23 IIT-Delhi has, for the first time, bagged projects for research and consultancy services to the tune of Rs 85 crore, 50 per cent higher than last year. The primary reason for this increase is the huge inflow of investments from foreign companies, said professor Suneet Tuli, Dean of Industrial Research and Development (IRD). The faculty has undertaken 26 research projects and consultancy services from international agencies this year, Tuli said. The time taken to conduct a research also counts. "Over the years, the time taken for conducting research has been getting shorter. Earlier, it took four to five years to complete a research; now, it is done in two to three years. That increases overall productivity,' Tuli said. Statistics show that over the last five years, the premier institute has registered a growth rate of 280 per cent. For the year 2007-'08, the institute has bagged 142 sponsored projects and agreed to provide consultancy services in 860; the institute's Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) has bagged 103 projects. "Yes, it is hectic, but pleasantly hectic,' said Subrat Kar, professor of electrical engineering, who is working on developing Tsunami warning system and rural broadband solutions. "Working on such projects keeps us in touch with the latest technology, which is all the more better for the class,' he said. Two in-house departments