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WHEELS Global Foundation and IIT Bhubaneswar collaborate for rural transformation
The event showcased over 20 innovative products developed by IIT BBS start-ups, highlighting the institute’s potential in fostering entrepreneurial solutions.
MoU signing. / Courtesy Photo
IIT Bhubaneswar (IIT BBS) and WHEELS Global Foundation India (WGF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively address critical challenges in rural India and driving transformation. This partnership leverages IIT BBS’s expertise in developing innovative solutions and WGF’s extensive network of NGOs and deployment frameworks to create a seamless path from research and development to large-scale implementation. The collaboration focuses on healthcare, water, education, and energy while also facilitating connections between IIT Bhubaneswar and industries in India and USA.
The Satellite Event at IIT BBS as part of PIWOT 2025, featured distinguished speakers and discussions. The welcome address was delivered by Sujata Roy, president, WHEELS Global Foundation India and Ratan Agarwal, president, WHEELS Global Foundation (remotely from USA). Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, director of IIT BBS, highlighted the institute’s journey since its inception in 2008 and its designation as an Institute of National Importance in 2012. Prof. Brahma Deo, MGM chair professor at IIT BBS, emphasized the need for stronger industry-academia collaboration, while S S Mohanty, former chairman of CII Odisha, discussed IIT’s role in fostering start-ups. Sambit Tripathy, ex-IRS and CMD of Livelihood Alternatives, focused on the importance of rural development, while Prashant K Hota, president & Group Head CSR at Jindal Steel and Power Ltd., shared insights on adopting sustainable practices for a brighter future.
The event showcased over 20 innovative products developed by IIT BBS start-ups, highlighting the institute’s potential in fostering entrepreneurial solutions. Among the participants, Dr. Remya Neelancherry of ECOVITERRA PVT LTD won the 1st place prize for her work on "Revolutionizing Waste into Value," while a team from KRENG EDUCATION PRIVATE LIMITED received 2nd place prize for their efforts in making STEM education accessible and eco-friendly. A panel discussion on "Strengthening Odisha's Industrial Growth and Rural Development" further explored strategies to leverage technology and innovation for sustainable progress. Panels included visiting senior WHEELS USA leaders Amb Pradeep Kapur, Suresh Shenoy, Hitendra Ghosh, as well as WHEELS India Board member Yogesh Andlay. Presence of all these senior leaders was a boon to students for invaluable mentoring.
The collaboration has already yielded two significant outcomes. IIT BBS Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) partnered with the Young Tinker Educational Foundation to launch the "Tinker on Wheels" (TOW) program, bringing STEM education, robotics, and AI exposure to school students in nearby villages. Additionally, Dr. Smita Sinha, charter president of the Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar Flamingo, joined WGF to lead the Saukhyam initiative, focusing on menstrual health and women’s skill development in rural areas. These efforts demonstrate the transformative potential of the IIT-WGF partnership in driving sustainable development across rural India.
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad)
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