The I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC) was founded in June 2020 as a Technology Innovation Hub at IIT Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. As a Section 8 company, IHFC serves as a vital link between academia, government, and industry, driving the advancement of robotics and cobotics across diverse sectors.
The foundation concentrates on four application areas: Medical, Agriculture, Industry, and Defence. Its mandates include research and development (R&D), entrepreneurship, skills training, and fostering international collaborations. We have had partnerships with prestigious institutions such as National Science Foundation (NSF), Odense Robotics Denmark, to name a few. IHFC is currently overseeing 10 major R&D projects. Moreover, it actively supports startups and entrepreneurs through its incubation, acceleration and READY (Research, Entrepreneurship, and Development for You) program.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Ashutosh Dutt Sharma, CEO of IHFC, delves into the foundation’s groundbreaking contributions to medical sciences. He provides insights into the translational research conducted by IHFC, discusses new initiatives, and emphasizes the organization’s long-term vision. Below are the key highlights from this enlightening conversation.
Q: Could you elaborate on the innovative contributions IHFC has made in the field of medical sciences?
A: We have developed a cutting-edge facility known as the Medical Cobotic Centre. This state-of-the-art centre fosters collaboration between engineering and medical students, all with a focus on innovation. Located in Okhla, New Delhi, the centre was established in partnership with the Innovation Hub at IIIT Delhi.
Through various programs, including events and training sessions, we invite doctors to the facility. In turn, these doctors mentor startups that are making significant strides in medical and healthcare technologies. Additionally, they contribute to our research and development projects in the same field.
The Medical Cobotic Centre serves as a one-stop centre for innovation, bringing together doctors, engineers, and researchers to collaborate and drive meaningful advancements for the country.
Q: Can you share details about the translational research conducted by IHFC? Additionally, how their findings enable you to transform research into cutting-edge products?
A: Established just last year, our facility has already become a hub of activity with several promising projects in progress. While some initiatives have achieved early milestones, the path to full commercialization is a gradual process that requires time and precision. Despite this, we remain confident in our vision. In the near future, we anticipate sharing success stories that not only highlight groundbreaking innovations but also reflect notable achievements in commercial viability, demonstrating the impactful work that we have done here.
Q: How many patents have been filed or granted to date by the centre?
A: The centre is currently a collaborative initiative rather than a formally registered entity. As a result, we do not account for patents or specific publications under its name, as these require formal registration. This initiative unites two pivotal innovation hubs: the Innovation Hub of IIT Delhi (IHFC) and the hub at IIIT Delhi (I-Hub Anubhuti). Together, these hubs are collaboratively driving this visionary endeavour. Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about establishing clear and measurable metrics within this initiative to evaluate the effectiveness and success of our research and development efforts. These metrics will serve as benchmarks to track our progress in fostering innovation, ensuring that our contributions align with the overarching goals of advancing impactful, cutting-edge solutions.
Q: Are there any new initiatives underway to promote and support indigenous innovation?
A: Our initiatives are yielding significant advancements. For instance, one of our R&D projects focuses on nanorobotics, specifically targeting drug delivery for cancer eradication. This project is led by Professor Soutik Betal from IIT Delhi, with contributions from multiple institutes across the country.
Another key area of focus is medical simulation technology, which we are actively promoting. This technology holds immense value in India, where we need extensive training for doctors and paramedics. By incorporating machines into their training, rather than solely relying on human subjects, we create a safer and more effective learning environment. This approach has profound implications for human well-being.
Additionally, we are working on several other projects, including an indigenous laryngoscope. Emphasizing self-reliance, we believe that such initiatives align with our commitment to developing locally sourced, high-quality medical technology.
Q: What is the long-term vision for the organization?
A: The IHFC proudly stands as a comprehensive hub for groundbreaking innovations, striving to be the ultimate destination for individuals and organizations passionate about advancing healthcare. Our mission is to position ourselves as the go-to facility where visionary ideas meet seamless execution. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, we aim to empower innovators to transform their concepts into tangible solutions. Whether you’re an individual or an organization, IHFC is the place where your aspirations for technology advancements come to life effortlessly.
