- MoU signed at EME School, Vadodara to Boost research, technology, and knowledge exchange
- Collaboration aims to bridge academic excellence with operational needs, strengthening Atmanirbhar defence capabilities
NE DEFENCE & EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, NOV 4:
In a major stride towards fostering indigenous innovation and strengthening defence-academia collaboration, the Indian Army and the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the EME School, Vadodara on November 4, 2025.
The MoU was signed by Major General Mohit Gandhi, Commandant, EME School, Vadodara, on behalf of the Indian Army, and Prof. Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, marking a significant step in advancing joint research, innovation, and technology development for national defence.
Under this partnership, IIT Gandhinagar, in close coordination with the Indian Army and its associated institutions, will focus on Army-specific problem statements, providing cutting-edge technological solutions, training, internships, capability building, and technology incubation. The collaboration also includes joint research projects, resource sharing, and certification programmes, aimed at nurturing an ecosystem of applied innovation and strategic self-reliance.
Speaking on the occasion, Major General Mohit Gandhi said, “This collaboration between the Indian Army and IIT Gandhinagar will help bridge the gap between academic research and field requirements. Our goal is to nurture innovation and leverage academic excellence to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities. This MoU is a testament to our commitment towards technological advancement and self-reliance.”
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar, stated, “We are honoured to partner with the Indian Army in this transformative initiative. IIT Gandhinagar’s research capabilities, coupled with the Army’s operational insights, will enable the development of practical, indigenous solutions tailored to India’s defence needs. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of empowering India through technology and innovation.”
The MoU also paves the way for Army personnel to participate in IIT Gandhinagar’s academic programmes, workshops, and conferences on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, materials science, and cybersecurity — enhancing their technical acumen and fostering an innovation-driven mindset.
This strategic alliance is poised to build a robust civil-military research ecosystem, furthering the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous solutions to complex operational challenges and strengthening India’s position as a hub of defence innovation.
