IIT Kharagpur Foundation (USA) NEWSLETTER

Volume: 10.25.2026

Dear Reader,

In this newsletter, we explore how seven decades of scientific collaboration have helped shape India's technological progress—and how IIT Kharagpur continues to apply innovation to one of society's most pressing challenges: affordable healthcare.

IITKGP Ka Tempo High Hai!

Give Back. Build Forward.

From Building India’s First IITs to Transforming Digital Health

When India began building its scientific institutions after independence, the ambition was to develop the expertise needed to transform the nation. Established in 1950, IIT Kharagpur was at the forefront of this vision, receiving support through the United Nations' early technical assistance programmes.

More than seven decades later, India's technological progress extends well beyond engineering education. In a recent account, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) traces the evolution of its partnership with India, from strengthening scientific institutions to supporting digital solutions for public healthcare.

With UNDP support, India's Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) introduced digital monitoring of vaccine stocks and cold-chain temperatures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CoWIN helped manage the nationwide vaccination campaign. The newer U-WIN platform supports routine immunisation tracking for pregnant women and children. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how technology can strengthen public services and improve healthcare delivery on a national scale.

IIT Kharagpur is pursuing a complementary mission by applying its multidisciplinary expertise to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. Its Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH) for Affordable Healthcare, established in 2019 with government support, provides infrastructure and technical assistance to innovators developing healthcare technologies. The hub has moved toward financial sustainability through user fees, industry sponsorships and translational partnerships.

By connecting engineering research with healthcare needs, IITKGP can help turn scientific advances into practical solutions for patients and healthcare providers.

The journey from building India's first IITs to developing affordable healthcare technologies reflects an enduring mission: using knowledge and innovation to improve society. As IIT Kharagpur advances its Platinum Jubilee vision, healthcare and digital innovation offer promising opportunities for alumni engagement and philanthropic support.

The next chapter of IITKGP's legacy will be measured not only by scientific achievements, but also by how effectively those achievements improve lives.