Delhi, 23^rd July 2026: The University of Leeds and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership focused on advancing interdisciplinary research, fostering academic collaboration, and accelerating innovation. Bringing together the strengths of two globally recognised institutions, the partnership aims to address pressing societal, technological, and economic challenges through research, education, and international engagement.

As part of the collaboration, the two institutions will establish a jointly funded seed fund supported by matched contributions of up to USD 50,000 from each institution. The fund will enable researchers to pursue pilot projects, test innovative ideas, and develop proposals for larger-scale national and international funding opportunities. The University of Leeds has already allocated and utilised its contribution to support the initial phase of collaborative activities under the partnership, while IIT Kharagpur has pledged its contribution for the current year.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across research, education, and innovation. Both institutions will explore opportunities to develop joint undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-led teaching initiatives, providing students and researchers with access to diverse academic perspectives and international learning experiences.

The partnership will also support interdisciplinary research across a range of fields, encouraging collaboration on complex global challenges through joint projects and knowledge exchange. In addition, the institutions will promote faculty visits, student exchange opportunities, and research mobility programmes to strengthen academic engagement and foster deeper collaboration between researchers and educators.

Through the exchange of scholarly resources, scientific expertise, and institutional knowledge, the collaboration will create new opportunities for learning, discovery, and innovation. The two institutions will also work together to convene academics, industry leaders, and policymakers through conferences, workshops, and international forums, strengthening global networks and encouraging cross-sector engagement.

Building on their shared commitment to translating research into real-world impact, the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur will explore opportunities to strengthen research commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. The partnership may also support the development of innovation-focused initiatives in India that facilitate the application of research to societal and industrial challenges.

Talking about the partnership, Professor Vasilis Sarhosis, Director of Internationalisation, University of Leeds, said, “This partnership marks an exciting step forward for both institutions and highlights the value of international collaboration in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By combining our strengths, we can drive world-class research, support talented students, and deliver real impact in tackling global challenges. We look forward to building a dynamic and enduring relationship with IIT Kharagpur that advances knowledge, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities for our academic communities in both the UK and India.”

Commenting on the importance of the partnership, Prof. Anandaroop Bhattachrya, Dean, International Relations, IIT Kharagpur[KN1] , said, “IIT Kharagpur has always believed that global partnerships are essential for advancing research excellence and creating transformative educational opportunities. This collaboration with the University of Leeds brings together complementary strengths and shared ambitions, enabling us to pursue impactful research, nurture talent, and strengthen innovation ecosystems. Through this partnership, we hope to generate new knowledge and foster solutions that contribute to societal and economic progress.”

At a time of growing collaboration between India and the United Kingdom across research, innovation, education, and trade, this partnership reflects the shared ambition of both institutions to strengthen academic ties and support the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries.

The partnership establishes a foundation for long-term collaboration between the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur, creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty while strengthening academic and research ties between India and the United Kingdom. Through joint initiatives, academic mobility programmes, and collaborative research activities, both institutions aim to drive innovation, expand knowledge, and contribute to addressing global challenges.

#NHPC #HRAwards #Innovation #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #NationBuilding #PeopleFirst #HRExcellence

#EIL #EngineeringInnovation #ProjectManagement #ConstructionManagement #Leadership #Innovation #Partnerships #Collaborations #LocalToGlobal

The green methanol can be used for co-firing in boilers, methanol gas engines or supplied as green fuel, showcasing a scalable pathway to a circular carbon economy and strengthening NTPC’s role as a global leader in green molecules.

·         The initiative will drive R&D within the institute, focusing on the design of local technologies, systems and equipment in alignment with India’s long-term goals of innovation and self-reliance

·         Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform will equip students, faculty, and early-stage entrepreneurs with digital competencies and real-world problem-solving capabilities

Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) and SRM Institute of Science and Technology Tiruchirappalli, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster a collaborative ecosystem that promotes engineering innovation, skill development, startup incubation, and local research. This collaboration aims to leverage Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and technology expertise to equip students, faculty, and early-stage entrepreneurs with industry-relevant digital skills and applications.

