IIT Kanpur's Technopark@IITK to Host UAS and Communication Testing Facilities Under DTIS

IIT Kanpur's Research and Technology Park Foundation has partnered with two Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to set up advanced Defence Testing Infrastructure at Technopark@IITK. Know details here

IIT Kanpur's Technopark@IITK to Host UAS and Communication Testing Facilities

IIT Kanpur's Research and Technology Park Foundation has partnered with two Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – UAS Testing Foundation and Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation – to create advanced Defence Testing Infrastructure at Technopark@IITK, focusing on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Communication Systems.

The UAS Testing Foundation includes a consortium of HAL, BEL, BEML, Yantra India Limited (YIL), Gliders India Limited, and EndureAir Systems, while the Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation consists of HAL, BEL, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), and BEML. UPEIDA and Technopark@IITK are key members of both consortiums.

This infrastructure is being developed under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) by the Ministry of Defence's Department of Defence Production (DDP), aimed at providing high-quality, accessible testing facilities for the domestic defence sector.

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, said, “The establishment of advanced UAS and Communication Testing Facilities at Technopark@IITK is a significant step in strengthening India’s defence testing infrastructure. This collaboration with key industry players under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme reflects IIT Kanpur's role in enabling high-quality, accessible testing facilities that support both academic research and the growth of the defence industry. I am confident that this initiative will play a pivotal role in driving technological advancements, and contributing to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by advancing self-reliance in defence innovation.”

Prof. Amarendra Singh, Professor-in-Charge, Technopark@IITK, said, “It is a momentous occasion for IIT Kanpur and DTIS to collaborate. Of the three defence verticals allocated to the UP Defence Industrial Corridor by the Ministry of Defence, two are being established at IIT Kanpur. This facility represents a win-win for both industry and academia. On one hand, the state-of-the-art machines and high-end equipment will be accessible to our faculty and students for research. On the other hand, MSMEs utilizing this facility will have the opportunity to leverage IITK’s technical expertise to address their R&D challenges.”

Col. Sanjay Singh, Chief General Manager, UPDIC, said, "R&D and testing are among the most resource-intensive activities in the defence industry. To address these needs, the MoD approved the establishment of advanced testing facilities, two of which will be located in the Kanpur defence node. These testing centres are also envisioned to evolve into certification centres in the future, a role currently exclusive to defence agencies."

Technopark@IITK has signed agreements with HAL and BEL, the primary partners for the UAS Testing Foundation and Communication (Defence) Testing Foundation, respectively. The UAS testing facility will cover 11,500 sq. ft., while the Communication Systems facility will span 9,000 sq. ft. Both facilities will be equipped with supporting infrastructure, including office spaces, within the Technopark@IITK campus.

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