From AI To Stealth Tech: IIT Kanpur Director Shares How Institute’s Innovations Are Shaping India’s Future | Interview – Mobile News 24×7 Hindi
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Speaking to Mobile News 24×7 Hindi.com, IIT Kanpur Director Prof. Manindra Agrawal discusses how the institute’s innovations in AI and stealth tech are shaping India’s future.
IIT Kanpur Director Prof Manindra Agrawal (Image: IIT Kanpur)
As one of India’s leading engineering institutes, IIT Kanpur has consistently been at the cutting edge of scientific research and technological innovation. Under the leadership of Computer Scientist Prof Manindra Agrawal, the institute is now making significant strides in artificial intelligence — using it to tackle real-world challenges such as improving healthcare systems, strengthening city infrastructure, and even developing stealth technology for national defence.
In an exclusive interview with Mobile News 24×7 Hindi, Institute’s Director Prof Agrawal shares insights into how the institute is adapting to new-age technologies while ensuring that students are not left behind in the race to excellence.
Here are the edited excerpts of the interview:
Q. IIT Kanpur has been a leader in research and innovation—what are some breakthrough projects currently underway?
Prof. Agrawal: With our core expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the Kotak School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur and the Centre for Developing Intelligent Systems have been developing AI-based novel and practical solutions in the areas of air quality, energy, urban governance, and mobility. Recently, the Centre of Excellence on Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Cities was awarded to IIT Kanpur, and Phase 2 of this project is now underway.
We have also collaborated with the Government of Uttar Pradesh in the R&D efforts of the UP Digital Health Stack (UP-DHS) under the National Health Stack (NHS) programme of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). This initiative aims to enhance healthcare delivery by integrating AI into telehealth and point-of-care diagnostics, thereby bridging gaps and improving accessibility in healthcare through AI-driven solutions.
C3iHub is working on developing and deploying cutting-edge critical infrastructure security solutions, including APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) detection, blockchain applications, cybercrime detection, and cryptoforensics.
We have also developed the Metamaterial Surface Cloaking System (MSCS) — Anālakṣhya — a breakthrough in stealth technology that renders military assets invisible to radar by dispersing radar waves. This technology has been licensed to Meta Tattva Systems and is currently being evaluated for deployment by the Indian Armed Forces.
Another recent development is a Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test Facility, known as Jigarthanda, which is designed to simulate missile flight, scramjet propulsion, and spacecraft re-entry — crucial for missions such as Gaganyaan.
Q. What changes do you foresee in the IIT admission process with the evolving NEP (National Education Policy)?
Prof. Agrawal: The National Education Policy (NEP) presents a forward-looking framework that aligns well with IIT Kanpur’s vision to broaden access while maintaining academic excellence. While we expect the core IIT admission process to remain rigorous and merit-based, the NEP’s emphasis on holistic assessment may gradually lead to a more comprehensive evaluation system beyond standardised tests.
In line with this, IIT Kanpur is actively exploring innovative admission pathways. For instance, a proposal to admit students through a hackathon into a specialised programme in cybersecurity has received approvals from all academic bodies and is currently under review by the Education Policy Committee. Once cleared, it will move to the Senate and the Board of Governors for final approval. Such initiatives reflect an evolving approach to admissions that recognises talent through alternative avenues.
At IIT Kanpur, we emphasise interdisciplinary education and flexible learning, which align with NEP principles. We are looking into integrating more interdisciplinary programmes and enabling multiple entry and exit options within degree structures, allowing students greater flexibility while upholding the academic rigour that defines the IIT system.
Q. How is IIT Kanpur adapting to the rise of AI and new-age technologies in its curriculum?
Prof. Agrawal: AI is not the future — it is our present, and we want our students to adapt well to these changing technologies. The Institute is also considering establishing a common data analytics course across all branches.
We collaborated with Citadel Securities to establish the T3i Lab, dedicated to high-performance computing, AI, and data science research. Some years ago, we partnered with FICCI to launch the AIIDE CoE to boost AI-driven entrepreneurship by providing mentorship, research support, and funding opportunities.
IIT Kanpur has also established a new collaborative research centre with New York University — the NYU Tandon–IITK Advanced Research Centre — focusing on critical and emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and semiconductors. Additionally, we organise events such as the SnT Hackathon, where students tackle diverse problem statements across areas including generative AI and campus-specific solutions to increase industry preparedness.
Q. Why are IIT placements falling, and what steps are being taken by IIT Kanpur to attract more recruiters and ensure better job opportunities for students?
Prof. Agrawal: IIT placements tend to fluctuate due to multiple external factors such as global economic trends, industry slowdowns, and shifting skill demands. The rise in AI technologies and an ever-evolving workforce means that students must continuously adapt to remain competitive.
