From 6–18 February 2026, IMKT had the pleasure of welcoming Balakrishna Rao from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to Leibniz Universität Hannover. Prof. Rao joins LUH in the framework of a part-time professorship, strengthening the international collaboration.
Prof. Rao’s research focuses on manufacturing and frugal engineering. This combination emphasizes robust, resource-efficient and cost-effective solutions, developing high-quality engineering systems under constraints such as limited material, energy, or financial resources. This approach is increasingly relevant for sustainable and globally accessible technologies.
During his stay at IMKT, we discussed multiple perspectives for collaboration within the institute and across faculties. A highlight of the visit was Prof. Rao’s lecture to IMKT researchers on Frugal Engineering, where he shared insights into design methodologies, manufacturing strategies, and case studies demonstrating how performance and affordability can be successfully combined.
In the future, Prof. Rao will offer an elective course on Frugal Engineering at IMKT and actively contribute to joint research initiatives, further expanding our portfolio in sustainable machine design and tribology.
We warmly welcome Prof. Rao to IMKT and look forward to the continued collaboration.
