In a remarkable milestone for innovation in India’s academic landscape, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has filed an unprecedented 417 patents during the financial year 2024–25.
The announcement marks a historic achievement for IIT Madras, reaffirming its position as a national leader in research-driven technological innovation and intellectual property (IP) creation.
Vision Turned Reality
The “One Patent a Day” vision was first articulated by Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, who urged faculty and researchers to not only focus on academic excellence but to actively translate their ideas into protected innovations with real-world impact.
“This achievement is not just a number. It reflects the creative energy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to societal impact that drives our research culture,” said Prof. Kamakoti in a statement. “We are proud to lead by example in integrating innovation with nation-building.”
Record-Breaking Year for Innovation
The 417 patent filings in 2024–25 represent a significant increase from previous years. These patents span a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, including:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Healthcare diagnostics and medical devices
Clean energy solutions and sustainable materials
Robotics and automation
Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 applications
Next-generation communication systems
Many of the patents have already been licensed to startups incubated at IIT Madras’ Research Park and incubation centers, contributing to a thriving innovation ecosystem that bridges academia and industry.
Empowering Student and Faculty Innovators
A significant portion of the filings came from student-led projects and interdisciplinary research teams, thanks to initiatives like the Nirmaan pre-incubation program, Centre for Innovation (CFI), and IP awareness workshops organized regularly across departments.
The institute has also strengthened its internal IP support systems, offering legal guidance, funding assistance, and mentoring to convert lab research into patentable inventions.
National and Global Impact
IIT Madras’ patent momentum aligns with India’s growing focus on becoming a global innovation hub. The institute’s contributions are seen as a major force behind India’s rising patent output, particularly in emerging tech areas that are central to the country’s digital and industrial transformation.
In addition, several international collaborations with universities and research institutions in the U.S., Europe, and Asia have helped foster a culture of global research with local relevance.
Looking Ahead
With the “One Patent a Day” goal not only met but surpassed, IIT Madras now sets its sights on commercialization, scalability, and societal deployment of its innovations.
“We don’t just want patents. We want impact,” said Prof. Kamakoti. “Our next big push will be in ensuring these technologies are transferred to industry, implemented in society, and made accessible to all.”
As India pushes forward on its innovation and startup journey, IIT Madras’ achievement serves as a shining example of how academic institutions can be at the heart of transformative change.