RuTAG IIT Delhi
RuTAG IIT Delhi is a government-academic initiative developing ~30 low-cost, demand-driven rural technologies (agricultural equipment, food processing machinery, handicraft tools) for small farmers, artisans, and underserved communities across multiple Indian states, distributed through FITT, IIT Delhi and NGO partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersNew Delhi, India
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What RuTAG IIT Delhi does
Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) IIT Delhi is a government-academic rural technology development and dissemination initiative, established in January 2009 at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. It operates as part of a coordinated network of RuTAG cells across eight IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Roorkee, Ropar), all supervised by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, which conceptualized the program in 2003-04. RuTAG IIT Delhi is tasked with coordinating rural technology activities in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi, and operates on a demand-driven model in which field visits, NGO workshops, and student engagement identify rural problems that faculty and students then solve through appropriate, low-cost technologies.
The portfolio comprises approximately 30 field-validated devices spanning agricultural equipment (Animal Driven Water Pump, Bullock Driven Tractor, Treadle Pump, Coconut Tree Climber, Animal Driven Gear Box, Ground-water Level Measuring Device, SSPV sub-surface irrigation vessels), food processing machinery (Garlic Processing Package, Millet De-husking Machine, Jaggery Making Machine, Batasha Making Process, Honey Crystallization Prevention, Millet Biscuit Making), artisan and handicraft tools (Tulsi Mala Bead Making Device in AC and DC variants, Metallic Carpet Loom, Improved Potters Kiln, Marble Artefacts support, Stone Dust Prevention Device, Sheep Shearing Device, Ergonomically Improved Palki), educational technology (SAKSHAR interactive bilingual learning device), safety equipment, and environmental systems (Biogas Conversion Kit, Vermicomposting Unit, Bamboo Pyrolysis, Gobar Paint Standardization).
Commercial operations are routed through the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi under an 'Innovative Product Delivery' scheme, where buyers pay fabrication cost plus delivery; a Technology Transfer Request and Business Proposal framework exists for manufacturers and NGOs to license designs. Pricing is disclosed for selected items (Tulsi Mala AC device at ₹20,000 incl. 18% GST, SSPV vessels at ~₹180 per unit, Manual SSPV Moulding Machine at ~₹47,500); most products require quote requests. Documented commercial outcomes are modest: 78 SSPV vessels and 2 molding machines sold, with potters in Jodhpur renting SSPVs for saline soil remediation. Revenue is fundamentally non-commercial, with the entity sustained by PSA Office funding.
RuTAG IIT Delhi firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RuTAG IIT Delhi
- Legal name
- Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) - IIT Delhi
- Website
- https://rutag.iitd.ac.in
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- RuTAG IIT Delhi is a government-academic initiative developing ~30 low-cost, demand-driven rural technologies (agricultural equipment, food processing machinery, handicraft tools) for small farmers, artisans, and underserved communities across multiple Indian states, distributed through FITT, IIT Delhi and NGO partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RuTAG IIT Delhi industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Rural Appropriate Technology Equipment
- NAICS
- Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (333111), Agricultural Implement Manufacturing (33311)
- SIC
- Farm Machinery & Equipment (3523), Special Industry Machinery (No Metalworking Machinery) (3550)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Hay & Forage Machinery (Mowers, Rakes, Tedders, Balers, Wrappers) (AFAAAAAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Threshing, Decortication & Separation Equipment (Small-Scale Separators) (AFAAAJAF), Hay & Bale Handling Equipment (IMAHACAF), Custom Application Logistics & Tendering (Nurse Trucks, Mixing/Loading) (AFACAAAG)
Keywords
Where RuTAG IIT Delhi is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New Delhi
- HQ country
- India
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices1 record
Markets served
RuTAG IIT Delhi business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Technology product sales through FITT: Products developed by RuTAG IIT Delhi are sold directly to users through Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi under the 'Innovative Product Delivery' scheme. Users make payment to FITT, IIT Delhi based on fabrication cost and delivery charges quoted by vendors.
