Dharwad, Karnataka. Aequs group and the Indian Institute of Technology -Dharwad (IIT-D), have set up an advanced research and development ecosystem for materials science and manufacturing innovation at IIT-D campus.
The facility is equipped to support advanced material characterisation, failure analysis, manufacturing process simulation and optimisation, enabling deeper industry-academia collaboration in precision-driven manufacturing domains.
This initiative lays the foundation for a dedicated “IIT Dharwad – Aequs Research and Development Centre,” in the coming days to accelerate applied research, foster innovation, and bridge the gap between laboratory science and industrial application.
Commenting on the development, Aravind Melligeri, Executive Chairman and CEO, Aequs Ltd., said: “This partnership reflects Aequs’ long-term commitment to strengthening India’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem through sustained investments in research, innovation, and skill development. The collaboration will enhance IIT Dharwad’s applied research capabilities and industry engagement apart from enabling Aequs deliver cutting-edge products to its customers.”
Prof Venkappayya R. Desai, Director, IIT-D, said, “The operationalisation of this advanced materials R&D facility with Aequs marks an important step in strengthening industry-aligned research at IIT Dharwad. This collaboration provides our students and researchers with direct exposure to real-world manufacturing challenges, while enabling meaningful contributions to high-impact industrial innovation. We see this as a model for deep academia-industry integration in emerging areas of materials science and advanced manufacturing”.
The centre is enabling detailed insights into material behaviour and failure mechanisms, contributing to improved product quality, enhanced reliability, reduced failure rates, and more efficient manufacturing processes—critical for high-precision industries.
In addition to research, the facility is actively conducting hands-on training programmes for engineers, researchers, and students, strengthening capabilities in advanced analysis of metals and non-metals. Aequs continues to support the centre through technical assessments, equipment performance monitoring, and maintenance oversight, ensuring high standards of scientific rigour and operational excellence.
