{"id":2041,"date":"2025-07-03T08:48:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T08:48:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.climafix.in\/blog\/?page_id=2041"},"modified":"2025-08-07T04:15:02","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T04:15:02","slug":"summit-2025-session-4","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.climafix.in\/blog\/summit-2025-session-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Translational Research-Academia-Industry Collaboration For Decarbonization @ Climafix 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Join us on 12th September at IIT Madras Research Park, from 02.30 PM to 05.00 PM, for an engaging session on Academia Industry Collaboration for Decarbonization.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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%22%22<\/span><\/p>\n

This session will explore how academia and industry can co-create scalable solutions for decarbonization by aligning research innovation with industrial needs, leveraging collaborative frameworks, and accelerating the translation of climate research into real-world impact. Discussions will center around effective translational research practices, proven collaboration models, actionable toolkits, and the role of ecosystems like IITM in enabling industry-wide low-carbon transitions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is \u201cAcademia-Industry Collaboration for Decarbonization\u201d impactful in today\u2019s world?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

It is the bridge that transforms innovation into implementation \u2014 turning lab-scale climate solutions into scalable, real-world industrial applications.<\/span><\/h4>\n

In India, where over 70% of emissions stem from hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and transport, collaboration between academia and industry is essential for decarbonization.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Globally, corporate investments in university-led climate research have doubled in the past five years, signaling a shift from isolated innovation to collaborative problem-solving.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Despite producing world-class research, less than 10% of academic climate innovations in India reach commercialization. Effective academia-industry partnerships can flip this number \u2014 enabling IP generation, co-development, and adoption of low-carbon technologies at scale.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Moreover, ecosystems like IITM Research Park have demonstrated the power of such partnerships, enabling over 100 industrial pilots and decarbonization projects in the past decade.<\/span><\/h4>\n

