Many developing and developed nations are approaching the Indian government for setting up IIT campuses there, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Friday.

Asserting that the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are earning global recognition, he said these are no longer just Indian Institutes of Technology but have become instruments of transformation.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the two-day research fair IInvenTiv at IIT-Delhi being collectively organised by 23 IITs, Pradhan said, "Many developing and developed nations are approaching the Indian government for setting up IIT campuses in their countries at their own cost. I feel proud that India's collective wisdom in experimenting with IITs is earning global recognition."

"We have to stop benchmarking IITs based on placement packages. IITs should redefine parameters and benchmark on the number of innovations brought in the market, innovations monetised, and the number of job creators created."

Stressing that technology will drive the next phase of growth and development with Information Technology and communications technology among the frontrunners, the minister said the world today will invest more vigorously on India.

"India's talent, digital-first attitude, market size, emerging purchasing power and growing aspirations is a heady mix to take India forward at an unprecedented speed and scale. Our IITs should seize this opportunity, he added.

Pradhan highlighted that the Covid pandemic has shown us what happens when technology-driven research commits itself to the service of the human race.

Citing the development of Indian vaccines within a short period to stress that it not only benefitted Indians but millions of people around the world, Pradhan told the conference, "It has all been possible because of brilliant minds like yours."

These are the signs of an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', he noted, adding there is a need to encourage the relationship of Academic research and development, new-age technology, the industry and society, even more, to take research and innovation to the zenith so that no one is left behind.

Pradhan said in the 'Amrit Kaal', the 25 years identified by the government till the centenary of India's Independence, the country would be propelled by innovations at the grassroot level and it would seek the participation of all, especially the rural sector.

"IInvenTiv shall be the start of such a revolution and emerge as a key forum which will provide solutions to complex global problems," he stressed.

The fair is being organized in commemoration of the 75th year of India's Independence in line with the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. It has brought over 300 representatives from industry, including startups, along with government, and embassy officials, and IIT alumni.

There are 75 projects and six showcase projects on diverse themes such as defence and aerospace, healthcare, environment and sustainability, clean energy and renewables, being exhibited at the event.