Sources from IIT-H say the first phase of the collaboration had witnessed many achievements including filing of 51 patent applications, signing of 56 MoUs between IIT-H and Japanese universities, research laboratories and industries. The highlight in the first phase of the collaboration was 116 students getting scholarship to study in 14 universities of Japan.

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H)

The premier institution into providing technical education is now looking forward towards giving a major boost to its partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in the second phase. The Institute is proposing an increased collaboration with the Japanese Industry and Academia besides research laboratories. Major emphasis is being placed on exchange of Ph.D. students, Joint Masters and Ph.D. programs.

‘As the current friendship project is ending soon, we are enthusiastically looking forward to the sanction of second phase of the friendship project so that we can continue to have this remarkable collaboration and take it to the greater heights for the mutual benefit of both Japan and India.’

It is interesting to note that the cooperation between IIT-H and Japan began in 2007 based on the commitment between the Prime Ministers of India and Japan. A Project for Future Researchers at IIT Hyderabad to Enhance Network Development with Scholarship of Japan (FRIENDSHIP) was initiated by JICA in July 2010.

The friendship program involved JICA support for student and faculty exchanges and collaborative projects between IIT-H and Japanese universities and industry. JICA had dispatched a total of five long-term experts to coordinate the project.

Seven international symposia/conferences were jointly held by IIT Hyderabad and Japanese partners. IIT Hyderabad and Japanese academic institutions jointly applied for 59 research funds, among which nine have already been sanctioned.

BITS Pilani signed an agreement with the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune, on December 4. The areas of knowledge-sharing activities undertaken include workshops, seminars, and conferences to be conducted on national security fields, according to a statement from BITS Pilani.

The BITS Pilani statement also says that joint research work will be an area of focus for this collaboration. The Center for Research Excellence in National Security (CRENS) established at the BITS Pilani will facilitate the partnership.

Both institutes will also undertake research projects including short-term consultancy assignments to deal with industry issues and long-term initiatives to explore emerging and future areas. The collaborations will include the usage of lab infrastructures, faculty members, and research scholars.

BITS Pilani vice chancellor Ramgopal Rao was critical of the tie-up and stated: “Our partnership with DIAT Pune reflects a shared vision that through research and innovation, we can synergistically elevate the defence capability of India and give a technological push to India. Through CRENS we intend to address the veritable challenges and bring about self-reliance in the strategic sectors.

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BHVS Narayana Murthy, vice chancellor of DIAT Pune, stated: “DIAT Pune focuses on developing India’s technological defence capabilities by focused research, innovation, and skill development. BITS Pilani has always led the way for innovation, and our tie-up with the esteemed university will enable us to share resources and expertise to address many of the problems that are now challenging National Security and facilitate an ecosystem of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”

Conclusion

The partnership between BITS Pilani and DIAT Pune is a significant step forward in strengthening India’s national security and technological landscape. Through combining research, innovation, and skill development expertise, the two institutions aim to address critical challenges and enhance India’s defence capabilities. Initiatives such as joint research, certificate courses, and resource sharing will foster innovation and self-reliance in this collaboration. This partnership not only shows the importance of academia-industry synergy but also creates a benchmark for strategic collaborations in the building of a technologically robust and secure future for India.