Campus Times | Lucknow

In a significant push towards tech-driven healthcare, Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University is set to receive ₹1.68 crore from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to establish a 3D printing lab for artificial limbs. Founded in 1966 and based in Vienna, UNIDO is known for backing developing nations with funding, expertise, and advanced technologies—driving sustainable industrial growth while improving lives, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare and rehabilitation.

Free 3D prosthetics lab under UNIDO tie-up

University authorities said that, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding, a state-of-the-art 3D printing facility will be set up at the Artificial Limb and Rehabilitation Centre. The lab will enable production of advanced prosthetic limbs for above-knee and below-knee amputees, which will be provided free of cost.

The project will be rolled out in phases, including installation of equipment, expert training, certification and operationalisation, and integration of the technology into academic programmes. Instalimb will also deploy trained professionals at the university for one year to train staff and ensure effective use of the technology.

The grant, being facilitated through Japan-based Instalimb, marks the university’s first collaboration with a UN agency. Instalimb’s vice-president Takayuki Tanaka recently visited Lucknow and met vice-chancellor Acharya Sanjay Singh. Officials said the delegation was impressed with the institution’s infrastructure and rehabilitation work.

VC terms UNIDO–Instalimb tie-up a milestone for rehab

“This is a proud moment for our university as an international organization like UNIDO is extending its support to us for the first time. The upcoming collaboration with Instalimb will open new avenues in the field of rehabilitation for persons with disabilities. With 3D printing technology, we will be able to provide high-quality artificial limbs, benefiting a larger section of society. This will also be a major step forward in research and innovation.” Said by Acharya Sanjay Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University