IIEST, Shibpur Signs MoUs with Leading Industries at Rashtrapati Bhawan

Mr. Subrata Biswas, Director (Engg., R&D), Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. and Prof. Ajoy Kumar Ray, Director, IIEST Shibpur

Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, (IIEST) Shibpur, signed MOUs with leading Indian Industries in a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 4, 2015.

This was part of Visitor’s Annual Conference organized by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). Out of a total of 25 MOUs signed with NITs, IITs, and other central universities, 6 were signed with IIEST, Shibpur.

BHEL will conduct research collaboration electrical power systems in solar energy. Consultancy Firm MN Dastur, has already provided funds for hiring faculty in the School of Material Science at IIEST. Now they will provide additional support to enhance material research activities. Emerging areas like polymer biomaterials and research on developing high-performance steel is in the pipeline.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd may start a new programme on shipbuilding and naval architecture in collaboration with IIEST after a nod from the HRD ministry and the governing board of the institute.

Software company Skybits Technologies, will provide skill development and make students industry ready in the computer science and IT engineering departments. Importantly, "Sankalp Semiconductor, founded by an IIT-Kharagpur alumnus, is one of the top 100 global companies in IT and software.

Sources from CII said that IIEST will improve in analog and VLSI design. The company will also assist the institute in innovating and designing electronic chips. BitChem is associated with developing innovative road material using new technology and science. The company hold a number of patents in making green roads. Along with Central Road Research Institute and BitChem, IIEST plans to lay a stretch of road on campus by implementing new technologies. The companies will provide material and technical know-how.

Tata Steel has already set up three distinguished chair professors at the institute. The company may also join the league of companies in signing a new MoU with IIEST later.

While an official of CII said that every year IITs enter into collaborations with prominent industry leaders. This year the President was keen to include NITs and IIEST. IIEST has the largest number of MoUs up for grabs. If all collaborations work out well, then IIEST students will be flooded with internship opportunities and the companies will ensure that the students sharpen their skills to fit into the industry.