IIT Roorkee Facilitates Technology Transfer of Rural Innovations to Promote Sustainable Livelihoods

Roorkee, Uttarakhand, April 22, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), through its Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG), has successfully facilitated the transfer of innovative rural technologies aimed at enhancing sustainable livelihoods and strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship.
The initiative, supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, focuses on bridging the gap between rural needs and advanced technological solutions through demand-driven, sustainable innovations.
The technologies transferred include a multi-millet dehusking machine and a hemp decorticator machine, both developed by the RuTAG 2.0 team at IIT Roorkee. These technologies are designed to improve efficiency, reduce labour intensity, and enhance productivity in rural and small-scale processing sectors.
The multi-millet dehusking machine enables efficient processing of milletssignificantly reducing processing time, grain damage, and manual effort. The hemp decorticator machine facilitates the efficient separation of hemp fibers and woody core, supporting applications in textiles, composites, construction materials, and allied industries, thereby unlocking new economic opportunities for rural communities.
The technology transfer agreements were signed with industry partners including Indo Climate Lab Private Limited (New Delhi), Jai Maa Durga Engg Co. (Roorkee), and Dhiman Enterprises (Roorkee), in the presence of Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy), IIT Roorkee, and Prof. Sai Ramudu Meka, Associate Dean Innovation and (SRIC), along with the RuTAG team led by Prof. Sunil Kumar Singal (Principal Investigator) and Prof. Sonal K. Thengane from IIT Roorkee.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Dean (SRIC), IIT Roorkee, said,
“This technology transfer reflects IIT Roorkee’s commitment to translating research into real-world impact. By enabling industry participation in scaling these innovations, we aim to strengthen rural economies, promote sustainable technologies, and create meaningful livelihood opportunities at the grassroots level.”
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Prof. Sunil Kumar Singal, Principal Investigator, RuTAG IIT Roorkee, stated, “The technologies developed under RuTAG are designed to address specific needs of rural communities. The transfer of these innovations to industry partners will ensure wider adoption, improved efficiency, and enhanced income opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.”
Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “IIT Roorkee, is committed to ensuring that technological innovations translate into meaningful products which have industrial and societal impact. Initiatives such as RuTAG exemplify how academic research can be effectively aligned with grassroots needs, enabling sustainable livelihoods, strengthening rural economies, and contributing to inclusive national development.”
The initiative has already garnered strong interest from multiple organizations, indicating significant potential for large-scale adoption and commercialization. By facilitating such technology transfers, IIT Roorkee continues to play a pivotal role in promoting inclusive innovation, supporting national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, and advancing sustainable rural development.