Innovation – Leadership – Knowledge
We design, facilitate and implement education and research programs focused on innovation and sustainability, with universities and other ecosystem partners.
Through study abroad programs, research projects, and creative co-learning, we ensure genuine, impactful outcomes.
Photo credit: Adam Boies
Educational Programs
This 10-week, 15-credit study abroad program based in Bangalore, India engages students and practitioners from interdisciplinary backgrounds in addressing some of the most critical challenges facing humanity and learning from creative solutions. ILK works with University of Washington in planning program content, developing curriculum, teaching, partnership development and logistics planning. Learn more about program details and follow the student experience here.
ILK partners with the Acara program at the Institute on the Environment at University of Minnesota. This interdisciplinary impact entrepreneurship program works with student innovators through study abroad programs, incubation, mentoring, and fellowships. Learn more about the program here.
In partnership with ILK this year, the awardees are working towards setting up a low-cost sensor network in Bangalore. Learn more about the program here.
This program focuses on engaging students from with doing business in another country through daily organization and cultural visits. Learn more here
Research Projects
Air Quality Monitoring
One of the biggest challenges of urbanisation today is air pollution. Measures to mitigate are in progress across the world and scientific understanding of the problem is encouraging to study the atmospheric composition changes, the short and long term impacts on health and well-being of society. Significant investigations are in progress with the application of a large number of techniques and abundant data.
We at ILK aim to contribute to this research with studies in the city through mobile and stationery monitoring, data analysis and collaborations across disciplines to help address and mitigate the problem. We also have expertise in studying indoor air pollution monitoring and assessment for exposures and its health impacts.
Water Quality Analysis
Another big challenge is access to clean water. Much of the urban and rural water bodies are polluted and water quality testing is gaining importance. Leeching of toxic metals, paints and increase eutrophication (algal blooms) in lakes, washing of vehicles, animals, clothes, discharge of untreated effluents and sewage has led to increase in oils and grease, microbial pollution, phosphates, among others according to various research studies. We at ILK have the expertise to design water quality studies, assess and collaborate across disciplines to provide feasible solutions.