Author – Ritesh Ranjan: SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has taken a significant step toward strengthening India’s technological future by launching a Centre for Internet of Things (IoT) at its Kattankulathur campus. Established in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Bengaluru, this initiative is set to boost innovation, research, and skill development in cutting-edge domains like embedded systems, IoT security, and edge AI.
This move aligns with India’s growing focus on indigenous technology development, self-reliance, and the creation of industry-ready talent for the digital economy.
A New Hub for IoT Innovation
The newly inaugurated IoT centre, housed within the School of Computing at SRMIST, is designed to act as a multi-disciplinary innovation hub. It brings together students, researchers, and industry experts to work on real-world challenges in connected technologies.
The centre focuses on:
- Embedded Systems
- IoT Security
- Edge Artificial Intelligence
- Indigenous Hardware Design
These areas are critical as industries increasingly rely on smart devices, connected ecosystems, and secure digital infrastructure.
Strategic Collaboration with CDAC Bengaluru
The collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing adds significant value to the initiative. CDAC is a premier R&D organization under the Government of India, known for its expertise in advanced computing, embedded technologies, and digital innovation.
According to CDAC representatives, the partnership introduces indigenously designed systems and kits, covering both hardware and software aspects. This allows students and researchers to gain hands-on experience in building solutions from scratch—something that is crucial for deep-tech innovation.
The collaboration also includes:
- Mentorship for students and faculty
- Support for product development
- Focus on IoT security and embedded AI
- Exposure to indigenous processor technologies
Focus on Indigenous Technology Development
One of the most important aspects of this initiative is its emphasis on self-reliance in technology. As global supply chains evolve, countries like India are prioritizing the development of locally designed and manufactured technologies.
The SRMIST-CDAC IoT Centre aims to contribute by:
- Encouraging indigenous hardware innovation
- Promoting secure and scalable IoT solutions
- Supporting research in edge computing
- Building expertise in embedded AI systems
This aligns with national initiatives such as Make in India and Digital India, which emphasize technological independence and innovation.
Building a Centre of Excellence
SRMIST leadership has highlighted the long-term vision of transforming this facility into a Centre of Excellence (CoE). However, achieving this status will depend on tangible outcomes such as:
- Development of real-world applications
- Industry collaborations
- Research publications and patents
- Student-led innovation projects
The institution is placing strong emphasis on application-oriented research, ensuring that ideas move beyond theory into deployable solutions.
Hands-On Learning and Skill Development
Unlike traditional academic labs, the IoT Centre is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience. It will host:
- Boot camps
- Management Development Programmes (MDPs)
- Industry-led workshops
- Prototype development sessions
These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, helping students become job-ready.
Students will also be encouraged to:
- Build Minimum Viable Products (MVPs)
- Work on interdisciplinary projects
- Collaborate with industry experts
- Participate in innovation challenges
This experiential learning approach is crucial in fields like IoT, where real-world application is key.
Why IoT Matters Today
The Internet of Things is transforming multiple industries, making it one of the most important technological domains today. Its applications include:
- Smart Cities
- Healthcare Monitoring Systems
- Industrial Automation
- Agriculture Technology
- Defence Systems
- Consumer Electronics
By integrating IoT with AI and edge computing, industries are moving toward more efficient, intelligent, and automated systems.
The SRMIST-CDAC initiative ensures that students are equipped to contribute to these evolving sectors.
Strengthening India’s Tech Ecosystem
The launch of this centre is not just an institutional milestone but also a contribution to India’s broader innovation ecosystem. With increasing demand for skilled professionals in IoT and embedded systems, such initiatives play a crucial role in:
- Developing industry-ready talent
- Encouraging startup innovation
- Promoting research and development
- Supporting national technology goals
SRMIST has already been active in fostering innovation, and this new centre further strengthens its position as a key player in deep-tech education and research.
Future Opportunities for Students
Students at SRMIST can expect a wide range of opportunities through this centre, including:
- Exposure to real-world IoT projects
- Internship and placement opportunities
- Collaboration with industry and research organizations
- Access to advanced tools and technologies
This initiative will not only enhance their technical skills but also improve their career prospects in high-demand tech domains.
Conclusion
The launch of the Centre for Internet of Things at SRMIST, in collaboration with CDAC Bengaluru, marks a major step forward in India’s journey toward technological self-reliance and innovation. By focusing on cutting-edge domains like IoT, embedded systems, and edge AI, the centre is set to create a strong foundation for future-ready engineers.
With its emphasis on hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and indigenous development, the initiative has the potential to evolve into a leading Centre of Excellence and contribute significantly to India’s digital transformation.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the IoT Centre at SRMIST?
The centre aims to promote research, innovation, and skill development in IoT, embedded systems, edge AI, and cybersecurity while preparing students for industry roles.
2. Who is SRMIST collaborating with for this initiative?
SRMIST has partnered with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Bengaluru to establish and develop the IoT Centre.
3. What opportunities will students get from this centre?
Students will gain hands-on experience, participate in training programs, build prototypes, and work on real-world projects with industry mentorship.
4. Why is indigenous technology development important?
Indigenous development reduces dependency on imports, strengthens national security, and promotes innovation within the country.
5. What industries benefit from IoT technology?
IoT is widely used in smart cities, healthcare, agriculture, industrial automation, defence, and consumer electronics.