Helping startups move from the lab to the market

IIT KANPUR TRANSFORMS INTO A BREEDING GROUND FOR TECH VENTURES

- SUDHIR CHOWDHARY

UNLIKE EARLIER TIMES when career options were limited, today's young minds are boldly choosing startups as their path. IIT Kanpur is enabling this shift through initiatives like the C3iHub and Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) that provide resources, mentorship and funding to budding entrepreneurs who are developing technologies in defence and aerospace, clean energy, healthcare, agritech and cybersecurity sectors.

For instance, Maraal Aerospace is developing a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), called Tejasvaan, that is capable of 12+ hours of flight, 5 km operational altitude, and 150 km range. With a 12 metre wingspan, 30 kg maximum takeoff weight, and 5 kg payload capacity, it combines solar-electric propulsion, lightweight composites, and MILgrade safety systems, making it a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional drones with only 3-4 hours of endurance.