Where Technological Knowledge is put into Practice
ransfer of knowledge for common good is a boon to the society at large. Fostering, promoting and sustaining commercialization of Science and Technology, thus making knowledge transfer happen effectively is what the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) is involved in. This autonomous organization is the industrial interface of IIT Delhi. A pioneer in its field, FIIT is the conduit, bridging the gap between the industry and academia. “Putting knowledge into practice is our focus at FITT. During the last nearly two decades of our existence, we have expanded the scope of our engagement with industry and other organizations. We encourage, inter alia, joint technology development. FITT
Petronas Twin Towers has facilitated nearly 50 technology transfers; examples include: Biogas enrichment, Rust guard, Odorless urinal trap, technologies related to Interferometer, Iontophoretic device etc . We have enabled technoentrepreneurship at IIT Delhi and have helped both the innovators and budding entrepreneurs get requisite support – including financial assistance ,” says Dr. Anil Wali , Managing Director, who joined FITT in the year 2006, after nearly 19 years of stay in the chemical industry. FITT witnessed nascence in the year 1992. Since then, the foundation has showcased and transferred IIT Delhi’s ‘intellectual ware’ to the industry besides injecting industrial relevance in teaching and research at the resource rich institution. A repertoire of short/medium term education courses on emerging technologies has been organized and numerous vital problem-solving innovative and research oriented consultancy projects at IIT Delhi have been taken up by FITT over the years. FITT manages the Institute IP; till date there are around 250 patents and many technology know-hows in place. . The value of contracted work at FITT exceeded Rs. 10 Cr. last fiscal. Being a nonprofit, any surpluses are ploughed back to further the objectives of the Foundation.. “We have retained 90% of our staff for the last five years. Strengthening our work portfolio and growing manifold is our aim. Innovations, intellectual property, technology licensing, , meeting new expectations are all humdrum terms for FITT. Our target at FITT is to make a large positive impact on the society. Our index is to keep on working; we are involved in various R&D activities in partnership with the industry including leading MNCs, and other international bodies.,” says the candid Dr. Wali. FITT manages the Technology Business Incubation Unit (TBIU) – a flagship program at IIT Delhi since 1999. This program has created several technology ventures like KritiKal, Mechartes, EnNatura etc. Dr. Wali owes the success of FITT to strong support by IIT Delhi, cooperation by faculty of the Institute, various stakeholders like its corporate members and hard work and passion of the FITT staff. The eminent and energetic personality leaves a message for readers, especially students, ‘Be innovative. be entrepreneurial, create jobs and make an impact on the society.’