The ITPAR Programme (India-Trento Programme for Advanced Research) was born in the frame of the Agreement signed in July 2003 between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Indian government, the Autonomous Province of Trento (through the Trentino Cultural Institute, now Bruno Kessler Foundation) and the University of Trento. ITPAR was recognized in the Cooperation Programme (POC) between India and Italy as one of the bilateral initiatives of major interest and thus benefits from the Foreign Affairs Ministry's fundings. The Programme involves the main universities and the most advanced research institutes in India.

ITPAR's main purpose is to put the basis for a strong and equal technological and scientific collaboration in the designated fields (for phase III: Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Microsystems, Physics and Material Science, Telecommunications and Signal Processing, Nano-Photonics, Cognitive Neurosciences, Physics for Energy and Environment, Renewable Energies), through actions permeating the joint research effort.