Mumbai: IIT Bombay Grants Rs 42 Lakh Research Funding to Galgotias University Amid Past Controversy
Mumbai, 20th March 2026: Galgotias University has secured Rs 42 lakh in research funding from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for an agricultural technology project, even as the institution continues to face scrutiny over a recent controversy involving claims of innovation.
The grant has been awarded for the development of an “intelligent ripening detector,” a system designed to assess the maturity of fruits such as mangoes and watermelons. University officials said the project aims to create a portable and cost-effective solution for accurate ripeness detection.
The funding comes under a national initiative supported by the Department of Science and Technology, as part of the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems. Under this programme, IIT Bombay operates a Technology Innovation Hub focused on Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions and provides financial assistance to research projects across institutions.
The project at Galgotias University will be led by Dr. Agniv Tapadar, an assistant professor in the departments of electrical, electronics and communication engineering.
The development has drawn attention in the backdrop of a recent controversy involving the university. It had faced criticism after reportedly presenting a robot dog at an artificial intelligence conference in New Delhi as its own innovation. The claim was later questioned when reports suggested the device had been sourced from a Chinese company, raising concerns over research transparency and credibility.
Despite the backlash, the latest funding indicates continued institutional support for its research initiatives. However, the decision has sparked discussion in academic circles, particularly as several institutions across the country continue to face challenges in accessing research grants.