As industries face growing pressure to decarbonize and academia seeks real-world impact, this collaboration is not optional \u2014 it\u2019s a strategic imperative.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Sub Topics & Sub Elements For Sessions<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Subtopics<\/span><\/th>\nDescription<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Making Translational Research Effective<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\n1. Understanding the industry\u2019s technology readiness level (TRL) expectations
\n2. Designing research with end-use applications in mind
\n3. Aligning academic KPIs with industry outcomes (IP, impact, and timelines)
\n4. Case studies: successful translational decarbonization research (e.g., carbon capture, process electrification)
\n5. Common pitfalls in translational climate-tech research and how to avoid them
\n6. Role of incubators and research parks (e.g., IITM\u2019s ecosystem)
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best-of-Breed Practices for Collaboration<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\n1. Frameworks for long-term collaboration (MoUs, joint labs, industry fellowships)
\n2. Governance structures for co-owned research projects
\n3. IP sharing and licensing models that balance incentives
\n4. Industry-sponsored PhDs and project chairs: structuring them for success
\n5. Academic entrepreneurship and spinouts: enabling dual roles for faculty
\n6. Examples from IITM, IISc, and global models (MIT-Industry consortia, Stanford Energy 3.0)
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tools & Actionables for Collaboration<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\n1. Co-development platforms and digital twins for decarbonization
\n2. Funding tools: joint grant applications (e.g., DST-Industry calls, CSR-backed programs)
\n3. Technology transfer offices: how they can enable smoother engagements
\n4. Templates for NDAs, IP agreements, and translational contracts
\n5. Engagement tools: workshops, reverse pitches, industry problem statements
\n6. Research matchmaking platforms and AI-based collaboration finders
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Industry Decarbonization Assistance by IITM Ecosystem<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\n1. Role of Research Park, Carbon Zero Challenge, and Industrial Consultancy at IITM
\n2. Case studies of industry-engaged decarbonization efforts (e.g., cement, steel, renewables)
\n3. Startup incubations supported by IITM (carbon capture, hydrogen, waste-to-energy)
\n4. Facilities and labs available for industrial decarbonization R&D
\n5. How companies can plug into the IITM ecosystem \u2014 as sponsors, collaborators, or customers
\n6. Structured programs for capacity-building and skilling in low-carbon technologies
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Making Translational Research Effective<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Subtopics<\/span><\/th>\nDescription<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Understanding the industry\u2019s technology readiness level (TRL) expectations<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nA framework that helps align academic research stages with industry expectations for deployable technologies. Industries typically invest in technologies at TRL 6\u20139, where systems are validated in real-world settings. Bridging early-stage innovations (TRL 1\u20134) to this level is critical for commercialization. Examples: Carbon capture systems scaled from lab to pilot at Dalmia Cement; hydrogen electrolyzers from lab prototypes to 1 MW plants.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Application-Oriented Research Design<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nResearch efforts focused on solving practical industry challenges with real-world constraints in mind, such as cost, integration, regulatory fit, and process compatibility. Examples: Electrified kilns designed to meet SME heat loads in textile units; bio-based solvents tailored for use in existing coating systems.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
KPI Alignment Between Academia & Industry<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nThe process of aligning key performance indicators (KPIs) such as timelines, patents, TRL milestones, and field pilots to create mutual value in research collaborations. Examples: Tata Power\u2013IIT Bombay energy efficiency tool met joint KPIs of impact and field validation; Reliance\u2013IISc plastic recycling project led to commercial IP and a demo plant.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Translational Research Case Studies<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nSuccessful projects where academic research evolved into scalable, industry-ready decarbonization solutions, often through startups or direct industry adoption. Examples: Carbon Clean (IIT KGP) now powers industrial CO\u2082 capture worldwide; Chakr Innovation (IIT Delhi) scaled diesel emission retrofits through telecom clients.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common Translational Research Pitfalls<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nBarriers that limit the scalability of academic innovations, including high costs, lack of market fit, slow IP processes, and missing certifications. Examples: Lab-scale hydrogen membranes stalled due to IP conflict; eco-brick innovations failed without regulatory approvals or durability data.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Role of Incubators and Research Parks<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nSpecialized ecosystems that support translational R&D by offering infrastructure, funding, industry access, and mentorship to accelerate commercialization. Examples: IITM Research Park hosted 100+ climate-tech pilots; Carbon Zero Challenge enabled startups like Tan90 and Sea6 Energy to move from idea to industry.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Best-of-Breed Practices for Collaboration<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Subtopics<\/span><\/th>\nDescription<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Frameworks for Long-Term Collaboration<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nFormal agreements such as MoUs, joint labs, and long-term fellowships that establish stable, multi-year academia-industry partnerships. These frameworks enable continuity, shared infrastructure, and smoother IP governance. Examples: Tata Steel\u2013IIT Madras joint advanced materials lab; Dow Chemicals\u2019 ongoing fellowship program with IISc.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Governance Structures for Co-Owned Research Projects<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nStructured oversight models (committees, joint review boards, technical advisory groups) that guide shared projects with clear roles, decision-making processes, and progress evaluation. Examples: IITM\u2019s Industry Affiliate Program with rotating governance; NTPC\u2013IIT Delhi’s joint energy lab with shared steering committee.