(Photo: Abrasive Water Jet Cutting Machine)

New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), in collaboration with ICICI Foundation, has inaugurated, two advanced facilities - the upgraded Foundation for Smart Manufacturing (FSM) Lab and the enhanced Bio Innovation Lab under BioNEST.

The inauguration ceremony was held at IIT Delhi in the presence of senior officials from IIT Delhi, ICICI Bank and ICICI Foundation. The upgraded facilities have been established to strengthen the innovation ecosystem by providing students, researchers, start-ups, innovators, and MSMEs with access to advanced infrastructure for research, prototyping, testing, validation, and skill development in the critical sectors of advanced bio-manufacturing and biotechnology, using cutting-edge technologies to improve product design, production efficiency, quality, and customization.

                
                                                           (Photo: CNC Wire Cut EDM)

The Foundation for Smart Manufacturing (FSM) Lab, established as part of IIT Delhi’s vision to advance Industry 4.0 technologies, will serve as a platform for fostering innovation and technological advancement in smart manufacturing.

Equipped with advanced manufacturing systems, automation technologies, and rapid prototyping capabilities, the facility will enable startups and MSMEs to develop, test, refine, and commercialise next-generation products.

The lab will also support hands-on learning, skilling, and certification programmes aimed at building industry-ready talent and strengthening India's manufacturing capabilities.

The enhanced Bio Innovation Lab will further strengthen the capabilities of BioNEST incubator, which is managed through the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for translational research and product development across healthcare, diagnostics, precision medicine, genomics, medical technologies, and allied domains. The facility will support startups and researchers in accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into scalable solutions through advanced molecular characterisation, process optimisation, product validation, and technology development support.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Jayant Jain, Dean, Corporate Relations, IIT Delhi, said, "The inauguration of these facilities marks another important milestone in IIT Delhi’s commitment to fostering innovation-led growth and strengthening industry-academia collaboration. Through the support of ICICI Foundation, we are creating world-class infrastructure that will empower startups, researchers, students, and MSMEs to transform ideas into impactful solutions. These facilities will not only accelerate technological innovation but also contribute significantly to skill development and entrepreneurship in sectors critical to India's future."

Prof. Sunil Jha, Associate Dean (R&D), IIT Delhi, and Director, Foundation for Smart Manufacturing, said, "The upgraded FSM Lab has been envisioned as a collaborative platform where advanced manufacturing technologies can be translated into practical industrial applications. By providing access to cutting-edge equipment, prototyping facilities, and specialized training, we aim to help startups and MSMEs reduce innovation cycles, improve product quality, and enhance global competitiveness. The facility will also play a key role in preparing a skilled workforce for Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing ecosystems."

These facilities reflect the shared commitment of IIT Delhi and ICICI Foundation towards strengthening institutional capacities, nurturing innovation, and creating enabling ecosystems that support entrepreneurship, research excellence, and sustainable socio-economic development.

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About ICICI Foundation

ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth was set up in 2008 to strengthen and broaden ICICI group’s commitment to social development. Through its interventions across healthcare, environment & ecology, skilling, rural development, financial literacy, sports and research & innovation, the Foundation has positively impacted over 20 million lives. With a focus on capacity creation, institutional strengthening, and expanding access to opportunities, the Foundation has been creating lasting impact through scalable and sustainable development initiatives.

About IIT Delhi

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) is one of India’s premier institutions of higher education, research, and innovation. Established in 1961 as an Institute of National Importance, IIT Delhi is one of the 23 IITs created to be Centres of Excellence for training, research and development in science, engineering and technology in India. Since its inception in 1961, IIT Delhi has produced more than 60,000 graduates, including over 7000 PhD holders, many of whom have made significant contributions in fields such as technology, business, and politics.