We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), marking a significant step in deepening our engagement with one of India's leading institutions.
The MoU was highlighted during a high-profile visit by Professor Mike Shipman, our Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, to IIT Madras in Chennai on 2-3 January. The visit coincided with the inauguration of IIT Madras's new Global Hub.
The exchange of the agreement took place in the presence of India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and the Director of IIT Madras, Professor Veezhinathan Kamakoti.
A framework for collaboration and innovation
The new MoU strengthens collaboration in research, innovation and entrepreneurship between Durham and IIT Madras.
The partnership seeks to link the two universities' innovation ecosystems, supporting IITM affiliated deep-tech start-ups as they establish a presence in the UK.
This includes access to our innovation infrastructure, industry and investor networks, regional development agencies, and government-linked funding opportunities.
The partnership also supports mentoring, business setup, and market access, positioning Durham as a primary UK innovation partner for IITM Global.
Furthermore, both universities will explore joint research projects, Centres of Excellence and co-branded academic and skills programmes.
Priority areas include sustainable technologies and clean energy, health and biotechnology, artificial intelligence and data science, advanced materials, and low-carbon infrastructure and mobility.
This includes supporting staff and student mobility, encouraging collaborative grant applications and exploring opportunities for Durham and IIT Madras to host activities on each other's campuses, including executive education and knowledge-exchange events.
Global Hub inauguration in Chennai
Professor Shipman's visit formed part of IIT Madras's launch of its Global Hub, an initiative designed to expand the institute's international research and innovation footprint.
We are one of a select group of global partners associated with the launch, reflecting our strong relationship with IIT Madras.
Both Durham and IIT Madras have a shared commitment to research excellence, global engagement and the importance of long-term partnerships in addressing global challenges.
Building stronger links
The MoU with IIT Madras builds on our wider engagement with India, where we have more than 20 active institutional partnerships spanning engineering, climate science, materials, heritage and the social sciences.
We already work closely with IIT Madras through seed-funded collaborative research projects and academic exchanges.
India is a key partner in our global strategy, with international collaboration playing a central role in our research and education mission.
Image: (from left to right) Professor Mike Shipman, Professor Raghunathan Rengaswamy (Dean, Global Engagement, IITM), Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (India's External Affairs Minister) and Professor Veezhinathan Kamakoti (Director, IITM).
