Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a remarkable stride for India’s higher education and research ecosystem, the Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT Indore) has been chosen as one of only seven elite institutions nationwide to receive the prestigious Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) grant of Rs 100 Crore, awarded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Under this initiative, IIT Indore will serve as the hub institution for a newly launched collaborative research network titled SAKSHAM – Scientific Advancements in Knowledge for Sustainability, Healthcare, and Materials. Operating under a mentorship-based hub-and-spoke framework, the network comprises six partner institutions: Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (Indore), Vikram University (Ujjain), IIIT Bhopal, Bundelkhand University, NIT Kurukshetra, and RTM Nagpur University.
The SAKSHAM network will unify 165 faculty members across 56 departments from the seven institutions to pursue interdisciplinary research aligned with national priorities. The network will focus on three key thematic areas: Advanced Materials, Environmental Sustainability and Health and Medical Technologies—critical domains that align with India’s strategic scientific goals.
The ANRF-PAIR initiative, launched under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and shaped by the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to reduce disparities in research capacity across Indian institutions.
By fostering mentorship-driven partnerships, it empowers institutions with emerging research potential through collaboration with top-tier hubs.
The program also seeks to build sustainable R&D ecosystems through capacity building, resource sharing, research training, and infrastructure development.
Congratulating the entire team for this major achievement, Prof. Suhas Joshi, Director of IIT Indore, remarked, "This grant is a testament to IIT Indore’s dedication to advancing interdisciplinary research and creating transformative academic partnerships. Through the SAKSHAM network, we aspire to nurture a collaborative, inclusive, and globally competitive research ecosystem that addresses real-world challenges."
