IIT Jammu, CSIR-IIIM, and 3 Startups Join Forces to Boost Innovation and Economic Growth
In a significant move towards advancing research and entrepreneurship, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu has signed a three-way Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) Jammu and three innovative startups. The collaboration, formalized on August 3, aims to speed up practical research, encourage technology-driven business ventures, and strengthen the local economy.
The agreement was signed by Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu, and Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM. The event was attended by senior scientists, faculty members, and officials from both institutions. Representatives from the three startups – Songbaran Chatterjee (Biogreen Projects), Manigandan Kumarappan (Evlogia Eco Care), and Dr. Mahadeva Swamy (Crop Domain) – were also present, marking their inclusion in this collaborative effort.
The partnership focuses on four main areas: joint research and product development, technology incubation and mentorship, training and skill-building, and commercialization and scaling up of innovations.
Biogreen Projects Pvt Ltd specializes in fully compostable bioplastics, including eco-friendly bags, disposable cutlery, and biohazard waste solutions. Evlogia Eco Care Pvt Ltd offers patented Leafy Straws made from fallen coconut leaves, as well as rice-bran biodegradable plates and lids. Crop Domain Pvt Ltd provides climate-smart biopesticides, biofertilizers, and agro-waste decomposers for sustainable farming.
Dr. Saurabh Saran, Principal Scientist at CSIR-IIIM-TBI, highlighted the existing incubation support, while Dr. M. T. Arvind, CEO of IIT Jammu’s I3C, outlined the Institute’s role in supporting early-stage innovators. Senior officials from both organizations emphasized the MoU’s potential to transform Jammu into a center of scientific and entrepreneurial excellence.
Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur stated, “This three-way alliance shows IIT Jammu’s dedication to connecting cutting-edge research with societal impact. By combining our engineering skills with CSIR-IIIM’s life-science expertise and dynamic startups, we will speed up the development and commercialization of solutions that benefit our region and beyond.”
The collaboration will be jointly managed by senior leadership from IIT Jammu and CSIR-IIIM, working closely with the three startups. This partnership aims to create an environment where science, technology, and entrepreneurship come together to drive India’s innovation-led growth.
