IIT-Bombay Pioneers TRYST Initiative to Commercialize Dormant Technologies
In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) has launched a novel initiative to breathe new life into 'dormant' early-stage technologies developed on its campus. The Powai-based institute has established a Section 8 company named Translational Research Yielding Solutions for Tomorrow (TRYST), marking the first such effort by any IIT in India. This strategic step aims to transform unused proof-of-concept technologies into commercially viable industry products, addressing a critical gap in the innovation ecosystem.
Addressing the Innovation Bottleneck
Prof Milind Atrey, deputy director (academics, research and translation) at IIT-Bombay, highlighted the pressing issue: "Only about 1% of the campus population become entrepreneurs, and just a fraction of these start-ups survive beyond five years. Since most professors and students are not trained for entrepreneurship, many great ideas do not take off despite funding. But if a technology has real-world value, it shouldn't remain unused at IIT Bombay." The institute estimates that approximately 20-30% of its technologies hold significant potential for further development and industry adoption, yet often languish due to academic transitions like student graduations and shifting faculty research priorities.
Corporate Structure and Operational Model
TRYST will operate with a corporate-style framework, led by a CEO, Dr Jitendra Balakrishnan, who has already been appointed. The company plans to hire engineers from both within and outside the IIT system, along with business development managers to effectively bridge the gap between laboratory innovations and market demands. Unlike traditional academic timelines, such as PhD programs spanning five years, TRYST is designed to deliver market-ready products in shorter, more efficient cycles. Prof Atrey emphasized the benefits: "Today, when industry collaborates with a professor, they end up handling everything, from timelines, hiring, and project management, leaving less time for core technical work. With TRYST, these responsibilities can be centralized, allowing faculty to focus purely on their expertise."
Dual Approach to Technology Translation
The initiative will function through two primary pathways. First, it will translate existing laboratory technologies into industry-relevant products, advancing them from lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to higher stages. As explained by TRYST's professor-in-charge, Chandra Sekher Yerramalli: "If a technology is currently at a readiness level (TRL) of 3, we aim to advance it to levels 6 or 7, demonstrate a pilot to industry partners, and subsequently take it to the product stage for commercialisation." Second, companies can approach TRYST with specific problem statements, which will be addressed using the institute's technical expertise, fostering a demand-driven innovation model.
Strategic Funding and Infrastructure Support
To bolster this effort, IIT-Bombay has recently invested Rs 200 crore in the Centre for Sophisticated Instruments and Facilities, which TRYST will leverage for technology development. The institute also aims to raise additional funds from alumni and government schemes under the Research, Development and Innovation framework. This financial backing underscores the commitment to scaling translational research and enhancing India's global competitiveness in deep-tech sectors.
Global Recognition and Future Outlook
TRYST was prominently featured by director Prof Shireesh Kedare during the recently concluded Bharat Innovates Deep-Tech Pre-Summit, which focused on elevating India's translational research to the global stage. This initiative not only positions IIT-Bombay as a leader in academic-industry collaboration but also sets a precedent for other institutions to follow, potentially revolutionizing how research outputs are commercialized across the country. By centralizing entrepreneurial efforts and providing structured support, TRYST promises to unlock the latent potential of countless innovations, driving economic growth and technological advancement.
