The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has entered a partnership with Caterpillar Inc. to advance joint research, innovation, and talent development in engineering and technology. The collaboration designates IIT Madras as a Global University Partner for Caterpillar. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Bhuvan Anandakrishnan, Vice President - Engineering and Country Manager, Caterpillar India, along with Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean (ICSR), and Prof. Shaikh Faruque Ali, Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, among other stakeholders.
Scope of IIT Madras-Caterpillar Collaboration
The partnership will focus on multiple avenues to strengthen research and industry-academia engagement:
- Joint Research and Development: Collaborative projects in technology across various disciplines.
- Continuing Education Programmes: Development and implementation of training and skill enhancement courses.
- Talent Development Initiatives: Sponsoring innovation clubs, technical events, internships, and full-time employment opportunities for IIT Madras students.
Statements from Key Officials
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said: "Caterpillar Inc. is a multidisciplinary company relevant to multiple departments at IIT Madras. This collaboration is expected to lead to several exciting products that will meet global standards."
Bhuvan Anandakrishnan, Vice President - Engineering and Country Manager, Caterpillar India, stated: "We are proud to extend our MoU with IIT Madras, strengthening joint research, consultation, and talent development in alignment with Caterpillar's Global University Collaboration Model."
Prof. Manu Santhanam, Dean (ICSR), IIT Madras, added: "IIT Madras is at the forefront of industry collaboration. This partnership will expand our interactions with Caterpillar globally and bring in more innovative collaborative projects across all branches of the company."
This collaboration is expected to enhance IIT Madras’s role in industry-driven research, provide students with hands-on exposure, and foster global-standard innovations in engineering and technology.
