During IInvenTiv 2025, a Global Innovation Showcase hosted at IIT Madras, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati formalized its partnership with Danfoss Industries Private Limited by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This event took place in the presence of Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education and Minister of State for the Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER), along with senior officials, academic leaders, and representatives from the industry. The agreement, signed by IIT Guwahati’s Director, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, and Ravichandran Purushothaman, Regional President of Danfoss Industries Private Limited in India, signifies a major step in enhancing collaboration between academia and industry. The focus of this partnership will be on research and development in sustainable technologies and advanced engineering solutions. Several key technological areas are expected to benefit from this collaboration, including water desalination, energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions for industrial applications, advanced power electronics and drives, high-pressure pump systems, waste heat utilization, and campus decarbonization strategies. Additionally, research will be conducted in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) systems, multiphase flow studies, AI-driven process optimization, and advanced thermal simulations. To streamline and coordinate these efforts, a Center of Excellence (CoE) will be established at IIT Guwahati. This center will serve as a hub for managing joint projects, fostering innovation, and ensuring efficient execution of research initiatives. Beyond research, the partnership will create new opportunities for students across BTech, MTech, MS, and PhD programs at IIT Guwahati. Internships, collaborative research projects, and specialized training programs will be made available, providing students with practical exposure to industry applications. Those demonstrating exceptional performance will also have the chance to receive Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs). In addition, IIT Guwahati, in collaboration with Danfoss and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), will introduce a joint educational program. This initiative will offer students international exposure through industry-aligned curricula, student and faculty exchange programs, and opportunities for cross-cultural learning and global research collaboration. Reflecting on the significance of this partnership, Prof. Devendra Jalihal highlighted IIT Guwahati’s commitment to fostering innovation through industry engagement. He emphasized that by integrating the institution’s research capabilities with Danfoss’s technological expertise, the collaboration aims to develop solutions addressing critical sustainability challenges while equipping students with industry-relevant skills.