IIT Kanpur is countering this by leveraging its alumni network and reaching out to new companies to boost recruitment. As of 7 April 2025, over 300 companies — including Google, Microsoft, BPCL, and many others — had participated in the 2024–25 placement season, securing 1,179 job offers. The Institute is enhancing students’ skills for emerging technologies and supporting entrepreneurship through the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), ensuring a wide range of career opportunities.
We are preparing our students for a constantly evolving environment. There was about a 14% increase in placements this year compared to the previous one. Nearly 30% of our students secured jobs in their core domain — a welcome shift from earlier years when most chose careers in finance or software. Average salary packages have risen by around 10% compared to the previous year.
Q. What initiatives has IIT Kanpur taken to ensure an inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds?
Prof. Agrawal: At IIT Kanpur, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel supported and empowered.
Beginning with the academic year 2025–26, we have announced a new admission pathway for BTech and BS programmes based on performance in international Olympiads. This initiative recognises exceptionally talented students who have excelled in highly competitive Olympiads in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Informatics. Through this alternative pathway, IIT Kanpur is reserving seats in select departments for young innovators with exceptional analytical skills, making it one of the few institutes in India to recruit talent directly from prestigious global Olympiad platforms.
We are dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities through our Cell for Differently Abled Persons (CDAP), established in 2017. It provides academic support, accessible housing, mobility assistance, and career guidance. The Institute also conducts sensitisation programmes, placement support, and dedicated events such as the Annual Day for Differently Abled Persons, where scholarships and mentorship opportunities are offered.
IIT Kanpur admits around 3,000 students annually from diverse linguistic and socio-economic backgrounds, many of whom face challenges due to English being the medium of instruction. To support such students, the Shivani Centre was established in 2021. It helps ease their academic transition and provides technological support and opportunities to pursue creative interests in Hindi and other Indian languages.
Our Gender Cell actively promotes diversity and inclusivity on campus. We have implemented measures to increase the percentage of female students and maintain the 20% target under the supernumerary quota.
Q. How does IIT Kanpur support students from underprivileged communities in coping with academic and social pressures?
Prof. Agrawal: IIT Kanpur offers a variety of scholarships to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder meritorious students. The Bright Minds Scholarship provides ₹3 lakh annually to JEE Advanced top 100 rankers. The Merit-cum-Means Scholarship offers a tuition waiver and a ₹1,000 monthly allowance for students with parental income below ₹4.5 lakh, based on academic performance. The INSPIRE Scholarship supports BS students in the top 10,000 AIR, offering ₹60,000 annually and a ₹20,000 research grant.
The Institute also provides Donor Scholarships and Basic Mess Scholarships for SC/ST students and assists with applications for various external scholarships. Sports Scholarships recognise excellence and leadership in sports, while Academic Excellence Awards and Convocation Medals honour top academic achievers. Internal scholarship processes are handled by the Institute, while students apply independently for external scholarships.
Our Community Welfare Cell (CWC) fosters an inclusive campus culture by working with various clubs and societies to promote social welfare. The Prakriti Club engages students in environmental initiatives, while the Vivekananda Samiti hosts cultural programmes and discussions that build common ground across backgrounds. Recent events have focused on boosting student motivation, leadership, soft skills, and personality development.
We also run an initiative called Prayas. Supported by alumni, donors, and well-wishers, Prayas runs community welfare schools and a vocational training centre offering nearly free education to underprivileged children from nearby areas. These schools are largely volunteer-run, with donations used to provide scholarships, study materials, and infrastructural upgrades. We are grateful to our donors for their continued support in shaping a brighter future for these children.
Q. Student mental health has been a growing concern—how is IIT Kanpur addressing this issue? Are there any new initiatives to reduce academic pressure and promote a better work-life balance for students?
Prof. Agrawal: Students’ mental health and wellbeing are of utmost concern to us. We have long prioritised their emotional and psychological welfare, adopting a holistic approach that goes beyond academics to foster personal growth and community support. The Institute Counselling Service (ICS) plays a central role, comprising six clinical psychologists, faculty advisors, student volunteers, and three affiliated psychiatrists who visit campus weekly. In light of recent concerns, we have strengthened our support system by hiring additional counsellors and hostel managers, along with launching several new welfare initiatives.
We are also working towards introducing round-the-clock clinical mental health support by appointing one or two on-campus psychiatrists, expected to be rolled out in the coming months.
Other initiatives include a strengthened PG Core Counselling Team, department-level discussions to proactively address academic stress and isolation, mentorship programmes led by senior PG students, informal faculty guidance, hostel-level community-building events, and semester-wise mental health awareness campaigns. To address confidentiality concerns among PG students, we are also working on a professional counselling wing to ensure students can access help without fear of judgement or academic repercussions.
An independent five-member review committee — comprising external experts, students, and staff — has also submitted a report assessing systemic issues, with its recommendations to be shared with the campus community soon. On the academic side, reforms such as flexible PhD admissions, enhanced financial support, reduced coursework, faster thesis evaluations, MS exit options, and student-friendly policies across programmes have been introduced to reduce academic pressure and promote a better work-life balance.
