IIT-BHU, IIT-K to arm UP def corridor with tech, manpower

Lucknow: Close on the heels of mega defence exhibition DefExpo-2020, which begins in Lucknow on Wednesday, IIT-BHU and IIT-Kanpur are set to disseminate knowledge, conduct quality research and play a key role in skill development in defence sector.
UP government has joined hands with both the IITs to establish centre of excellence for defence industrial corridor and start certificate courses.
Dean, research and development (IIT-BHU) Rajiv Prakash said the institute was likely to start certificate courses for skill development in defence industries.
“We will promote indigenous defence industries and startups as beginners will not have hi-tech research and will need knowledge support, which will be provided by the institute,” he said.
“Suppose a new startup or an indigenous defence industry decides to manufacture a particular arm but faces problem regarding metals or alloys used in it, we at IIT-BHU will be the knowledge partner for the industry,” he said.
Prakash said such problems could not be resolved easily as defence industrial units keep their technical know-how confidential and in such cases IIT would help new startups.
“We will be of great help to international defence industries setting up units in UP. We will provide them trained hands by developing manpower. We will soon start certificate courses in skill development in defence sector,” he added.
Similarly, IIT-Kanpur will be instrumental in sharing knowledge in the field of advanced research in nanomaterial, cybersecurity, UAVs and electronics, and communication.