IIT-Madras sets up stall at defence expo

The Indian Institute of Technology - Madras has set up a stall at hall no. 6 at the four-day DEFEXPO 2018, that begins on Wednesday in the city.

The institute, according to a release, has taken the lead to transfer knowhow and collaborate with the armed forces and further the ‘Make in India’ concept by presenting its recent initiatives for indigenising critical defence technologies and showcase its initiatives.

IIT-M Dean of Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research Ravindra Gettu said the institute was open to connecting with the defence industry at the grassroots. It has organised a seminar on Wednesday on ‘Technology perspective for the armed forces’ in which its experts will cover topics such as artifical intelligence and impact on battle field, infrastructure technology for border areas, energy for armed forces, enhancing the battle field space, secure communications for the armed forces and space-based survillance. “We are ready and eager to work with companies in the defence sector and the armed forces to develop relevant solutions for enhancing the security of our nation,” Mr. Gettu said.

Interactive session

P.A. Ramakrishna, professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, said, “This gives the faculty of IIT Madras the opportunity to exhibit their contribution towards defence technology. I would like to thank Lt. Gen. (retd.) P.R. Shankar, who has joined our department as ‘Professor of Practice’, for having encouraged us to take part in this big event.”

Around 100 students will interact with the defence industry and senior officers of the armed forces at a special session.