Strategic alliances between India and Germany

Fraunhofer signs MoUs with IIT Ropar and BITS Pilani on Sustainability and Circular Economy

Fraunhofer Press Release /

The Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB has entered into strategic partnerships with two of the most premier technology universities in India, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani. The MoUs were signed on February 05, 2025 at the German Embassy during the visit of Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Housing of the State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany to India. She led a high-level delegation from the state of Baden-Württemberg to India to formalize strategic alliances between India and Germany in the field of Circular Economy and Sustainability and among others was accompanied by Dr. Hannes Spieth, Managing Director of Umwelttechnik BW, Germany.

The MoU signing ceremony was graced by the signatories, chief coordinators from the three institutes and senior officials from the Government of India and Germany. Representing Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft were Dr. Markus Wolperdinger, Director of Fraunhofer IGB and Ms. Anandi Iyer, Director of Fraunhofer Office India. IIT Ropar was represented by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, along with Prof. Pushpendra Singh, Dean – R&D and Associate Professor. Prof. Srikanth Mutnuri, Dean International Programmes and Collaboration Division represented BITS Pilani.

The collaboration between Fraunhofer and IIT Ropar as well as Fraunhofer and BITS Pilani aims to leverage complementary strengths from both countries, creating a strong value proposition. This partnership will enhance the implementation of best practices to optimize the water-energy-food nexus, fostering a competitive advantage and accelerating the transition toward a sustainable and climate-neutral economy.

Signing of MoU between IIT Ropar and Fraunhofer IGB
© German Embassy
Signing of MoU between IIT Ropar and Fraunhofer IGB
MoU signing ceremony with IIT Ropar and BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus
© German Embassy
Signing of MoU between BITS Pilani and Fraunhofer IGB

Key areas of cooperation between Fraunhofer IGB and IIT Ropar:

  1. Collaborative Research & Development (R&D): Joint efforts in identifying technology gaps and further improvement and development.
  2. Technology Demonstration: Demonstration of technologies aimed at solving industry challenges within the scope of two national mission of Government of India (i) Jal Jeevan Mission and (ii) Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
  3. Technology Licensing: Facilitation of technology transfer and licensing agreements with industry stakeholders to promote large-scale adoption.
  4. Training on Integrating Cyber-Physical System Technologies into the water ecosystem such as AI/ML, Automation/IoT.
  5. Building Water Innovation CPS Facilities at IIT Ropar and contributing to the establishment of R&D base.
  6. Building Water Innovation Consortium/Hub/Alliance to bring key stakeholders together to address the key challenges and addressing them through technology interventions.

Key areas of cooperation between Fraunhofer IGB and BITS Pilani:

  1. Technologies for environment and climate protection, e.g. anaerobic membrane reactors for industrial wastewater treatment, molecular monitoring for the capture/concentration of viruses/bacteria
  2. Biofuels / aviation fuels
  3. Lignocellulosic waste treatment
  4. Development of a 3D bioprinting platform for mushroom-based materials
  5. Biorefinery
  6. Bioeconomy
  7. Exchange of faculty and students

Speaking on the occasion

Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Housing of the State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany said: "These collaborations are essential for tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges in health, water, energy, and sustainability. Fraunhofer has established itself as a global leader in applied research. The cooperation with Indian institutions paves the way combining Fraunhofer’s technological expertise with India’s technological expertise and its vast opportunities for growth and innovation. I am confident that together, they will drive progress, sustainability, and innovation that will benefit not just our two countries, but the entire world."

Dr. Markus Wolperdinger, Director, Fraunhofer IGB said: “At Fraunhofer IGB, our mission is to combine biology and technology for healthy people in a healthy environment. With this mission in mind we’re focusing on technologies and processes especially in the areas of the One-Health-approach, bio-based sustainable chemistry and environmental protection, and most importantly, GreenTech solutions. Our partnership with India's leading institutions in biotechnology and GreenTec, IIT Ropar and BITS Pilani, is a commitment to a shared vision. Together, we will be able to accelerate the development of solutions that are both environmentally and economically viable.”

