GDC's Impact on Academia-Industry Collaboration: A Success Story with XCarb® India Accelerator Program

5 June - Blog

Discover how the collaboration between GDC, ArcelorMittal, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, India, is revolutionizing steelmaking decarbonization and nurturing startups through innovative mentorship. Read more to uncover the winning formula behind this remarkable
synergy

In a recent demonstration of the formidable synergy between academia and industry, the XCarb® India Accelerator program by ArcelorMittal, in partnership with the GDC and supported by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel in India, has made waves in the innovation landscape. The program, aimed at uncovering sustainable technologies to revolutionize steelmaking decarbonization, has announced its three finalists from an impressive pool of 50 applicants. The three finalists are: AgroMorph Technosolutions Private Ltd, Susstains Engineering Solutions LLP and UrjanovaC Private Ltd.

At the core of this success story lies the pivotal role played by the GDC at IIT Madras. GDC’s contribution to the program is extensive, notably through its meticulously crafted 8-week business mentorship program. This program, designed to guide startups through a transformative journey, focused on crucial aspects such as business modeling, technology commercialization, and market potential. GDC’s commitment to providing a holistic mentorship experience sets it apart, going beyond theoretical frameworks to bring in industry champions as speakers. These experts offered practical insights into scaling up, supply chain management, and the nuances of steelmaking processes, enriching startups’ understanding and aligning their innovations with industry needs.

Expressing enthusiasm about the program’s achievements, Mr. Raghuttama Rao, CEO of GDC, IIT Madras, underscored GDC’s dedication to nurturing innovation and fostering collaboration between academia and industry. The XCarb® Innovation Fund Investment Committee, led by Aditya Mittal, CEO of ArcelorMittal, is currently evaluating the technology and business models of the finalists, reflecting the tangible impact of GDC’s commitment to innovation.

The XCarb® India Accelerator program, supported by GDC, not only exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts in academia-industry relations but also demonstrates GDC’s role in driving innovation and sets a precedent for future endeavors, showcasing the potential for solving complex challenges through robust collaboration between universities and the corporate sector.