IIT-Delhi is focusing on several path-breaking technology-driven solutions under the central government initiative for sustainable development of Delhi and the National Capital Region under the science and technology cluster, City Knowledge Innovation Cluster-Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation (CKIC-DRIIV). The cluster, one of the six across the country, was set up last July by the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the central government. 

“The idea is to address key issues faced in the region related to the environment, mobility, health, education, and others by providing innovative solutions and bringing them from the laboratory to the market,” said Shipra Misra, chief executive officer and managing director of CKIC-DRIIV.

One of the primary focus areas is the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in healthcare. The team is creating an intelligent system that analyses information and presents information in advance to policymakers about novel bacterial and viral strains to control and manage the spread of infectious diseases. “It started with Covid-19, which is not going to be the last of the pandemics. The next threat is already looming —antimicrobial resistance to bacteria. So, we have developed a system that can give us warning and allow enough time for policymakers to take measures. The team has already built the platform for strain flow database which provides two months advance notice to policymakers,” said Misra. 

One of the other key areas that the team is working towards developing low-cost sensors to address the air pollution problem in the Delhi-NCR region and match the target of the National Clean Area Programme (NCAP) of a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter (PM) levels in five years.

The CKIC-DRIIV cluster aims to create a consortium of industry-academia-government bodies with an aim to collaborate; these clusters are modelled in a similar manner as done in western countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and others, said Misra. 

“The main task is to develop an ecosystem around science and technology where various players can come together and contribute in bringing innovation from the laboratory to the market. A lot of research work is being carried out by various organisations. We don’t want to leave research on paper, directionless, but actually drive it along what is needed as per the national mission requirements and attract private funding for its implementation,” said Misra.

Apart from artificial intelligence solutions, IIT Delhi is working on six key areas: air pollution, solid waste management, water security, sustainable mobility, and effective education.