The strategic collaboration between the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and Bengaluru-based Blockchain For Impact (BFI) under the BFI-Biome Virtual Network Program aims to foster innovations and drive advancements in healthcare within the country.

Under this partnership, BFI will assist IIT Kanpur in promoting entrepreneurial ventures through the Startup Incubation & Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at IIT Kanpur by Prof. Kantesh Balani, the dean of resources and alumni, and BFI CEO Gaurav Singh.

As per the agreement, BFI has committed to allocate $150,000 (approximately Rs 1.25 crore) over a span of three years to design programs tailored to healthcare-focused startups at SIIC. This collaboration capitalizes on IIT Kanpur’s established leadership in nurturing entrepreneurship and BFI’s dedication to advancing biomedical research. By synergizing these capabilities, the partnership aims to create impactful solutions that target crucial gaps in the healthcare sector of India.

Prof. Balani expressed, “This MoU will facilitate knowledge sharing, enhance startup support, and strengthen our efforts in capacity building.”

CEO Singh of BFI remarked, “IIT Kanpur’s remarkable backing for these entrepreneurs perfectly aligns with our mutual goal of expediting impactful solutions in biomedical research. Through a variety of initiatives in biomedical research and innovation, comprehensive full-stack partnerships, and meticulously structured funding programs, we are actively bridging critical voids in India’s healthcare landscape.”