreach, development, and societal impact initiatives.