- The partnering entities aim to develop technologies important for ensuring the safety and longevity of batteries
- In addition to helping IITK commercialize its research outcomes, Lohum will also provide fellowships to select PhD students
- Both partners have the shared goal of reducing the carbon footprint of EV batteries and accelerating the energy transition
One of India’s leading producers of sustainable energy transition materials, Lohum Cleantech and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur recently announced a strategic partnership for R&D collaboration in sustainability and other core areas. As per the agreement, Prof Kanwar Singh Nalwa from the Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering at IIT Kanpur will lead the team to cooperate with Lohum on projects focused on advancing Lithium-ion battery testing technology and techniques for battery raw material quality evaluation.
It is learnt that in addition to helping IITK commercialize its research outcomes, Lohum will also provide fellowships to select PhD students from IIT Kanpur to aid them in their research. Interestingly, the startup also plans to support the IITK Motorsports team, which won the Class I electric category of Formula Bharat 2023.
Sustainability of Batteries
The director of IIT Kanpur, Prof. Abhay Karandikar stated, “The partnership with Lohum Cleantech is expected to help us advance the sustainability of Lithium-ion batteries through collective research and development initiatives. This adds up to IIT Kanpur’s relentless efforts in creating an R&D ecosystem aligned more towards a sustainable future. The partnership also bears testimony to a flourishing academia-industry partnership in attaining shared goals.”
Delighted to announce their collaboration, the CEO of Lohum Cleantech, who is also an alumnus of IIT Kanpur, Rajat Verma remarked, “The collaboration will help us develop innovative and sustainable solutions for the battery industry, which is critical to the growth of EVs in the country.” It is noteworthy that the company claims to have been recognized as ‘The Most Innovative Company of the Year 2022’ by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
“The collaboration between Lohum Cleantech and IIT Kanpur is a significant step towards promoting sustainable energy and circular economy in India. It also strengthens the eco-system of industry-academia partnerships that the Government of India has been trying to foster,” commented Prof Kanwar Singh Nalwa.
Towards Energy Transition
As per the official communication, both partners have the shared goal of reducing the carbon footprint of EV batteries, and accelerating the energy transition currently underway in India, through this collaboration. It expected the scope of engagement to grow further with possibilities to join hands on other big projects, including government projects.
IIT Kanpur was established in 1959 by an Act of Parliament. With 19 departments, 22 centres, and 3 Interdisciplinary programs in engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines, the institute provides formal undergraduate and postgraduate courses in addition to being active in research and development.
Lohum Cleantech claims to be India’s largest producer of sustainable energy transition materials through recycling, repurposing, and low-carbon refining, and the only integrated battery recycling and reuse company in the world. Lohum’s NEETM Lithium-ion battery material recycling and extraction technology boasts of yielding top-quality materials and producing zero waste.
