IIT Delhi Research Collaboration on Sustainable Energy Solutions | PM Sri Lanka Visit

Hon’ble PM of Sri Lanka visits IIT Delhi, exploring research collaboration on sustainable energy solutions, AI STEM kits, and innovative startups.

New Delhi: In a landmark event fostering international research collaboration, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Nireka Amarasuriya, visited IIT Delhi on October 17, 2025, highlighting the potential for bilateral cooperation in research, innovation, and higher education. The visit underscored IIT Delhi’s pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge technology and nurturing innovative startups.

During her visit, the Prime Minister interacted with Prof. Arvind Nema, Deputy Director (Operations), Prof. Anil Verma, Dean of International Programmes, faculty members, international students, and several pioneering startups incubated at IIT Delhi’s Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT).

Pioneering Startups Showcased at IIT Delhi

Two notable startups presented their innovations during the Prime Minister’s visit:

• CYRAN AI demonstrated the BUDDHI AI DIY kit, a STEM education kit that enables users to learn AI, experience AI, and build AI solutions. This initiative is part of IIT Delhi’s vision to make artificial intelligence accessible for students and young innovators.
• Cluix showcased their portable water quality analyzer, reflecting IIT Delhi’s commitment to sustainable solutions and low-carbon technology development.

The Prime Minister had the opportunity to witness various other technologies being developed at IIT Delhi’s Research and Innovation Park, including projects focused on renewable energy, clean technologies, and smart solutions for urban and rural challenges.

Strengthening Academic and Research Collaboration

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Harini Nireka Amarasuriya emphasized the significance of collaborative academic initiatives. She remarked:

“IIT Delhi is a prestigious engineering and research institute in our neighbourhood. I believe there is significant potential for academic and research collaboration between our institutes and IIT Delhi. We are already collaborating with IIT Madras, and we look forward to exploring the ways in which our institutions can collaborate with IIT Delhi as well.”

This statement reflects a growing interest in international academic partnerships and the scope for joint research projects on sustainable energy solutions and technological innovation between India and Sri Lanka.

IIT Delhi’s Global Outreach in Innovation

IIT Delhi has been steadily enhancing its international presence through academic partnerships, joint research programs, and startup incubation. The institute’s Research and Innovation Park acts as a hub for young innovators, providing mentorship, funding, and access to advanced laboratories.

Some key initiatives include:

• Supporting AI-based STEM learning kits like BUDDHI AI DIY for educational empowerment
• Promoting portable water and environmental quality monitoring solutions
• Facilitating industry-academia collaborations for low-carbon and clean technology research

These initiatives demonstrate IIT Delhi’s commitment to sustainable innovation, which aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and enhance STEM education across the region.

Expert Insights on Bilateral Research Partnerships

Experts believe that international collaboration between institutions such as IIT Delhi and Sri Lankan universities can bring multiple advantages:

1. Accelerated Technology Development: Joint research initiatives can fast-track projects in AI, clean energy, and biotechnology.
2. Capacity Building: Student and faculty exchanges enable knowledge transfer, skill development, and global exposure.
3. Innovation Ecosystem: Collaborations support startups and technology incubators, leading to scalable innovations.
4. Policy and Strategy Alignment: Coordinated research can inform national and regional policies for sustainable development.

Dr. Meera Sharma, a senior researcher in sustainable energy at IIT Delhi, notes:
“Collaborations like these allow institutions to pool expertise, leverage resources, and create solutions that are impactful both regionally and globally. The Sri Lankan PM’s visit is a testament to IIT Delhi’s growing global influence.”

Future Directions for Joint Research

The visit opens doors to several potential areas of collaboration:

• Renewable Energy Projects: Joint research on solar, wind, and hybrid energy solutions
• AI-Driven Education Tools: Expanding STEM learning kits like BUDDHI AI to Sri Lankan institutions
• Water and Environmental Quality Monitoring: Collaborative solutions for safe drinking water
• Sustainable Technology Startups: Joint mentorship and incubation for green-tech startups

These collaborations align with IIT Delhi’s vision of advancing global research partnerships and promoting sustainable development through innovation.

IIT Delhi as a Hub for STEM and Innovation

The institute’s robust ecosystem for research, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence makes it a key player in regional technological leadership. Through its programs:

• Students gain access to world-class research facilities
• Startups like CYRAN AI and Cluix receive guidance for commercializing innovations
• International students engage in cross-cultural learning and research exposure

For those interested in further enhancing their skills, IIT Delhi also collaborates with platforms offering NCERT courses, notes, and educational resources that support STEM learning:

• NCERT Courses
• Current Affairs
• Notes
• MCQs
• Videos
• Syllabus
• Free NCERT PDFs
• Mind Maps

External collaboration is also emphasized, connecting with organizations like Mart India Infotech to strengthen technology transfer and institutional partnerships.

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FAQs

1. What was the main purpose of Dr. Harini Nireka Amarasuriya’s visit to IIT Delhi?
   The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral research collaboration, innovation, and academic partnerships between Sri Lanka and IIT Delhi.
2. Which IIT Delhi startups presented their technologies to the Sri Lankan PM?
   CYRAN AI and Cluix presented the BUDDHI AI DIY kit and a portable water quality analyzer respectively.
3. What is the BUDDHI AI DIY kit?
   It is a STEM education kit developed by CYRAN AI that allows users to learn, experience, and build AI projects.
4. Which areas of research are expected to benefit from India-Sri Lanka collaboration?
   Renewable energy, low-carbon innovation, AI-driven STEM education, and environmental monitoring are key areas.
5. Who did the Prime Minister meet at IIT Delhi?
   She interacted with Prof. Arvind Nema, Prof. Anil Verma, faculty, international students, and startup representatives.
6. What is the significance of IIT Delhi’s Research and Innovation Park?
   It serves as a hub for startups, mentorship, and advanced research in AI, clean technology, and sustainable solutions.
7. Has Sri Lanka collaborated with other IITs before?
   Yes, Sri Lanka already collaborates with IIT Madras on academic and research initiatives.
8. How can students access IIT Delhi STEM and AI resources?
   Through NCERT courses, notes, videos, MCQs, and STEM kits available on educational platforms.
9. What future collaborations are expected between IIT Delhi and Sri Lankan institutions?
   Joint projects on renewable energy, AI-based education, and environmental technology innovations.
10. How does IIT Delhi support startups like CYRAN AI and Cluix?
    Through FITT incubation, mentorship, access to labs, and global networking opportunities.