Pilani: Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with automotive components manufacturer Rane Group to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in research, skilling and talent development.
The partnership will provide a framework for collaborative research and development, intellectual property creation and commercialisation, along with educational programmes and industry-linked learning opportunities.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will work on student projects, internships, deep-tech talent incubation and placement opportunities for graduating students. The collaboration will also draw on BITS Pilani‘s academic expertise and infrastructure and Rane Group’s manufacturing capabilities.
The partnership will focus on areas including advanced electronics, autonomous mechanical systems, smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence applications aimed at improving productivity and operational efficiency in the manufacturing sector.
Prof V Ramgopal, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said stronger industry-academia ties were needed to create tangible outcomes for both sectors. He said the collaboration would seek to accelerate the movement of research from laboratories to industry while preparing students for evolving industry requirements.
Harish Lakshman, Chairman, Rane Group, said collaboration with academic institutions was important as the automotive components sector evolves with advances in electronics and autonomous platforms. He said the partnership would support technical talent development and technology creation for the manufacturing sector.
The MoU was signed in the presence of senior BITS Pilani faculty and deans, including Prof Arya Kumar, Dean (Institute-wide), Alumni Relations; Prof Sounak Roy, Dean (Institute-wide), Research & Innovation; and Prof Raj Kumar Gupta, Professor, Department of Physics.
