The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), renowned for its pioneering technology innovations, has been honoured with the prestigious STEM Impact Awards 2024 for engaging in impactful technology transfer activities, during the annual STEM Summit - 2024, held in Bengaluru. STEM (Society for Technology Management) is a non-profit organization providing a facilitative environment for Technology Transfer Processes and professional development of technology management professionals in Life Sciences, Material Sciences, IT, Engineering, Law, and others.

IIT Kanpur has been bestowed this award for the third consecutive time, in recognition of the socio-economic impact created with the technology transfer of the invention of a 'Haptic Smart Watch for Blind & Visually Impaired'. On behalf of IIT Kanpur, Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor In-charge, Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur; and Prof. Siddhartha Panda, Department of Chemical Engineering, and Coordinator of the National Centre of Flexible Electronics, (NCFlexE), IIT Kanpur jointly received the award from Mr. Alwin Wong, Chairman, Association of Technology Transfer Professional.

Prof. S. Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur, said, “As a dynamic hub of innovation and excellence, IIT Kanpur remains dedicated to developing comprehensive solutions that meet the demands of our society. This prestigious award emphasizes the expanding landscape of research and development at the institute, and we are delighted to receive recognition for the third time in a row. I congratulate Prof. Siddhartha Panda and the team involved in the revolutionary development of the 'Haptic Smart Watch for Blind and Visually Impaired'."

The Haptic Smart Watch was developed in the year 2022 by Prof. Siddhartha Panda, Department of Chemical Engineering, and Coordinator, NCFlexE; and Mr. Vishwaraj Srivastava, from NCFlexE - an R&D Centre for Flexible Electronics at IIT Kanpur. The invention is a cost-effective smart wearable device with a touch-sensitive tactile interface that displays information using vibrations. This makes it more suitable for private usage compared to audio-based output devices available in the market. This technology has been licensed to Ambrane India Pvt. Ltd for mass manufacturing and sales. This invention was also honoured with the prestigious Best Assisted Technology Initiatives by Educational Institutes’ Award at the ATF (Assistive Technology Foundation) Awards 2023.

Prof. Ankush Sharma heads the Technology Transfer Cell at IIT Kanpur under the Start-up Incubation & Innovation Centre at IIT Kanpur. The development of the 'Haptic Smart Watch for Blind & Visually Impaired' stands as a remarkable achievement for the IP & Technology Transfer Team, following their milestone of filing a record-breaking 122 IPRs in 2023.

IIT Kanpur has been proactively collaborating with potential industry partners, demonstrating its commitment to making a significant impact on society. The institution aims to contribute to the nation’s economic and social advancement by promoting innovative technical solutions and providing opportunities, thereby encouraging the 'Make in India' initiative.