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IP Sharing and Licensing Models<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nCollaborative IP frameworks that define ownership, licensing, and revenue-sharing in a balanced way to incentivize both academic creators and industrial partners. Examples: IITM\u2019s tiered licensing model for startups and corporates; MIT’s %22non-exclusive royalty-free%22 (NERF) licensing approach for sponsor-funded research.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Industry-Sponsored PhDs and Project Chairs<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nDoctoral and faculty positions funded by industry to work on long-horizon R&D, allowing deeper engagement, continuity, and alignment with industrial innovation pipelines. Examples: Ashok Leyland\u2019s sponsored PhDs at IIT Madras on EV drivetrain tech; Infosys Chair Professorship in AI and Sustainability at IISc.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Academic Entrepreneurship and Spinouts<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nMechanisms that support faculty and researchers in launching startups or engaging commercially, including leave policies, equity sharing models, and tech transfer offices. Examples: IITM\u2019s \u201cfaculty startup\u201d policy enabling dual roles; Stanford\u2019s Office of Technology Licensing supporting hundreds of faculty-founded ventures.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Global Models of Collaborative Research<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nInternational benchmarks in academia-industry ecosystems that have scaled deep collaboration, joint R&D, and commercial impact. Examples: MIT’s Industrial Liaison Program with 200+ global corporate members; Stanford Energy 3.0, a platform for joint innovation in clean energy technologies.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Tools & Actionables for Collaboration<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Subtopics<\/span><\/th>\nDescription<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Co-Development Platforms & Digital Twins<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nSimulate and test low-carbon technologies using real-time data and virtual environments to accelerate development. Examples: IITM\u2013Tata Realty energy twins; Siemens\u2013IISc collaboration for industrial decarbonization.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Funding Tools: Joint Grants & CSR Programs<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nCo-funded R&D programs that leverage government grants or corporate social responsibility funds to support collaborative innovation. Examples: DST\u2013Industry IMPRINT initiative; Saint-Gobain CSR partnership with IITM.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs)<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nDedicated units that manage IP protection, licensing, and seamless transition of research outputs to industry. Examples: IITM\u2019s Centre for Technology Transfer (CTT) with 200+ licenses; UC Berkeley\u2019s IPIRA.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Templates: NDAs, IP, Contracts<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nStandardized legal templates that reduce delays and streamline collaboration processes. Examples: IIT Bombay IRCC\u2019s MoU formats; Stanford University\u2019s research agreement toolkit.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engagement Tools: Workshops & Reverse Pitches<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nFacilitated events and platforms that connect academia with industry priorities through two-way communication. Examples: IITM Industry Day; Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Clean Energy Challenge.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Matchmaking Platforms & AI Tools<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nPlatforms that use expertise mapping, intellectual property databases, and AI to recommend academic-industry collaborations. Examples: I-STEM research infrastructure portal; Elsevier\u2019s Pure database.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Industry Decarbonization Assistance by IITM Ecosystem<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Subtopics<\/span><\/th>\nDescription<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Role of Research Park, Carbon Zero Challenge, and Industrial Consultancy at IITM<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nIITM offers a robust innovation ecosystem where academia, startups, and industry collaborate on low-carbon technologies. Examples: Research Park hosts 100+ climate-focused firms; Carbon Zero Challenge (CZC) supports cleantech pilots; IC&SR facilitates 600+ industry-funded projects yearly.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Case Studies of Industry-Engaged Decarbonization Efforts<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nReal-world industry collaborations addressing emissions-intensive sectors. Examples: Low-carbon cement with Ramco; energy analytics tools with Tata Power; advanced solar technologies with ReNew Power.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Startup Incubations Supported by IITM<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nClimate-tech startups are nurtured by IITM Incubation Cell in areas like carbon capture, green hydrogen, waste valorization, and mobility. Examples: Carbon Loops (bio-CCUS); ePlane (electric aerial mobility); Tan90 (cold-chain energy efficiency).<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Facilities and Labs for Industrial Decarbonization R&D<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nAccess to advanced labs for decarbonization-focused research in combustion, materials, biofuels, and carbon capture. Examples: National Centre for Combustion R&D; Sustainable Energy Lab; Carbon Capture Pilot Facility.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How Companies Can Plug into the IITM Ecosystem<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nCompanies can collaborate as R&D sponsors, co-locate at the Research Park, or join programs and challenge calls. Examples: L&T and Saint-Gobain\u2019s presence at IITM Research Park; industry-led innovation calls via IC&SR.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Capacity-Building and Skilling Programs<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n
\nTraining programs and certifications in low-carbon tech including green hydrogen, energy systems, and net-zero strategies. Examples: GIAN short-term courses; NPTEL MOOCs; executive programs with industry bodies.<\/em>
\n<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

What you can get from CLIMAFIX \u201825:<\/h2>\n

\u201cInnovation that solves real-industry challenges with a structure designed to fast-track pilots, <\/span>
\npartnerships, and investments.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Climafix \u201825, through 3 years of successful events, plans to focus on Industrial Innovations this time. With exclusive expert sessions, deep-dive panel discussions and startup pitches all discuss the current landscape and trends- this is the place you want to be if you want to learn about BIOECONOMY FOR DECARBONIZATION.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Join the Movement!<\/h2>\n