- Technology licensing / transfer: Business proposals are accepted from manufacturers and NGOs who want to take RuTAG-developed technologies forward. A technology transfer request form is available for interested parties.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Tulsi Mala Bead Making Device (AC Motor Powered) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Frustum Shaped Sub-surface Porous Vessel (SSPV) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Manual SSPV Moulding Machine |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
RuTAG IIT Delhi product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RuTAG IIT Delhi develops and disseminates demand-driven, low-cost appropriate technologies for rural India, spanning agricultural equipment (treadle pumps, bullock-driven tractors, SSPV irrigation vessels), food processing machinery (garlic processing package, millet de-husker, jaggery making), artisan handicraft tools (Tulsi Mala bead making devices, carpet looms, improved pottery kilns), livestock equipment (sheep shearing device), and learning aids (SAKSHAR). Products are fabricated and sold to end users through FITT at IIT Delhi, with parallel technology transfer and licensing arrangements for manufacturers and NGOs.
Product overview
RuTAG IIT Delhi operates as a rural technology development initiative under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, established in January 2009. The organization functions as a portfolio of approximately 30+ distinct rural technology products and solutions rather than a unified software platform. The product portfolio spans agricultural equipment (Treadle Pump, Bullock Driven Tractor, Animal Driven Gear Box, Coconut Tree Climber), food processing technologies (Garlic Processing Package, Millet De-husking Machine, Jaggery Making Machine, Honey Crystallization Prevention), handicraft equipment (Tulsi Mala Bead Making Device in AC and DC variants, Carpet Loom, Marble Artefacts support), safety solutions (Stone Dust Prevention Device, Sheep Shearing Device), educational technology (Sakshar interactive learning device), and environmental technologies (Vermicomposting Unit, Bamboo Pyrolysis System, Pitcher Irrigation). Products are available for purchase through Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi, with technology transfer and business proposal frameworks available for manufacturers and NGOs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Animal Driven Water Pump Water pump powered by animals (bullocks) with a gear box, designed to reduce drudgery for small and marginal farmers for irrigation purposes.
- Bullock Driven Tractor (BDT) Efficient bullock-driven tractor with mechanisms for lifting farming attachments, lightweight and user-friendly design targeted at small farmers.
- Tulsi Mala Bead Making Device (AC Motor Powered) AC motor-powered device for making Tulsi (Holy Basil) mala beads, supporting simultaneous turning and drilling for sizes 5mm to 25mm diameter. Priced at ₹20,000 inclusive of 18% GST, excluding freight charges.
- Tulsi Mala Bead Making Device (DC Motor Powered) DC motor-powered variant of the Tulsi Mala bead making device for artisans in Brij area (Mathura/Vrindavan) and Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
- Human Operated Treadle Pump Improved twin-cylinder reciprocating water pump for small and marginal farmers, built with locally available plumbing and hand pump parts to reduce drudgery in irrigation.
- Ground-water Level Measuring Device Low-cost electric switch-type device with electrodes for measuring groundwater levels, designed for accessibility by rural farmers.
- Sheep Shearing Device Low-cost indigenous mechanized device for removing woollen fleece from sheep, designed to boost livelihood of shepherds by maximizing staple length for quality yarn.
- Metallic Loom for Carpet Weaving Metallic carpet loom for woollen and silk carpet users, designed with improved beam strength, ergonomics, and high productivity for value addition.
- Potters Kiln for Pottery Items Improved pottery kiln furnace design that is more efficient and less polluting than traditional furnaces, protecting potters from toxic fumes during clay utensil and artifact production.
- Batasha Making Process Ergonomically improved setup for making batasha sugar sweets, replacing the traditional tiring and unhygienic squatting process.
- Animal Driven Gear Box (ADGB) Standardized animal-driven gear box and power transmission system coupled with multiple applications including Screw Pump, Chaff-Cutter, Atta-Chakki, and Paddy Thresher.
- Sakshar: A Fun Way to Learn Alphabets Interactive bilingual (Hindi and English) learning device using projector-based virtual display and laser range finder for hand-tracking, teaching alphabets and elementary mathematics to children.
- Frustum Shaped Sub-surface Porous Vessel (SSPV) Pitcher Irrigation Modified pitcher irrigation technology with frustum-shaped sub-surface porous vessels for irrigation, saline soil remediation, and drainage management, with covered design supporting multi-cropping.
- Garlic Processing Technology Package Complete set of machines including Garlic Grader, Garlic Bulb Breaker, Garlic Clove Flaker, Dry Garlic Peel Remover, and Fresh Garlic Clove Peeler for value addition in garlic processing.
