IIT Madras, Spark Minda Foundation Partner to Produce Affordable Prosthetic Knee

In a development that promises to make high-quality prosthetics more accessible in India, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Spark Minda Foundation have entered into a non-exclusive technology license agreement for the transfer of technology of Kadam, an innovative prosthetic knee designed to support mobility across uneven terrain.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Sarika Minda, chairperson of Spark Minda Foundation; D. Suresh, Group Chief Technology Officer of Spark Minda Group and CEO of Spark Minda Technical Centre; and Sujatha Srinivasan, head of the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies and the TTK Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development at IIT Madras.

Kadam, developed by IIT Madras, is a polycentric prosthetic knee that mimics the natural movement of the human knee. It is specifically designed for above-knee amputees and is suited for use on uneven terrain, a common challenge in rural and semi-urban India. Unlike many imported prosthetic knees that cost several lakhs of rupees, Kadam is an indigenous solution that is significantly more affordable, making it a viable option for a larger section of society.

The partnership aims to take the prosthetic knee from the research and development stage to wider access. Spark Minda Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Spark Minda Group, has set a target of achieving 50,000 prosthetic limb fitments by 2030. The foundation will leverage its resources and network to scale up production and distribution, ensuring that more people with limb loss can benefit from this technology.

The non-exclusive nature of the license means that other manufacturers can also license the technology from IIT Madras. This is expected to foster competition, potentially leading to further reductions in cost and increased availability. The move aligns with the government's 'Make in India' initiative and the goal of self-reliance in healthcare technology.

India has a significant number of people living with limb loss, caused by road accidents, diabetes-related complications, infections, and other medical conditions. According to the World Health Organization, only a small fraction of those who need assistive devices have access to them. The lack of affordable and well-fitting prosthetics can severely limit a person's mobility, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. For many, a prosthetic limb is not just a medical device but a means to regain independence and dignity.

IIT Madras has been a pioneer in developing assistive technologies. The National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies and the TTK Centre for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development have worked on various devices aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities. Kadam is one such innovation, developed with a focus on Indian conditions, affordability, and usability.

The collaboration between IIT Madras and Spark Minda Foundation is a step towards bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. By transferring the technology to a foundation with the capacity to scale up, the innovation can reach the masses. The target of 50,000 fitments by 2030 is ambitious but reflects the scale of need in the country.

The presence of Sarika Minda, D. Suresh, and Sujatha Srinivasan at the signing ceremony underscores the importance of the collaboration. Sarika Minda leads Spark Minda Foundation's philanthropic initiatives, while D. Suresh brings technical expertise from the automotive sector. Sujatha Srinivasan has been instrumental in the development of Kadam at IIT Madras.

The initiative also aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates the government to facilitate access to assistive devices for persons with disabilities. By making affordable prosthetics available, the partnership contributes to the goal of inclusive development.

The agreement is expected to not only improve access to prosthetics but also create a framework for future collaborations between academia and industry in the field of assistive technology. With the right support and scaling, Kadam could significantly improve the lives of thousands of people, enabling them to lead more active and productive lives.