A strategic alliance has been made between two institutions known for their cutting-edge research and academic distinction. The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) have signed a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This move is aimed to tap into the strengths of both the institutions in order to advance innovation, and support the growth of an advanced start-up ecosystem with a global perspective. The alliance hopes to deliver world-class academic and training programmes that drive employability, entrepreneurship, and research.

Prof. Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras, said, “This is an important occasion for IIT Madras as we have forged a wonderful partnership with an excellent institution. This effort will have a significant impact on both our communities and will also accelerate IIT Madras’ push to establish a global presence.”

The partnership would create a dynamic platform to enhance educational opportunities and foster significant advancements in international research collaborations.

Mohammed Gheyath, CEO of CERT, said, “This Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of a new phase in international partnerships. Through this MoU with IIT Madras, we are expanding our global presence and building a dynamic platform for innovation, education, and industrial collaboration to better serve our community.”

The MoU focuses on several objectives, including supporting the start-up ecosystem by accelerating its growth and efficiency through enhanced access to international markets, opening new funding channels, and providing networking opportunities with industry leaders in both countries. It also aims to develop joint academic programmes, integrating them with the latest industry trends to benefit students.

Madhav Narayan, CEO of IITM Global, stated, “The IIT Madras and CERT strategic partnership, powered by IITM Global, a new initiative with a charter to expand IIT Madras’ global footprint, brings in high synergy with shared visions and goals, complementary strengths, sustainable models of execution, mutual benefits, and most importantly, global impact. The collaboration will significantly advance the start-up ecosystem, improve deep-dive research capabilities, enhance IP generation, increase employability through bespoke interdisciplinary academic programmes, and most importantly, build a strong culture of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the UAE.” – editor@nrifocus.com