In a rare and exemplary instance of academic research translating into real-world innovation, Chartr, a startup incubated at the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), has successfully completed the full transfer of technology developed at the institute. The startup has not only commercialized products based on deep research but has also completed all formal licensing processes with the institute — a milestone that is among very few of its kind in the Indian higher education ecosystem.
Founded by Dr. Pravesh Biyani, faculty at IIIT-Delhi, Chartr builds on over seven years of rigorous research and development in the area of urban mobility and public systems optimization. What started as academic inquiry has now evolved into a suite of products deployed with government and institutional clients, reflecting meaningful societal impact.
“This moment is deeply personal and professional for me,” said Dr. Pravesh Biyani. “Translating academic research into functioning products, navigating the challenges of deployment, and building a startup that survives the early hurdles — all while maintaining integrity to licensing norms — is rare. I’m proud that we could do it, and even prouder that we could do it here, at IIIT-Delhi. The policies and people here enabled me to focus on solving real problems, not paperwork.”
He added, “This milestone is not just about a transaction — it represents years of perseverance, team effort, and an institutional culture that supports innovation. We are now entering a far tougher phase — of proving product sustainability and revenue strength — but having reached here gives us the confidence to climb higher.”
Chartr’s achievement highlights the strength of IIIT-Delhi’s enabling ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. Chartr has emerged as a pioneering force in public mobility solutions, offering real-time transit tracking, data-driven decision support tools, and citizen engagement platforms. Its systems are already live in multiple Indian cities, helping municipal bodies streamline bus operations, reduce commuter wait times, and improve service reliability. Chartr’s work has been recognized for effectively bridging academic research and public service, making complex transit systems more accessible, accountable, and efficient for everyday users.
Prof. Ranjan Bose, Director of IIIT-Delhi, stated, “This is a proud moment for us. Chartr’s journey exemplifies how academic research, when supported by forward-looking institutional policies, can make tangible impact. It sets a precedent and shows that Indian academic institutions can be fertile ground for world-class innovation.”
As Chartr moves into its next phase — scaling operations, ensuring recurring revenue, and deepening customer relationships — the story serves as an inspiring model for future faculty-led startups, and a powerful validation of IIIT-Delhi’s commitment to nurturing innovation with purpose.
