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 Ms. Rupa Gurunath, whole-time Director, India Cements, and Vidyashankar C, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Tvasta.
Affordable Housing Projects
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.
“We are delighted to forge partnership with Tvasta, a fast-paced 3D printing firm founded by IIT-Madras Alumni. What we are particularly enthusiastic about is that this methodology is more eco-friendly, with lower consumption of water and sand, two of the most precious resources provided by Mother Nature.”
– Rupa Gurunath, Whiletime Director of India Cements
Tvasta is part of the new incubator of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, called ASHA Incubator, established in IIT Madras.
“Been following developments in 3D printed homes overseas. Critical for India, so delighted to see home-grown tech from IIT Madras (now one of the world’s leading tech incubators). I know you guys raised some seed funding, but any room for me to join in?”
Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group commenting on Tvasta’s work
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.”
“While most industry verticals have formulated strategies to minimise, if not eliminate, their carbon footprint, the construction industry is still working with decades-old methodologies.”
– Vidyashankar C, co-founder Tvasta
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 solutions.
About Manufactur3D: Manufactur3D is an online magazine on 3D Printing. Visit our Indian Scenario page for more updates on 3D Printing News from India. To stay up-to-date about the latest happenings in the 3D printing world, like us on Facebook or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
