In a significant boost to defence innovation and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Western Command of the Indian Army, under the leadership of Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C, has strengthened strategic collaborations with two premier institutions—IIT Ropar and IIT Kanpur—to foster joint research, innovation, and indigenization for national defence applications.

In the background, on 25 February 2025, as part of IIT Ropar’s 16th Foundation Day, the Technology Business Incubator Foundation (TBIF) hosted Lt Gen Manoj K. Katiyar and senior officers of Western Command at a Startup and Innovation Showcase.

The delegation, including Maj Gen Ajay Mahajan, Maj Gen Sunil Rampal, Brig Yogesh Kaura and Col Dinesh, was briefed on emerging defence-focused technologies by Dr. Atharva Poundarik, Director of TBIF, and Lt Gen Surinder Singh Mahal (Retd.), Professor of Practice at IIT Ropar. The event featured ground-breaking innovations such as UAV systems, FPV drones using VR, drone forensics, electronic warfare solutions, and tactical infrastructure technologies. The visit culminated in the signing of a landmark MoU between IIT Ropar and Western Command, establishing a structured framework for continued engagement in defence R&D and field-ready innovation.