ANRF CEO’s IIT Mandi visit accelerates funding, interdisciplinary R&D, and Himachal’s research transformation aligned with Viksit Bharat.
IIT Mandi hosts ANRF CEO for strategic research dialogue
The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) took a significant step toward strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem with the recent visit of Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). The four‑day engagement, held from 9 to 12 April 2026, focused on improving research quality, widening access to advanced facilities, and promoting innovation across multiple disciplines. The visit also underscored a shared vision between IIT Mandi and ANRF to build sustainable, high‑impact research ecosystems in India.
Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, highlighted in his welcome address that ANRF plays a pivotal role in anchoring national research infrastructure and funding frameworks. He also pointed that IIT Mandi is steadily evolving into a multidisciplinary research hub and is committed to enhancing India’s visibility and influence in the global research landscape.
Advancing interdisciplinary research and innovation
In his address to faculty and students, Dr. Kalyanaraman stressed that institutions like IIT Mandi are central to shaping the future of Indian research. He stated, “Interdisciplinary innovation aligned with national priorities will propel India’s scientific advancement. ANRF is dedicated to supporting such institutions through increased funding, partnerships, and innovation frameworks to create significant national and global impacts.”
Throughout his visit, Dr. Kalyanaraman held in‑depth discussions with faculty, researchers, students, and administrators, providing strategic insights into ANRF’s future initiatives, funding mechanisms, and national research priorities. He encouraged the institute to leverage ANRF’s schemes to drive breakthroughs in both fundamental and applied sciences, particularly in areas aligned with India’s developmental and technological goals.
Colloquium on ANRF’s national research vision
A key highlight of the visit was the Institute Colloquium led by Dr. Kalyanaraman, titled “ANRF Vision: Empowering India as a Research & Innovation Power”. The session outlined ANRF’s strategy to position India as a global leader in scientific research through strong institutional partnerships, targeted funding, and mission‑oriented programmes.
Faculty from IIT Mandi showcased their current and proposed research projects supported by ANRF, highlighting work in renewable energy, biomedical sciences, energy storage, quantum physics, multimodal artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, and environmental sustainability. These projects directly align with national priorities such as energy security, climate resilience, healthcare innovation, and advanced digital technologies.
Strengthening regional and institutional collaboration
Dr. Shyam Kumar Masakapalli, Dean (SRIC) at IIT Mandi, emphasised the importance of such interactions with national research leaders. He noted that these engagements act as catalysts for academic and research progress, opening doors to new collaborations, joint proposals, and cross‑institution innovation initiatives.
In addition to campus‑level discussions, IIT Mandi organised a brainstorming roundtable with leaders from prominent institutions across Himachal Pradesh, aimed at strengthening regional research collaboration. The roundtable explored ways to pool resources, share infrastructure, and co‑design interdisciplinary projects that address regional as well as national challenges.
Laboratory tours and technology‑to‑market insights
Dr. Kalyanaraman also toured IIT Mandi’s advanced laboratories and research centres, gaining first‑hand exposure to cutting‑edge technologies and ongoing translational research initiatives. The visits included discussions on how the institute is converting research outputs into commercially viable solutions, including prototypes, intellectual‑property filings, and industry‑linked innovation projects.
These interactions allowed Dr. Kalyanaraman to understand the operational realities of mid‑size research institutes, informing ANRF’s future strategies around infrastructure support, proposal assessment, and impact‑measurement frameworks.
A shared vision for India’s research future
The visit marks a strong alignment between IIT Mandi and ANRF on the goals of research excellence, innovation, and national impact. Both institutions are committed to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening fundamental science, and supporting applied research with real‑world relevance.
By deepening institutional linkages, optimising funding access, and encouraging cross‑sector partnerships, IIT Mandi and ANRF aim to position India as a global leader in research and innovation, backed by a robust, mission‑driven research ecosystem that spans universities, research councils, and industry partners
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