The India Cements Ltd., Chennai-based cement manufacturing company, and the tech Startup Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a technology partnership.
This new partnership will boost the efforts towards developing affordable housing solutions in India. This is a significant collaboration as it is possibly the first time in the construction industry that a leading legacy company has partnered with a Startup for technology that provides cost-effective construction methods and promises a quick turn-around.
The MoU was signed on 25th of May by Rupa Gurunath, whole-time Director, India Cements, and Vidyashankar C, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Tvasta.
The two companies will collaborate to spread construction 3D printing technology in India by engaging in dedicated R&D activities and developing raw material formulations for 3D printing applications. They will also collaborate closely on key projects that develop and deliver affordable housing solutions. Both companies plan to use technology to create sustainable building solutions such as 3D printed houses or structures.
Rupa, daughter of N Srinivasan, vice-chairman and managing director of India Cements, is spearheading this partnership with the Startup. Tvasta is part of the new incubator of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, called ASHA Incubator, established in IIT Madras.Rupa added, “‘Sustainability’ is a new phenomenon for the construction industry, and we are privileged that this partnership is just about to bring it within easy reach of the common man in our country.”
The MoU will see India Cements and Tvasta engaging in dedicated R&D and synergetic exchange of technology-centric efforts to develop new and better raw material formulations for use in construction 3D Printing applications, as well as offering mutual strategic support for key projects that offer affordable housing solutio
