IIT Kharagpur Director Unveils ‘Impact RISE Initiative’ for Societal Transformation

Kolkata, November 25, 2025 – In a significant move aimed at addressing some of India’s most pressing societal challenges, the Director of IIT Kharagpur, Suman Chakraborty, launched the ‘Impact RISE’ initiative on Tuesday. This initiative, which stands for Research, Innovation, Skilling, and Entrepreneurship, is designed to harness technology for the betterment of society and was unveiled during an event held in New Delhi.

A Pledge to the Nation

The launch of the Impact RISE initiative coincides with IIT Kharagpur’s Platinum Jubilee year, marking 75 years of excellence in education and research. Chakraborty emphasized that this initiative represents the institute’s commitment to the nation, aiming to align its scientific and technological expertise with the developmental challenges faced by India.

Vision for Societal Transformation

During his address, Chakraborty articulated a vision for IIT Kharagpur that transcends traditional academic achievements. He stated, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” This call to action highlights the urgency of addressing critical issues such as groundwater contamination, anaemia, climate vulnerability, and the need for artificial intelligence (AI) training for millions of frontline workers.

Core Components of Impact RISE

Chakraborty outlined the four pillars of the Impact RISE initiative, which are:

• Research: Conducting cutting-edge research that directly addresses societal needs.
• Innovation: Developing innovative solutions that can be implemented at scale.
• Skilling: Providing training and skill development to empower individuals and communities.
• Entrepreneurship: Fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages local job creation and sustainable development.

Evidence-Based Missions

Chakraborty introduced a comprehensive model called ‘A Four-Pillar National Model with Evidence-Based Missions,’ which will activate the four pillars of Impact RISE through concrete, measurable missions. He noted that corporations are increasingly moving away from supporting fragmented small projects and are now interested in co-creating national-scale development missions.

Streamlined Implementation

One of the key features of the Impact RISE initiative is its streamlined implementation process. The initiative includes a single-window system, ready-to-deploy technology kits, real-time Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled dashboards, and outcome-based funding. This approach aims to reduce administrative burdens by 70-80%, allowing for more efficient project execution.

Call to Action

Chakraborty extended an invitation to various stakeholders, including the government, corporations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), alumni, and international agencies, to join this open platform. He positioned IIT Kharagpur as a “Mentor of Mentors,” with the goal of creating 100,000 to 200,000 local jobs through technology deployment and skill development over the next decade.

A Vision for the Future

The Impact RISE initiative concludes with a powerful vision articulated by Chakraborty: an India where no child drinks contaminated water and no woman lacks access to healthcare. This ambitious goal reflects the institute’s commitment to leveraging its resources and expertise for the greater good of society.

Conclusion

The launch of the Impact RISE initiative by IIT Kharagpur marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and societal development. As the institute embarks on this journey, it aims to not only address immediate challenges but also to foster a sustainable future for all. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders will be crucial in realizing the vision of a transformed society.

Note: This article is based on information available as of November 25, 2025, and has not been edited by external sources.