The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has launched its $1 billion (approximately ₹9,000 crore) fundraising campaign, titled Greater Than Us, to strengthen research infrastructure, support emerging technologies and accelerate innovation across sectors, including digital health, medical technology, biotechnology and drug discovery. Launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Bharat Mandapam on October 14, the campaign aims to raise the targeted amount by March 2029.

IIT Kanpur has already secured commitments worth ₹4,155 crore, nearly half of its overall fundraising target, from alumni, donors, corporate partners and the government. The institute describes the initiative as the largest fundraising campaign undertaken by an IIT.

The campaign is structured around three pillars: Foundation, Talent and Frontier. Foundation has a target allocation of ₹5,000 crore for research and institutional infrastructure, while Talent will receive ₹3,000 crore to support students, researchers, faculty members and future innovators. Frontier will focus on developing advanced technologies and translating research into practical applications.

Healthcare innovation is a key component of the Frontier pillar. IIT Kanpur plans to establish a medical devices prototyping and testing facility to support the development and validation of indigenous medical technologies. The initiative comes amid India’s dependence on imports for approximately 80% of its high-end medical devices, highlighting the opportunity to strengthen domestic design, manufacturing and testing capabilities.

The institute will also support drug discovery programmes targeting cancer, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Its broader technology priorities include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, semiconductors, drones and sustainability. These areas could create opportunities for collaboration among researchers, healthcare institutions, startups and industry partners.

The campaign also includes a ₹180 crore commitment from alumnus Rahul Gautam to establish the Gautam School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (G-SINE) at IIT Kanpur’s Noida campus. Scheduled to begin in July 2027 with an MBA programme in Technology and Entrepreneurship, the school will focus on helping innovators convert research into commercially viable products and technology-driven businesses. Its areas of interest include digital health, biotechnology, AI and advanced manufacturing.

IIT Kanpur’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) has supported hundreds of startups, providing an existing foundation for research commercialisation and entrepreneurship.

Through Greater Than Us, IIT Kanpur aims to strengthen India’s indigenous technology capabilities by connecting research, talent development and commercialisation. The campaign’s healthcare initiatives could contribute to the development of locally designed medical devices, new therapeutic approaches and digital health solutions.