The collaboration will support advanced research into lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high-performance structural materials.
Indus Towers, one of India’s leading telecom infrastructure providers, has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to pioneer research in glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) structural sections. This first-of-its-kind industry-academia collaboration aims to explore the structural, economic, and environmental advantages of GFRP applications in infrastructure.
The initiative is part of Indus Towers’ flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, ‘Pragati’, which focuses on sustainable innovation and inclusive growth. Through this partnership, Indus Towers will support advanced research at IIT Madras to develop lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and high-performance alternatives to conventional steel structures.
GFRP is a composite material made from glass fibres embedded in a polymer matrix. Known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and low maintenance requirements, GFRP is increasingly being adopted in global infrastructure projects, particularly in coastal and high-exposure environments.
“This partnership with IIT Madras is a bold step toward redefining the material science landscape for industries working on GFRP,” said Anil Gupta, Chief Technology & Delivery Officer, Indus Towers. “It offers a transformative opportunity that is structurally sound, cost-effective, and aligned with our sustainability goals.”
Ravindra Gettu, who is leading the research at IIT Madras, noted that the grant has enabled assessments of GFRP’s potential across applications such as telecom towers, scaffolding, staircases, roofing elements, and dry cladding systems. “The research will lead to models of durability, structural performance, and sustainable deployment,” he said.
Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean of Alumni & Corporate Relations, added, “This partnership exemplifies how industry-academia collaborations translate cutting-edge research into scalable, socially impactful solutions.”
IIT Madras will conduct rigorous investigations into the mechanical performance, lifecycle sustainability, and design standards of GFRP materials, potentially setting new benchmarks for telecom and allied sectors.