IIT Roorkee Charts Global Pathways in Frugal Innovation

Global experts and academicians unite to advance sustainable, inclusive, and transdisciplinary solutions

Roorkee, Uttarakhand, October 09, 2025: The Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, in collaboration with the International Centre for Frugal Innovation (ICFI), the Netherlands, and the Transdisciplinary Research Cluster on Frugality Studies (TRCFS), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), successfully organized a three-day international workshop on “Heuristics in Frugal Innovation”.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including academicians and scientists from universities and research institutions, entrepreneurs, software developers, and experts from social enterprises and user-driven communities. It served as a truly transdisciplinary platform, with participation from India, the Netherlands, Kenya, and Mexico, as well as representatives from leading institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), IIT Guwahati, Adobe, and Galgotias University.

The primary objective of the workshop was to build a shared understanding of heuristics in frugal innovation and to deliberate on the development of theoretical frameworks in this emerging field. The discussions also explored pathways for future collaborations, joint research projects, and publication initiatives including a proposed book series documenting the proceedings.

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, addressed the gathering and underscored the role of frugal innovation in shaping sustainable futures in his welcome speech. He remarked, “Frugal innovations and transdisciplinary research are critical for sustainable development and essential to achieve the vision of Vikshit Bharat.”

Prof. Peter Knorringa, Academic Director, ICFI, Netherlands, emphasized the long-term significance of the collaboration, noting: “This workshop will help us move closer to our goal of developing a heuristics laboratory for frugal innovation, built through the joint efforts of academicians from India and the Netherlands.”

Prof. Naveen Kumar Navani, Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Roorkee, announced that the institute will soon introduce new academic courses on frugal innovation, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to this emerging field, thereby setting a precedent for institutions across India.

Prof. Saradindu Bhaduri, Coordinator, TRCFS & Professor, Centre for Studies in Science Policy-JNU, added that JNU and IIT Roorkee will work together to develop new academic programs related to frugal innovation, further strengthening institutional partnerships.

Prof. Apurbba Kumar Sharma, Head of the Department of Design, IIT Roorkee, reaffirmed IIT Roorkee’s commitment to nurturing frugal innovation, noting that student groups are already engaged in projects under faculty guidance.

The workshop concluded on an optimistic note, with a shared vision of advancing frugality studies as a cornerstone of sustainable, socially inclusive, and globally relevant innovation.