Ms. Anandi Iyer, Director, Fraunhofer Office India said: “Fraunhofer is committed to the Innovation and Technology growth story of India since 17 years and we are excited about our partnership on such an important topics as Sustainability and circular economy with 2 of the finest institutions in India."

Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar said: "The signing of this MoU between IIT Ropar and the Fraunhofer Institute marks a significant milestone in advancing technology and innovation for water sustainability. This partnership will foster cutting-edge research, technological collaboration, and industry-driven solutions to address global water challenges. By leveraging Fraunhofer's expertise in applied research and IIT Ropar’s Technology and Innovation Foundation (AWaDH)'s leadership in water technology innovations, we aim to create a robust Water Innovation Ecosystem that supports sustainable resource management, smart water infrastructure, and climate resilient solutions. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to driving impactful advancements in water technology for a better future”.

Although unable to attend the ceremony in person due to prior commitments, Prof. V. Ramagopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani conveyed his message: “We are excited to sign this MoU which marks the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between our institutions. We are delighted to partner with Fraunhofer Institute to leverage our collective strength and expertise in the area of Biorefinery, Biofuels and Circular Economy. This collaboration is a significant milestone for fostering innovation, research and academic excellence. We look forward to the many positive outcomes that will arise from this collaboration which will benefit the society”.

 

This strategic partnership between Fraunhofer, IIT Ropar, and BITS Pilani marks a significant step in strengthening Indo-German collaboration in the fields of Circular Economy, Bioeconomy and Sustainability. By combining cutting-edge research, technological innovation and shared expertise, this alliance aims to develop scalable solutions that address global challenges in resource efficiency, climate resilience and sustainable development. As both nations continue to advance their commitment to a greener future, such collaborations will play a crucial role in fostering innovation, driving economic growth and accelerating the transition toward a climate-neutral and sustainable economy.

About

About Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft:

Founded in 1949, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft based in Germany is the world’s leading applied research organization. It provides contract-based R&D services for specific industry demand, application-oriented technology development from proof-of-principle up to market-readiness across the value chain and offer technical consultancy and feasibility studies to nearly all the industry sectors. Prioritizing key future-relevant technologies and commercializing its findings in business and industry, it plays a major role in the innovation process. A trailblazer and trendsetter in innovative developments and research excellence, it is helping shape our society and our future. Founded in 1949, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany. Over 32,000 employees, predominantly scientists and engineers, work with an annual research budget of €3.4 billion. Fraunhofer generates €3 billion of this from contract research. Fraunhofer’s global footprint is very strong, with offices and research centres in the USA, Europe and Asia. Some of their renowned innovations are the MP3 software, white LED's and the smallest of cameras. Fraunhofer has been a long-time trusted innovation partner in India, collaborating with some of the major players in the field of Material Science, Energy, Environment, Automotive, Electro-mobility, Production Technology, Microelectronics and Smart Cities, working with Industry, Government and the Public Sector.

About Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB:

Fraunhofer IGB develops and optimizes processes, technologies, and products for health, sustainable chemistry as well as the environment and climate protection. Fraunhofer IGB is one of 76 institutes and research units of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Fraunhofer IGB develops systemic solutions in integrated environmental protection and for the energy transition of industry, cities and regional authorities, both in Germany and abroad. Fraunhofer IGB’s activities in this field comprise the development of new concepts and processes as well as specific solutions and products. The aim is to achieve the greatest possible efficiency in the use of resources by taking into account the ideas of a circular economy and climate neutrality as well as an assessment of sustainability.

About AWaDH, IIT Ropar:

IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation (iHub – AWaDH) for Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub is established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, at the Indian Institute of Technology Ropar in the framework of National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM – ICPS) with time-bound predefined deliverables. The hub supports R&D in the domain of Agriculture, Water, IoT, ICPS and provides incubation & acceleration resources and support to technology-based start-ups towards sustainability.

About BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus:

BITS Pilani K. K. Birla Goa Campus is a constituent campus of the esteemed Birla Institute of Technology and Science, renowned for its industry-focused education and vibrant campus life. Located in Goa, India, it offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, and management, emphasizing experiential learning through internships, research projects, and industry collaborations. It is known for its academic excellence, modern infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on industry-relevant education, producing graduates well-prepared for successful careers.