Kanpur, 29 March, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has been conferred with the prestigious National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2024 for Indian Academic Institution - Patents, solidifying its position as a leader in innovation and intellectual property. The award ceremony, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, witnessed the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal. The accolade was presented to Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, accompanied by Mr. Anshu Singh, Research Establishment Officer, Startup Incubation & Innovation Centre, IIT Kanpur.

Adding to this moment of pride, IIT Kanpur was also recognized with the WIPO National Award for WIPO Users, an honour bestowed upon early adopters and innovative users of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) IP services. The National IP Awards, aligned with WIPO’s global recognition initiatives, are aimed at acknowledging the contributions of institutions and individuals driving India’s intellectual property landscape forward.

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, expressed his excitement about the recognition, stating, "It is a matter of pride for all of us at IIT Kanpur that our efforts have been recognized with this National Award. Our faculty, researchers, and students have consistently pushed boundaries, and this honour reinforces our dedication in driving impactful translational research and technological advancements for India and the world."

IIT Kanpur’s continued success in patent filings and licensing has further cemented its role as a key enabler of innovation. In 2024, the institute recorded the highest number of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) filed in a single year, sustaining a remarkable momentum for the fourth consecutive year. With a total of 1,229 IPRs filed and 860 granted, IIT Kanpur has demonstrated its commitment to spearhead research and technological advancements. The institute also maintained an exceptional technology licensing rate, achieving approximately 12.91% in 2024.

The National Intellectual Property (IP) Awards 2024 were organized by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) to celebrate innovators, institutions, and enterprises that have significantly advanced intellectual property creation and commercialization in India. These awards serve as a benchmark for excellence in encouraging an IP-driven ecosystem.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centres, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.