How can we tackle global challenges such as climate change and food security? The answer lies in strong international cooperation. To harness synergies and advance research into a sustainable bioeconomy, the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) has entered into a strategic partnership with the renowned Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT KGP).
“The major transformations of our time require a global perspective and shared knowledge. Complex systems related to agriculture, food production, the bioeconomy, and bioconversion cannot be reimagined in isolation. International exchange is essential for developing innovative, regionally tailored solutions that are also effective on a global scale. The combination of engineering expertise and bioscientific research, which characterises both our institutions, promises to provide valuable impetus,” explains Prof. Dr Barbara Sturm, Scientific Director of the ATB.
During a visit to IIT Kharagpur, the Scientific Director has now laid the foundation for future collaboration. The focus of her trip to India in April 2026 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU aims to promote strategic collaboration between ATB and IIT KGP in the research areas of agricultural and food research – including biotechnology, food processing and packaging, as well as innovative drying technologies and the bioeconomy – while utilising artificial intelligence, digital twins and other data-driven approaches to transform agricultural and food systems.
In her lecture, 'Smart Systems for a Sustainable Planet: Reimagining the Bioeconomy' at the Rajendra Mishra School of Engineering Entrepreneurship at IIT KGP, Prof Sturm outlined the shared vision. In-depth discussions with researchers from the fields of agricultural and food engineering, life sciences and biotechnology revealed numerous opportunities for joint projects, the exchange of researchers and the promotion of early-career scientists.
“ATB is bringing its internationally recognised expertise in developing technological solutions for biological systems and value chains to this partnership. Our expertise in the digitalisation of agricultural processes, the development of sustainable process technologies and the holistic assessment of bioeconomic systems is of central importance to the collaboration,” explains Prof. Sturm. Her visit to India highlights the ATB’s strategic goal of expanding its global network and promoting a sustainable agri-food sector and bioeconomy.
The new partnership is jointly supported by the ATB and IIT Kharagpur. The signing of the MoU by Prof. Dr Barbara Sturm and the leadership of IIT Kharagpur, including Director Prof. Suman Chakraborty, seals the commitment at the highest level. Researchers and students at both institutions will benefit from this cooperation in the future. We look forward to working together and are convinced that, in doing so, we will make an important joint contribution to addressing current global challenges.
Contact
Prof Barbara Strum
Scientific Director
Email: director@atb-potsdam.de