Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, September 1, urged IIT Guwahati to take the lead in a technology-driven transformation of the Northeast, saying the institute’s contribution must reach beyond academia and research to deliver practical solutions for the region. Speaking at IIT Guwahati’s 33rd foundation day, Sarma framed the institute as embodying the aspirations of Assam and the Northeast and stressed its expanded responsibility to the public.
Sarma recalled that the demand for an IIT in Assam was a key aspiration of the Assam Accord and noted that IIT Guwahati was established in 1994, 43 years after India’s first IIT at Kharagpur. He said the institute’s true value will be measured by its ability to translate knowledge and research into solutions that address real-life challenges faced by people across the region.
The chief minister identified priority areas where IIT Guwahati can make immediate impact: advanced manufacturing, healthcare, skilling, disaster resilience, urbanisation, agriculture and emerging technologies. He highlighted ongoing state–institute collaborations, citing projects such as the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute, low-field MRI work, surgical robotics and research into plant-based therapeutics.
Sarma also pointed to semiconductor skilling initiatives, drone-based flood response and the use of artificial intelligence for alternative credit assessment of women-led enterprises as examples of applied research benefiting communities. Emphasising workforce development, he warned that Assam’s emerging industrial landscape — especially semiconductors and advanced manufacturing — will require sustained investment in human capital.
“Our young people should not merely witness the arrival of new industries, they should become active participants in the knowledge, technology and supply chains that these industries create,” he said, urging IIT Guwahati to prioritise flood-resilient infrastructure, scientific river management, climate-resilient agriculture, early-warning systems and improved urban planning. He noted that Guwahati and other growing urban centres need scientific solutions for mobility, public transport, drainage, waste management, energy efficiency and climate resilience.
Outlining his vision of convergence between “Tea, Tree and Tech,” Sarma linked Assam’s traditional economic strengths and biodiversity with opportunities from technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing. He called for stronger collaboration between the institute, the state government, industry, startups, universities, civil society and alumni.
The chief minister announced that the state government will facilitate 100 scholarships for IIT Guwahati students and asked Director Devendra Jalihal to develop the programme’s framework. Jalihal reiterated the institute’s commitment to partner with the Assam government on flood control, riverbank management, semiconductors, mineral processing, healthcare, technical education, skilling, innovation, startups and incubation.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/himanta-asks-iit-guwahati-to-lead-technology-driven-transformation-of-northeast-1445617-2026-09-01?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-09-01 22:45:00
