IIT Kanpur startup launches i-Ghat, floating solar grid at UP's Kaushambi

An IIT Kanpur start-up - Acquafront Infrastructure Private Limited (AIPL) - has developed a next-gen concept “i-Ghat” at Kada Ghat, in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi. 

A unique futuristic proposition to refine river ghats in India. Project i-Ghat includes integrating reinforced-cement concrete (RCC) based floats with solar cells and electric-powered boats using Steel Integrated Floating Jelly (SIFJ)
technology to avoid the impact of using plastic floats and also to reduce the noise and air pollution caused by diesel boats. 

The project is supported by NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader present in more than 80
countries. The i-Ghat facility at Kada Ghat, Kaushambi was commissioned in September, 2022, and was recently  inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Keshav Prasad Maurya.

The i-Ghat project is equipped with a state-of-the-art floating charging station with a battery swap for the battery powered electric-boats that use captured solar energy through the RCC-based floating solar grid. It is completely self-sufficient, causes zero air and noise pollution and aligns with NTT DATA’s aim to support technology innovations for a sustainable world.

Gauri Bahulkar, Director Global CSR & India Client Experience Centers, NTT DATA Services said, “We have always believed in SIIC’s quest to harness innovative talent to develop next-gen technology and are happy to associate
with IIT Kanpur’s incubation centre which shares a long-standing history of ensuring last-mile impact through its deployed technology.”

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Director IIT Kanpur said, “The innovation ecosystem at IIT Kanpur is under rapid expansion and I am grateful to NTT DATA for their consistent support to us and the startups. I congratulate AIPL for its deployment of SIFJ technology to develop this project, which is a remarkable step towards ensuring livelihood through a sustainable approach.”

AIPL, founded by Ankit Patel and Achin Agarwal, has been developing floating solutions for large scale infrastructure including the world's first floating CNG refilling station on Ganges River at Khidkiya Ghat in Varanasi. Said Ankit Patel,
“Rivers have always played a major role in religious and cultural activities in India, but over the last century, industrialization and unequal growth has harmed the ecosystem. 

The need of the hour is modern avenues to accelerate the development with sustainable solutions for water infrastructure to revive these age-old linkages. The SIFJ technology has been developed to address the
unique situation for India and developing nations.”

Prof. Ankush Sharma, Professor-in-charge, Incubation & Innovation, said “AIPL’s i-Ghat technology is a remarkable attempt at ensuring sustainable livelihood for the local population and helmsmen. The support from NTT DATA
has added more vigour and pace to the project.” 

About NTT DATA:
NTT DATA is a $30 billion trusted global innovator of IT and business services. They help clients transform through business and technology consulting, industry and digital solutions, applications development and
management, managed edge-to-cloud infrastructure services, BPO, systems integration and global data centers. They are committed to their clients’ long-term success and combine global reach with local client service in over 80 countries. More details can be availed at nttdata.com or LinkedIn.

About SIIC, IIT Kanpur:
Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur, is one of the oldest incubators in the country. It was established in 2000 when the entrepreneurial ecosystem was still at a nascent stage in India. The multifaceted and vibrant incubation ecosystem at IIT Kanpur, nurtured for over two decades, prospers to fill the gaps on the road to converting an idea into a successful and meaningful business model. The domain expertise combined with the infrastructural prowess of the academic institute has collectively demonstrated a knack for tremendous social impact and technological advancement over the years.