IIT Delhi Sets Five Goals, Will Contribute Through Education, Research
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has shown growth in student and faculty strength while delivering academic and research output over the period of time. In the last decade, IIT Delhi saw a 55 percent surge in student base and a 35 percent growth in faculty. In the last five years, it has filed for over 500 patents, published nearly 10,000 research papers and completed approximately 350 industry projects.
Additionally, in the year 2019, the IIT Delhi Endowment Fund was launched by President Ramnath Kovind, backed by an initial commitment of Rs 250 crore by alumni, with a stated goal of raising USD 1 billion over a period of time.
Subsequently, IIT Delhi initiated the development of its vision and direction for 2030, with a focus to build and use the Endowment Fund towards achieving these goals. The objectives of this effort were to -- Articulate a set of aspirations for IIT Delhi for the next 10 years, define the initiatives required to achieve those aspirations by 2030 and enable the Endowment Fund to meet its goal of raising USD 1 billion.
IIT Delhi is believed to have the potential to transform and compete on a global scale. In order to achieve this transformation, IIT Delhi has set five bold aspirations for 2030, in consultation with the IIT Delhi administration, faculty, alumni and the Endowment Fund's contributors.
1. Drive research excellence
IIT Delhi will provide faculty with the resources and facilitation they need— including grants, infrastructure and staff—so they can perform to their maximum potential across their focus areas. The institute will aim to maintain a healthy balance between different types of research. While there will be focused efforts on exploring technology development and commercialization of applied research, IIT Delhi will continue to support fundamental research, which could have long gestation period for its impact to be acknowledged by industry and society.
2. Enhance educational experience and employability
IIT Delhi will provide its students with modern learning and research experience. The curriculum will reflect the latest and future requirements of the industry. A renewed emphasis will be placed on the overall development of students to provide them with the skills to compete in a dynamically changing world. The institute's method of instruction will adapt to technological innovation in pedagogy while building capabilities to deliver education online at scale.
An additional thrust will also be placed on students' overall well-being and health.
3. Attain global competitiveness in select technology areas
By 2030, IIT Delhi aims to build a healthy pipeline of licensing agreements, develop teaching programs and sponsored projects with industry in those technology areas.
4. Sustain global leadership in entrepreneurship
IIT Delhi aims to become the preferred destination for aspiring entrepreneurs in India and neighbouring countries by nurturing a start-up culture among students and faculty and bridging the gap between research and entrepreneurship. The institute will also make a concerted effort to offer partnership opportunities to alumni embarking on their entrepreneurship journey by providing relevant support services and connections.
5. Contribute to society and the country
IIT Delhi will continue investing in research areas of social and national importance such as rural development while exploring other potential areas of focus.
The institute will encourage students to continue their on-ground collaboration with external partners who are committed to furthering relevant social causes (e.g., leading NGOs) to maintain a culture of giving back to society.