In a recent valedictory session of the 3rd National Workshop on Technology Innovation in Cyber-Physical Systems (TIPS), key figures in India’s technology and innovation landscape underscored the pivotal role played by Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). The event, hosted by the C3iHub at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), shed light on the remarkable strides made in various sectors through these hubs.
Significant Outcomes and Impact
Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), commended the mission hubs, emphasizing their establishment in 25 top technical institutions across the country. He highlighted their contributions in critical domains such as agriculture, energy, water, and transportation. After four years of dedicated work, the NM-ICPS has not only yielded advanced technologies and products but has also led to significant scientific publications in high-impact journals. Professor Karandikar urged technologists associated with the hubs to focus on translating technology into practical solutions, enhancing India’s self-reliance in vital areas.
Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Adviser at DST and Secretary of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), stressed the need for increased collaboration among the hubs and encouraged alignment with other ministries and departments. His vision places a strong emphasis on promoting and nurturing start-ups.
C3iHub: A Cybersecurity Pioneer
The C3iHub at IIT Kanpur, which specializes in cybersecurity, hosted the event. Professor S. Ganesh, Officiating Director of IIT Kanpur, highlighted the hub’s two-pronged approach. It not only trains students to become cybersecurity professionals but also provides hands-on training to executives in utilities, equipping them to identify and mitigate cybersecurity threats. C3iHub stands out as the first-of-its-kind Cyber Security Center in India, focusing on safeguarding critical infrastructure, including water and sewage systems, power grids, nuclear plants, and missile control.
NM-ICPS: A Mission for Technological Advancement
Dr. Ekta Kapoor, Mission Director of NM-ICPS and Head of the FFT Division at DST, lauded the mission’s achievements. NM-ICPS has successfully positioned India as a leader in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) technologies, promoting the translation of CPS technologies for societal and commercial use. The mission has nurtured start-ups, expanded job opportunities, and cultivated the next generation of technocrats in CPS technologies.
The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), initiated in December 2018, addresses the ever-growing technological demands of society while aligning with international trends and roadmaps. To facilitate its objectives, 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) were established in leading institutes across India, focusing on technology development and translation, human resource and skill development, entrepreneurship, start-up development, and international collaborative research.