A high-level ministerial delegation from Luxembourg, led by Lex Delles, Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, visited IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP) during its official visit to India, exploring opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation, deep technology and space.
The delegation was accompanied by Christian Biever, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to India, and Seturaman Mahalingam, Honorary Consul of Luxembourg in Chennai and Board Member, IIT Madras Research Park, along with senior officials from the Luxembourg Ministry of the Economy, Luxembourg Space Agency and the Embassy of Luxembourg in New Delhi.
Focus on deep-tech collaboration
The visit focused on Luxembourg’s expanding engagement with India in digital innovation and space technologies, two areas that are emerging as important pillars of bilateral cooperation.
During their visit, the delegation interacted with leaders from IIT Madras and IIT Madras Research Park to understand the institution’s deep-tech innovation and startup ecosystem.
The discussions also covered IIT Madras Research Park’s approach to bringing together research institutions, industry and startups to accelerate technology development and commercialisation.
Engagement with India’s private space sector
The delegation also visited Agnikul Cosmos, providing an opportunity to gain insights into India’s rapidly developing private space sector and its capabilities in launch technology.
The interaction comes at a time when India’s space ecosystem is witnessing increasing participation from private companies and startups, creating new opportunities for international technology partnerships.
Startups showcase deep-tech capabilities
The visit also featured interactions with startups from the IIT Madras ecosystem, showcasing the breadth of deep-tech innovation emerging from the institution.
SatLabs Space Systems is developing a constellation of low-cost floating ground stations aimed at reducing Earth observation data downlink delays from hours to minutes.
Susan Future Technologies is working on hydrogen-powered High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) airships designed to support sustainable global connectivity, surveillance and remote sensing.
Solinas Integrity is using AI-driven robotics to transform underground water and sanitation management. Its technology enables pipeline inspection, leak detection and the safer elimination of manual scavenging.
Carbelim is developing biological carbon capture infrastructure using microalgae biotechnology, with the aim of turning urban buildings and spaces into active climate assets.
India–Luxembourg technology ties
The visit comes against the backdrop of expanding India–Luxembourg cooperation in space and emerging technologies. The engagement highlights growing international interest in India’s deep-tech, research and startup ecosystem.
For IIT Madras Research Park, interactions with the Luxembourg delegation provide an opportunity to showcase India’s capabilities in emerging technologies and explore potential avenues for international collaboration spanning research, startups, industry and space technology.