Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala: Rewiring India’s Innovation Story Through the Country’s First University-Based Research Park

 



India’s innovation landscape has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past four decades, and much of this change can be traced back to the visionary leadership of Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala. As the founder of the IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), India’s first university-affiliated research park, Dr. Jhunjhunwala has pioneered a unique model of collaboration between academia and industry that continues to fuel deep-tech innovation, startup growth, and affordable technology development across the nation.

Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry:

When Dr. Jhunjhunwala joined IIT Madras in 1981, he quickly realized that India’s research institutions and industries operated in silos, with minimal collaboration. This disconnect meant that Indian companies heavily relied on imported technologies, which were often expensive and ill-suited for local needs. Driven by a vision to change this, he conceived the idea of a research park that would physically and operationally bring together academic researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to co-create solutions tailored for India and beyond.

The IIT Madras Research Park, established in 2010, stands as a testament to this vision. Situated adjacent to the IIT Madras campus, the park has grown into a sprawling innovation ecosystem with over 70 R&D partners, more than 200 startups incubated, and 1,300+ patents filed. It fosters an environment where cutting-edge research meets market realities, accelerating product development in sectors such as telecom, energy, electric vehicles, healthcare, and banking.

Championing Affordable and Scalable Innovation:

Dr. Jhunjhunwala’s impact goes beyond institutional frameworks. His pioneering work in wireless communication technologies, especially the development of the corDECT Wireless Local Loop in the 1990s, played a crucial role in reducing telecom infrastructure costs and expanding connectivity across India. This innovation was instrumental in democratizing access to telephony and internet services, earning him the Padma Shri award in 2002.

In recent years, his focus has expanded to sustainable technologies like electric vehicles and solar energy. Through the IITMRP ecosystem, he has nurtured startups working on battery swapping, zero-effluent lithium-ion battery recycling, and solar rooftop solutions—technologies that address India’s energy security and environmental challenges while making clean technology affordable and accessible.

Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Deep-Tech Startups:

Under Dr. Jhunjhunwala’s stewardship, the IIT Madras Research Park has incubated over 240 companies, many of which are deep-tech startups pushing the boundaries of innovation. His leadership has earned him the title of “Dronacharya” of entrepreneurship by The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), recognizing his role in mentoring and nurturing India’s startup ecosystem.

The park’s unique model combines academic rigor with industry pragmatism, providing startups access to state-of-the-art labs, mentorship from IIT faculty, and collaboration opportunities with established corporations. This synergy has created a vibrant innovation ecosystem that not only drives economic growth but also addresses pressing national and global challenges.

A Legacy of Leadership and National Impact:

Dr. Jhunjhunwala’s influence spans academia, government, and industry. He has served on the boards of major public and private organizations, including State Bank of India, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Tata Communications, and Mahindra Electric. His advisory roles to various government ministries have shaped policies that promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in India.

His numerous awards—Padma Shri, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, Vikram Sarabhai Research Award, and others—reflect his stature as a luminary in India’s science and technology landscape. Beyond accolades, his enduring legacy lies in creating an innovation ecosystem that empowers India to solve its unique challenges through homegrown technology and entrepreneurial spirit.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala’s visionary leadership in establishing the IIT Madras Research Park has fundamentally rewired India’s innovation story. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, nurturing startups, and championing affordable technology, he has created a dynamic platform that continues to propel India’s technological self-reliance and global competitiveness. His work exemplifies how visionary leadership, collaborative ecosystems, and a commitment to social impact can transform a nation’s innovation trajectory. Find more Global Indian stories.

 


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