In a move that promises to transform lives, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Spark Minda Foundation have joined forces to bring a groundbreaking prosthetic knee to those who need it most. The non-exclusive technology license agreement, signed on September 12, 2026, in Chennai, centers on Kadam—an innovative prosthetic knee engineered to support stable movement across uneven terrain, from rocky paths to sloped surfaces.

Key facts

  • Agreement signed September 12, 2026, in Chennai
  • Technology transfer for Kadam prosthetic knee
  • Goal: 50,000 prosthetic limb fitments by 2030
  • Non-exclusive license enables broader access

From lab to life

This partnership isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about purpose. For years, researchers at IIT Madras’s National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies have fine-tuned Kadam, designing it to mimic natural knee movement and provide stability where conventional prosthetics falter. Now, with Spark Minda’s manufacturing strength and distribution reach, that innovation is poised to leap from the lab into daily life.

A shared vision for mobility

Spark Minda Foundation, the CSR arm of the automotive components giant, has set an ambitious target: 50,000 prosthetic limb fitments by 2030. It’s a number that speaks to scale, but also to sincerity. This isn’t about profit; it’s about people. Sarika Minda, chairperson of the foundation, emphasized the drive to make advanced mobility solutions accessible and affordable across India.

Who was in the room

The agreement brought together key figures from both organizations. Alongside Sarika Minda were D. Suresh, Group CTO of Spark Minda and CEO of its technical center, and Professor Sujatha Srinivasan, who leads rehabilitation research at IIT Madras. Their presence underscored the technical and humanitarian commitment behind this collaboration.

For millions living with limb loss, especially in regions with challenging topography, Kadam could mean the difference between confinement and freedom. This partnership is a step—a firm, hopeful one—toward that future.