Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), one of India’s top academic and research institutes in the field of technology, has announced its partnership with Schneider Electric, IBM and NXP Semiconductors etc., to promote industry-focused learning at the University and to enable current working professionals to upskill and acquire higher qualifications themselves.
Through these partnerships, the University aims to focus on research, internships, and workforce development, bridging the skills gap between academic learning and market requirements. As a part of this initiative, which addresses the current working professionals’ cohort, MIT will provide on-the-job post-graduate programs to Schneider’s employees. It enables employees to upskill without leaving the organization and receive an M.Tech degree.
Speaking about the development, Dr Manohara Pai, Program Designer, Professor of ICT and Former Head of Innovation Centre and MUTBI, MIT Manipal, said:
The Master’s program offered to Schneider Electric R&D India is unique. It is physical, and the entire course is delivered on the industry campus. The program curriculum has been framed to meet the upskilling requirement of Industry 4.0 in general and Schneider Electric in particular.
Another initiative is the MoU with NXP Semiconductors in electronics, VLSI Design, Embedded Systems, and Software. This initiative aims to expose engineering students to industry-specific practical use cases, research opportunities, internships, collaborative project work, and jointly guided degree programs. The partnership also includes faculty training, participation in design contests, and access to special initiatives such as NXP Campus Connect.
Commenting on the collaboration, Hitesh Garg, India Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors, added:
India is undergoing a rapid transformation in the semiconductor domain through specialized programs like the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), an initiative of the Government of India. This transformation requires active collaboration among various stakeholders, including academia. The collaboration between NXP and MAHE will strengthen to bridge the gap between Industry and academia, hone students’ practical knowledge and germinate an innovation culture at the beginning of their careers. This partnership will also promote ecosystem development by providing more research opportunities for students in alliance with Industry experts.
MIT’s commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education goes beyond its partnerships with Schneider Electric and NXP Semiconductors. The University has also collaborated with companies such as Cerner Health Care, IBM, Signify, Ingersoll Rand Technologies and Sciences, Forbes Marshall, Everest Blowers etc., to offer subject-specific open electives, as well as has formed an industry advisory committee with experts from various fields to ensure that the curriculum is aligned with the professional requirements of the ever-changing industry landscape. In addition, the University also invites industry experts to join the institute as adjunct faculty, which further helps bridge the gap between Industry and academia.
Director of MIT Manipal, Cdr (Dr) Anil Rana, commented:
Beyond the on-the-job learning aspects, such partnerships are critical to enhance employment opportunities for students and prepare them for real-world industry problems. These initiatives are a testament to our dedication to providing students with a learning experience that is both comprehensive and practical, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, was established in 1957 as one of the first self-financing engineering colleges in the country. It offers a bachelor’s and master’s program in engineering streams and allows students to research full-time or part-time. The University aims to educate students professionally to face social challenges by providing a healthy learning environment grounded well in engineering principles, promoting creativity, and nurturing teamwork.
