IIT Madras has entered a technology‑license agreement with Spark Minda Foundation for the indigenous ‘Kadam’ prosthetic knee. The partnership aims to deliver over 50,000 limb fittings by 2030, expanding access to advanced mobility solutions.

  • IIT Madras and Spark Minda license the ‘Kadam’ prosthetic knee
  • Designed for uneven terrain mobility
  • Goal of 50,000 limb fittings by 2030

IIT Madras and Spark Minda Foundation have signed a non‑exclusive technology‑license agreement to commercialise ‘Kadam’, an innovative prosthetic knee capable of traversing uneven terrain. The device promises a substantial boost in mobility for amputees across India.

The formal announcement took place on 12 September 2026 in Chennai, attended by Spark Minda chairperson Sarika Minda, Group CTO D. Suresh, and IIT Madras’s head of the National Centre for Assistive Health Technologies, Sujatha Srinivasan. Both parties will collaborate to move the technology from research labs to large‑scale production and distribution.

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Historical Background

Prosthetic technology in India has traditionally relied on imports, with domestic innovation gaining momentum only in the last decade. IIT Madras has previously delivered projects such as the ‘Smart‑Leg’ and ‘Adaptive‑Arm’, establishing a strong foundation for this new venture.

Key Partnership Highlights

Spark Minda targets 50,000 prosthetic limb fittings by 2030, positioning itself as a regional leader in assistive devices. The licensing deal provides joint R&D, manufacturing scale‑up, and user‑training frameworks, ensuring rapid market penetration.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that indigenous prosthetic solutions like ‘Kadam’ can reduce dependence on costly imports, creating a ripple effect on healthcare affordability and local manufacturing jobs across South India.

"The successful scaling of ‘Kadam’ could position India as a global leader in prosthetic technology," says prosthetics expert Dr. Ajay Verma.
Did You Know?: Only about 10 % of prosthetic users in India receive a properly fitted device, compared with over 70 % globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How does the ‘Kadam’ knee differ from other prosthetic knees?
**Answer:** It incorporates a terrain‑adaptive mechanism that enhances stability and energy return on uneven surfaces, making ambulation smoother.

Question 2: What is the cost impact of this technology?
**Answer:** Local production and the licensing model are expected to cut costs by up to 30 % compared with imported alternatives.