- Machine for De-husking of Minor Millets Improved millet de-husker for mechanically de-husking minor millets including Kangni, Ragi, Kutki, Sanwan, and Kodo to reduce tribal drudgery.
- Stone Dust Prevention Device Technical solutions to prevent inhalation of stone dust by artisans, including dust suppression, low-cost masks, and controlled environments for stone quarry and crushing workers.
- Coconut Tree Climber Light-weight and low-cost device to assist farmers in climbing and fetching coconuts from trees, reducing labor intensity and accidents.
- Biogas Conversion Kit Kit for converting diesel engines to operate on biogas, enabling sustainable energy generation for rural applications.
- Improved Vending Cart Smart vending cart designed to extend shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables by protecting produce from sunlight, heat, and dust.
- Vermicomposting Unit Compact multilayer vertical vermicomposting unit designed for hilly areas, suitable for processing horse and mule dung in Jammu and Kashmir regions.
- Bamboo Pyrolysis System System for extracting vinegar, charcoal, and biogas through pyrolysis of bamboo, with techniques to collect vinegar and improve charcoal quality.
- Extension of Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables Storage and handling solutions to extend shelf life of fresh produce in rural settings, addressing post-harvest losses.
- RuTAG Compendium Comprehensive publication containing 52 ready-to-adopt technologies from 7 IITs with prices and impact assessments, serving as a knowledge dissemination product for technology transfer.
Quantifiable outcome
- 78 SSPV vessels sold and 2 SSPV molding machines sold; potters renting SSPV for saline soil remediation
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use RuTAG IIT Delhi
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
RuTAG IIT Delhi technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature13 records
RuTAG IIT Delhi partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of IndiacorePSA Office conceptualized and initiated the RuTAG program in 2003-04. All RuTAG activities across 8 IITs are coordinated by the PSA Office. PSA Office provides funding and strategic direction to the RuTAG network.
- Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (MPCoST), BhopalcoreCollaborates with RuTAG for problem identification and technology dissemination in Madhya Pradesh.
- Madhya Pradesh Vigyan SabhaminorCollaborates on science and technology activities for rural development in Madhya Pradesh.
- Department of Science & Technology, Rajasthan, JaipurcoreCollaborates with RuTAG on technology development and dissemination activities in Rajasthan.
- Punjab Technical University, KapurthalaminorAcademic collaboration for rural technology development and education.
- College of Technology and Engineering, MPUAT, UdaipurcoreDeveloped and provided garlic processing technology package (Garlic Grader, Bulb Breaker, Clove Flaker, etc.) to RuTAG for field testing and dissemination.
- Panchal Pumps & Systems, KanpurcoreManufacturer of Animal Driven Gear Box (ADGB) which was standardized by RuTAG IIT Delhi. The ADGB was coupled with multiple rural applications (Screw Pump, Chaff-Cutter, Atta-Chakki, Paddy Thresher).
- Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation, BharatpurcoreLocal NGO partner that works with RuTAG on rural technology adoption and livelihood projects in Rajasthan.
- Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS/ICAR), AlmoracoreDeveloped and provided millet de-husking machine (Vivek Thresher-cum-Pearler) to RuTAG for evaluation, standardization, and dissemination among tribal communities.
- S. M. Sehgal Foundation, Rohat, JodhpurcoreField agency partner for SSPV (Sub-surface Porous Vessel) technology dissemination in saline soil remediation and horticulture in Rajasthan.
- Rupayan Sansthan, JodhpurcoreNGO partner undertaking knowledge dissemination of SSPV technology. Also experimenting with the technology in adopted field sites.
- Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT DelhicoreFITT at IIT Delhi handles product sales under the 'Innovative Product Delivery' scheme. FITT manages payment collection, manufacturing coordination, and delivery of RuTAG products to end users.
- Purdue University, USAminorPurdue University students (EPICS program) collaborating with RuTAG IIT Delhi on design improvements for Bullock Driven Tractor, focusing on lifting mechanism for farming attachments, wheel design, and ergonomics.
- National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI)minorNCUI collaboration for internship projects (3-6 months duration) focusing on understanding intervention needs for artisans/farmers, design solutions, raw material selection and packaging, and food processing technologies.
