Innovation & Self Reliance

Indian Institutes  of Technology (IITs) represent the best that India has offered in terms of technological innovations and bringing the nation on the international scene in terms of an ideal human resource creation. The 56th Meeting of the Council of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) was convened on 25th August 2025 at IIT Delhi, under the Chairmanship of  Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education. The Council unanimously resolved to take forward PM’s vision of ‘Atmanirbharta se Samridha Bharat’ across its all stakeholders. The Minister emphasised positioning IIT education as a catalyst for an Atmanirbhar and Samriddha Bharat. He stressed the PM’s directive that the country is not aiming for incremental change but for quantum jump and encouraged the IITs to take lead in this direction. He specifically urged the IITs to promote Indian languages by introducing regional languages in addition to English as the medium of instruction of courses for inclusive growth. He highlighted that IITs must produce job creators, not job seekers, by solving real-world problems, and promoting translational research in critical technologies of national importance. Underscoring the transformative role of IITs in advancing technological self-reliance and global leadership, The Minister pointed to their growing impact on entrepreneurship and innovation, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of Reform, Perform, Transform. With over 6,000 start-ups, 56 unicorns, and nearly 5,000 patents, IITs have emerged as engines of economic growth and symbols of India’s aspirations in the Amrit Kaal. Supported by initiatives such as the PM Research Fellowship, Centres of Excellence in AI, and vibrant research parks, IITs are driving world-class research and industry partnerships.Experts  while speaking on the occasion underlined that the pivotal role of IITs in shaping India’s higher education and innovation ecosystem. They emphasized that IITs are not just centres of learning but engines of Innovation, Inclusion, and Transformation, driving India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. Highlighting their global impact, the Minister said IITs have produced world-class technologists, entrepreneurs, and leaders who are transforming industries and societies worldwide. He noted that with 23 IITs, international campuses, and a thriving startup ecosystem, IITs are at the forefront of research, innovation, and nation-building, ensuring India continues to R.I.S.E. through Research, Innovation, Skills, and Entrepreneurship. A short 5 minute movie was presented to learn from the hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision articulated on this Independence Day on how technology, research and entrepreneurship, can drive aatmanirbharta and contribute to the realisation of a Samridha Bharat. The Council then deliberated on key strategic issues shaping the future of the IITs and their role in national development. Discussions were held on reforming Ph.D. education to enhance quality, global relevance, and research outcomes, boost global rankings, attract top-tier talent, and strengthen the IITs’ reputation as hubs of advanced research. Extensive deliberations were held on the commercialisation of research within Higher Educational Institutes. The Council also highlighted adapting the curriculum and pedagogy on a real time basis with the advent of Artificial Intelligence. It was decided to constitute a Task Force to come up with a detailed action plan for Higher and School Education for the country. Experts highlighted  the socio-economic and global impact of IITs was acknowledged, particularly through their alumni, who have evolved into global leaders, innovators, and wealth creators. The Council emphasised the importance of leveraging alumni networks for mentorship, industry linkages, and student development.