IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, the technology innovation hub of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), has partnered with Medhastra Techsystems Pvt Ltd to develop indigenous artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for India’s armed forces, strengthening efforts to build domestic capabilities in strategic defence technologies.
The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at IIT Madras to collaborate on AI initiatives aimed at developing field-ready solutions for defence applications.
The agreement was signed in the presence of IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti and IITM Pravartak CEO Dr. M. J. Shankar Raman. Air Vice Marshal R. Guruhari (Retd.), Chief Advisor – Defence at Medhastra, was also present.
The partnership will bring together IIT Madras’ research capabilities and Medhastra’s focus on defence applications to accelerate the development and deployment of homegrown defence AI technologies.
Access to research and innovation ecosystem
Under the agreement, Medhastra will become part of the IIT Madras innovation ecosystem, gaining opportunities to engage with the institute’s research expertise and innovation network.
The collaboration will facilitate joint research, faculty engagement, access to laboratory facilities and student participation. These avenues are expected to support the development of indigenous AI technologies tailored to the requirements of India’s armed forces.
The partnership is part of IITM Pravartak’s broader effort to connect academic research with deep-tech companies capable of translating technological advances into practical applications.
For defence technology developers, collaboration with academic institutions can provide access to specialised research capabilities, technical expertise and talent. Such partnerships can also help bridge the gap between laboratory research and solutions suitable for operational deployment.
Focus on strategic self-reliance
IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation CEO Dr. M. J. Shankar Raman said the organisation was committed to nurturing indigenous technologies that strengthen India’s strategic self-reliance.
Defence AI was an area in which India needed to build its own capabilities, he said, adding that the partnership would combine IIT Madras’ research strengths with Medhastra’s focus on defence applications.
The objective is to accelerate the transition from laboratory development to deployment while supporting the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Medhastra looks to develop sovereign defence AI
Medhastra Techsystems Founder and CEO Abinav Varma Kalidindi said joining the IIT Madras ecosystem would help the company pursue its objective of developing defence AI technologies in India.
He highlighted IIT Madras and IITM Pravartak’s role in translating Indian research into real-world applications and said the partnership would focus on building sovereign defence AI that is designed, developed and manufactured domestically.
The agreement comes amid efforts to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and Indian companies in strategic technology development.
While the MoU establishes a framework for cooperation, the organisations have not disclosed specific projects, investment commitments, development timelines or details of the AI systems proposed under the partnership.
The collaboration adds to the broader push to build domestic defence technology capabilities by linking India’s research institutions with companies working to develop solutions for military applications.