- University of Jammu (RuTAG Chapter)coreFirst RuTAG Chapter opened at University of Jammu in 2014, attached to RuTAG IIT Delhi, expanding the RuTAG network.
- Other RuTAG Centres (IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, IIT Roorkee, IIT Guwahati)coreNetwork of 7 IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Roorkee) plus University of Jammu forming the RuTAG ecosystem, coordinated by PSA Office.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
RuTAG IIT Delhi competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- SELCO Foundation: Bengaluru-based non-profit focused on decentralized, appropriate technology for underserved rural communities; comparable to RuTAG in target customers and demand-driven technology approach, though specialized in energy.
- BAIF Development Research Foundation: Pune-headquartered development foundation working on livestock, agriculture and rural livelihood technologies; comparable in rural technology dissemination role and SHG/SME customer orientation.
- Jain Irrigation Systems: Listed Indian company offering micro-irrigation, agri-processing and food-processing equipment; commercially comparable for RuTAG's SSPV irrigation, garlic processing and millet de-husking technologies.
- Mahindra Farm Equipment Sector: Division of Mahindra & Mahindra, India's largest farm tractor and equipment maker; the commercial-scale counterpart for RuTAG's small-farm mechanization products such as the Bullock Driven Tractor and Treadle Pump.
- Escorts Kubota Limited: Major Indian farm equipment and tractor manufacturer; commercial analog for RuTAG's agricultural machinery products (BDT, Animal Driven Gear Box) at mass-market scale.
- Development Alternatives: Delhi-based social enterprise with TARA (Technology and Action for Rural Advancement) focused on designing and disseminating sustainable rural technologies and livelihoods — most directly comparable to RuTAG's artisan and rural enterprise technology focus.
Direct peers
- Society for Rural Industrialization (SRI): Indian non-profit promoting rural entrepreneurship through technology-based livelihoods and small enterprise development; comparable mission and customer base (rural artisans, SHGs, micro-entrepreneurs) to RuTAG.
- National Innovation Foundation (NIF): Autonomous body under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, that helps grassroots innovators and provides technology dissemination support — closest structural analogue to RuTAG as a government-anchored rural/grassroots technology intermediator in India.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
RuTAG IIT Delhi social profiles
Digital presenceRuTAG IIT Delhi financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RuTAG IIT Delhi leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
RuTAG IIT Delhi funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RuTAG IIT Delhi M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RuTAG IIT Delhi
What does RuTAG IIT Delhi do?
RuTAG IIT Delhi develops and disseminates demand-driven, low-cost appropriate technologies for rural India, spanning agricultural equipment (treadle pumps, bullock-driven tractors, SSPV irrigation vessels), food processing machinery (garlic processing package, millet de-husker, jaggery making), artisan handicraft tools (Tulsi Mala bead making devices, carpet looms, improved pottery kilns), livestock equipment (sheep shearing device), and learning aids (SAKSHAR). Products are fabricated and sold to end users through FITT at IIT Delhi, with parallel technology transfer and licensing arrangements for manufacturers and NGOs.
Is RuTAG IIT Delhi a public or private company?
RuTAG IIT Delhi is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was RuTAG IIT Delhi founded?
RuTAG IIT Delhi was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is RuTAG IIT Delhi based?
RuTAG IIT Delhi is headquartered in New Delhi, India, in the Asia region.
How does RuTAG IIT Delhi make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Technology product sales through FITT is the primary driver. The others are technology licensing / transfer.
Who are RuTAG IIT Delhi's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are SELCO Foundation, BAIF Development Research Foundation, Jain Irrigation Systems, Mahindra Farm Equipment Sector, Escorts Kubota Limited and Development Alternatives. Direct peers are Society for Rural Industrialization (SRI) and National Innovation Foundation (NIF).
Does RuTAG IIT Delhi have an API?
No public API is recorded for RuTAG IIT Delhi.
What industry is RuTAG IIT Delhi in?
RuTAG IIT Delhi's product category is Rural Appropriate Technology Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAAAAAE, Hay & Forage Machinery (Mowers, Rakes, Tedders, Balers, Wrappers), with a secondary code of AFAAAJAF, Threshing, Decortication & Separation Equipment (Small-Scale Separators). Its NAICS code is 333111 and its SIC code is 3523.