Shahid Jeelani
Collaboration to focus on joint research, startup support, faculty exchange, capacity building across J&K and Ladakh
Srinagar, June 09: In a major step towards fostering interdisciplinary education, research excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship and regional development, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu for establishing a comprehensive framework for long-term academic and institutional collaboration.
The MoU was formally exchanged in the presence of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, by Prof. (Dr.) Atikur Rehman, Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran (Retd.), Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu, In-charge Director and Dean R&C NIT Srinagar, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, Deputy Registrar Administration, Faisal Irshad Ganai, Project Engineer and Estate Officer, IIM Jammu, Iqbal Singh Sudan.
The partnership brings together two Institutes of National Importance under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, with a shared commitment to advancing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and contributing to the educational, technological, entrepreneurial, and socio-economic development of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as the region at large.
Under the MoU, the two institutions will collaborate across a wide range of areas, including joint academic and research initiatives, consultancy projects, faculty and student exchange programmes, executive education, management development programmes, collaborative publications, case study development, boot camps, immersion programmes, innovation and incubation support, entrepreneurship promotion, faculty development initiatives, and the sharing of academic infrastructure and institutional resources.
A major highlight of the collaboration is the joint commitment to strengthening the innovation and startup ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir.
The partnership will leverage IIM Jammu’s expertise in management, strategy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development alongside NIT Srinagar’s strengths in engineering, technology, applied sciences, and innovation.
The institutions will also explore opportunities for interdisciplinary learning pathways, collaborative degree programmes and future joint academic offerings aligned with the vision of NEP 2020.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, stated that the strategic partnership reflects the shared aspiration of both institutions to create meaningful academic and societal impact through collaboration. He emphasized that the convergence of management and technology is essential for addressing contemporary challenges and nurturing future-ready leaders.
He further noted that the MoU would catalyze innovation, entrepreneurship, research excellence, and capacity building, while contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as emerging knowledge and innovation hubs.
In his message, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanhujia, Director, NIT Srinagar, said that the partnership with IIM Jammu reflects the institute’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and creating new opportunities for students, researchers and faculty members.
“The convergence of technology, management and innovation is essential for addressing contemporary challenges and building sustainable solutions. This collaboration would strengthen research capabilities, promote entrepreneurship and contribute significantly to the development of a vibrant knowledge and innovation ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh,” he added.
In charge Director NIT Srinagar and Dean R&C, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, NIT Srinagar, said that the collaboration marks the beginning of a transformative journey between two premier institutions committed to excellence. She observed that the partnership would create new opportunities for interdisciplinary research, technology-driven innovation, industry engagement and academic enrichment.
Prof. Roohi expressed confidence that the combined strengths of both institutions would help develop impactful solutions to emerging societal and industrial challenges while empowering students and faculty to excel in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The collaboration also plans joint conferences, seminars, workshops, training programs, and executive education initiatives for professionals, government departments, public sector undertakings, and industry stakeholders.
