Engineering Innovation in India
1. ISRO Transfers Five Technologies to Indian Firms Through IN-SPACe
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) facilitated the transfer of five technologies developed by ISRO to five Indian companies recently. The tripartite agreements were signed between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the recipient firms, and IN-SPACe at its headquarters in Ahmedabad. The transfer aims to boost commercialisation, reduce import dependence, strengthen self-reliance, and extend applications of space technologies to sectors such as automotive, biomedical, and industrial manufacturing. Dr Pawan Goenka, FNAE, chairman of IN-SPACe, said, “These transfers highlight the growing capability and confidence of the Indian industry. While some of these technologies will directly substitute imports, others will unlock applications well beyond the space sector. The true impact will be realised when industry scales them up for widespread use.” The technologies include the Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (LTCC) Multi-Chip Module, developed by the Space Applications Centre (SAC), which was acquired by Voltix Semicon Pvt. Ltd., Pune, for biomedical applications, such as RT-PCR kits. Voltix currently depends on imports for this technology. Another technology, the RTV Silicone Single-Part Adhesive (SILCEM R9), developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), was transferred to Crest Speciality Resins Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, for solar panel bonding. This adhesive was previously imported. Other transfers include Film Adhesives EFA 1753 and EFA 1752 (VSSC) to Azista Composites Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad; 30W HMC DC-DC Converter (URSC) to Ananth Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad; and Anodisation of 3D-printed Al-10Si-Mg alloy (URSC) to Pushpak Aerospace India Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru. Dr Rajeev Jyoti, FNAE, director and technical directorate at IN-SPACe, noted that with these five agreements, the total number of technology transfers to industries has reached 98. “There is strong interest from industry in acquiring these technologies, and IN-SPACe continues to promote them for wider adoption,” he said. In July of this year, ISRO transferred ten other technologies to six private sector firms. The transfer aimed to boost private sector participation, promote indigenisation, and reduce reliance on foreign technology in satellite launches, ground stations, and geospatial services.
2. IIT Madras Develops & Launches India’s Lightest Active Wheelchair
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) on July 16, 2025 announced the launch of YD One — India’s lightest active wheelchair and the country’s first indigenously developed precision-built mono-tube rigid-frame wheelchair, designed to match the world’s best. Built to international standards, YD One is fully customised for each user’s body, posture, and daily mobility needs. Weighing just 9 kilograms, its ultra-lightweight, precision-engineered design delivers maximum strength and energy efficiency while making it effortless to lift, handle, and stow in cars, autos, or public transport. YD One was launched on 16th July 2025 in the IIT Madras campus in the presence of Chief Guest Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur, Nau Sena Medal, Director General Hospital Services (Armed Forces); Prof. V. Kamakoti, FNAE, Director, IIT Madras; Project Coordinator Dr. Manish Anand, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras; Dr. Ravinder Singh, Scientist, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); and other dignitaries and stakeholders.
Across the world, the wheelchair is too often seen as a universal symbol of disability — something that confines or restricts its user. This narrative must change. A wheelchair, when built right, is not a burden but an enabler of independence, mobility, and full participation in society. Yet for millions, the reality remains grim: most still rely on heavy, poorly fitted hospital-style wheelchairs designed for short-term indoor use. These chairs make it hard to move freely and force people to be pushed around by others — limiting comfort, freedom, and dignity. YD One transforms this reality. Built with precision-engineered geometry and aerospace-grade materials, it delivers the kind of high-performance, ultra-light mobility once only possible through expensive imports — but at a fraction of the cost. Minimalistic, stylish, and fully customised, YD One is not something users are bound to — it’s something they are proud to own, a device that expands their world rather than shrinking it. Highlighting the vision behind this product, Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Head, TTK Center for Rehabilitation To bring YD One to market, the research team partnered with Thryv Mobility, an IIT Madras–incubated startup that will manufacture the wheelchairs locally to global benchmarks, ensuring each chair is truly bespoke and affordable to users in India and emerging markets. YD One’s launch is supported by Trimble CSR initiative, which is providing the first 20 wheelchairs to deserving users, while RRD and Schueco India have stepped forward to support future provisioning — helping ensure that high-quality, active mobility becomes an everyday reality for those who need it the most.
Note: Fellows are requested to forward their achievements/achievements of their organziation to be featured under the heading “Engineering Innovation in India”.