The MoU focuses on facilitating the creation of an industry-ready, skilled workforce by integrating advanced design and engineering applications into academic and training programs, equipping students with relevant digital competencies. In addition, it supports the incubation of student- and faculty-led startups that are working on the development of innovative products and processes, thereby contributing to India’s growing engineering and manufacturing ecosystem.

Another objective is to promote research and development initiatives that focus on the local design of technologies, systems and equipment, aligning with the country’s long-term innovation and self-reliance goals.

“At SRMIST Tiruchirappalli, we are committed to nurturing a generation of innovators who are equipped not just with academic knowledge but with the application and mindset to solve real-world challenges. This partnership with Dassault Systèmes opens up new avenues for our students and faculty to engage with advanced digital technologies, pursue cutting-edge research, and build impactful startups. It marks a significant step forward in aligning education with the needs of tomorrow’s industries,” said Dr. Shivakumar R., Chairman, SRM Institute of Science and Technology Tiruchirappalli & Chennai Ramapuram.

“Our collaboration with SRMIST Tiruchirappalli reflects a shared vision to empower young minds with digital design applications and industry-relevant insights, enabling them to drive innovation from the classroom to the marketplace. Through this MoU, we aim to provide access to advanced digital technology platforms, fostering research and supporting startups at every stage from idea to execution,” said Deepak NG, Managing Director, India, Dassault Systèmes.

As part of this collaboration, entities registered on the Bhaskar platform will receive hiring credits worth INR 2000 on Apna’s platform, significantly benefiting the startup community. Currently valued at INR 140 crore, this initiative has the potential to grow alongside the flourishing startup ecosystem, potentially reaching an impressive INR 300 crore.

By leveraging Apna’s job posting and AI-driven matching features, startups will be better equipped to navigate the competitive market and address resource constraints, while connecting millions of young job seekers with high-growth, innovative roles. This partnership aligns with DPIIT’s Startup India program, which will actively curate job postings and align talent pools with industry requirements.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in creating a robust and dynamic startup ecosystem in India, empowering startups to thrive and providing skilled workers with access to opportunities in the burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape.

#StartupIndia #Employment #Innovation #YouthEmpowerment #Apna #DPIIT #Entrepreneurship #JobOpportunities #IndiaRising #Manufacturing #GlobalHub #Vision2047 #GlobalLeadership #MakeinIndia #MakeforWorld #Partnership #JobCreation

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, Diwali is a reminder and an opportunity to “Be the change you want to see in the world!” Keeping with the spirit, Deepak Foundation’s Samaj Suraksha Sankul organized a ‘Diwali Mela’ recently. The event focused on children with special needs, marginalized women and other special causes for the upliftment of unreached and underprivileged.

People from across Vadodara joined the fest and encouraged the children and Self Help Group’s women.

Ms Archana Joshi, Director, Deepak Foundation says, “Prociding a platform for the sale of produce by women entrepreneurs, rural artisans and children with special needs is the agenda of Diwali Mela sponsored by Deepak Group. The foundation continues to achieve its goals towards welfare of poor and the unreached.”

The mela was special as all the products, from handmade candles and diyas to chocolates and embroidered bags, pouches and more. everything was done by children with special needs and women entrepreneurs.

Stand-up comedian Manan Desai graced the occasion and the guest of honour. He said, “I really like how small scale industries are promoted over here. Small ideas like ‘Krushak Mahila Producer Company’ selling Instant Khichdi is what makes startups tomorrow. I love what Deepak Foundation has done with Samaj Suraksha Sankul and I can see their vision.” He further added that he would love to associate with this cause to generate funds. Stalls like Self Help Group women’s Farsan, handmade bags by other foundations with special causes, paintings by children with special needs and food counters provided a great platform display and showcase their products.

Dr Ruchi Mehta, Incharge, Samaj Suraksha Sankul quotes, “Our modest effort to celebrate Diwali for children with special needs have brought so much joy to the children. It’s very heartwarming to see all sections of the society coming to one Mela and celebrating together. Thanks to Deepak Group for supporting this event.” With joy rides, shopping stalls, fun activities and food, the event ended up as a celebration of joy and togetherness for the children and rural marginalized women.

#Deepak #deepavali #CSR #Children #Diwali #SHG