Category education

New Delhi, Feb 23: Vijaybhoomi University, India’s first liberal professional university, signed a global academic partnership with KEDGE Business School, France. This collaboration brings together Vijaybhoomi University with AACSB accreditation and KEDGE Business School, a globally ranked institution holding the prestigious triple-crown accreditation of AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.

This partnership will benefit students by providing access to world-class education frameworks, cross-border academic exposure, clearly defined global mobility pathways, and strengthened industry connections across Europe. The institutions aim to develop collaborative academic initiatives, including exchange opportunities, progression pathways, joint programmes, and enhanced research and faculty engagement. The announcement highlights the growing importance of international collaboration in education to prepare students for an interconnected global education and economy.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Sanjay Padode, President, Vijaybhoomi University, said,

“Our partnership reflects a commitment to creating globally relevant learning experiences for our students. By collaborating with a globally respected, triple-crown-accredited institution, KEDGE Business School, we are going to expand international pathways for our students that combine academic excellence with real-world industry exposure. Our vision is to prepare students confident, globally aware, and professionally competitive.”

Alexandre de Navailles, Directeur Général / CEO, KEDGE Business School, stated,

“The event was special as we are now officially partnered with Vijaybhoomi University as part of KEDGE’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint. This collaboration will strengthen KEDGE’s global presence and reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality international education in India. We aim to build sustainable academic collaboration that connects Europe and India in powerful and lasting ways.”

Elaborating on this, Céline Davesne, Associate Dean Programmes & International, KEDGE Business School, said,

 “India represents one of the most dynamic education landscapes in the world, and this partnership enables us to provide top-tier education and international exposure to students. By working closely with Vijaybhoomi University,  our focus in the future will be to design impactful academic pathways for students who want to experience integrated learning exposures and collaborative academic programmes in India.”

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Mr. Sanjay Padode, President, Vijaybhoomi University; Alexandre de Navailles, Directeur Général and CEO, KEDGE Business School; and Céline Davesne, Associate Dean Programmes & International, KEDGE Business School, in the presence of senior academic leaders and renowned media persons, where both institutions highlighted their shared focus on innovation, employability, and experiential learning as key pillars of the partnership.

Feb 23: As organizations accelerate AI adoption and digital transformation, the real differentiator in 2026 will not be experimentation — but disciplined execution. Addressing this shift, Kellogg Executive Education introduces two high-impact programs designed to equip leaders with the capabilities to drive product growth and enterprise-wide AI strategy: the Post Graduate Certificate in Product Management (KLG PM) and AI Strategies and Applications for Leaders (KLG AIS).

Recent industry reports underscore the urgency. While AI adoption across India is widespread, governance and enterprise-level execution remain inconsistent. With organizations integrating AI tools rapidly, leaders who can bridge product leadership with structured AI strategy will define the next phase of competitive advantage.

1) Build Products That Scale

KLG PM – Post Graduate Certificate in Product Management

Why It Matters Now

India’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, but product success today is defined by measurable outcomes — revenue growth, adoption, and retention — not feature velocity. Modern product leaders are expected to connect customer insight, analytics, experimentation, and financial impact seamlessly.

What Leaders Build

End-to-End Product Ownership
Participants lead the full product lifecycle, from opportunity discovery and MVP development to launch and growth strategy.

Evidence-Based Decision-Making
The program integrates opportunity sizing, pricing strategy, and portfolio management with financial impact.

Designing for Adoption
Through UI/UX frameworks, experimentation, and prototyping, leaders learn to de-risk launches before scaling.

Fluency in Data and AI Tools
Participants leverage analytics and GenAI-enabled workflows, including tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Mixpanel, and Maze, to accelerate discovery and validation.

Executive-Ready Deliverables
The program culminates in stakeholder-ready roadmaps, go-to-market plans, metrics frameworks, and a capstone demonstrating measurable business value.

Who It Is For:
Mid- to senior-level professionals and cross-functional leaders from engineering, UX, marketing, and sales seeking outcome-driven product leadership.

Lead AI at the Enterprise Level

KLG AIS – AI Strategies and Applications for Leaders

Why It Matters Now

AI usage is accelerating across industries, yet few organizations have scaled it into enterprise-wide value creation. The challenge is no longer technological access — it is strategic prioritization, governance, and disciplined deployment.

What Leaders Build

Strategic AI Prioritization
Participants apply Kellogg frameworks such as AI Canvas 2.0, AI Radar 2.0, and AI Capability Maturity Models to assess readiness and value potential.

Operational AI Across the Value Chain
Leaders identify high-impact use cases across customer experience, operations, and support functions.

Responsible and Governed AI Leadership
Ethics, regulatory exposure, workforce impact, and governance are embedded into transformation planning.

Understanding GenAI and Agentic AI
Through faculty-led sessions, leaders gain clarity on AI agents, RAG-style architectures, and enterprise implications.

CEO-Ready Business Case
The capstone requires participants to craft a “Memo to the CEO,” outlining AI readiness, prioritized use cases, ROI logic, and a phased execution roadmap.

Who It Is For:
C-suite leaders, consultants, and functional heads across marketing, sales, and technology who require a strategy-first AI approach. No coding background required.

What This Signals for Leaders in 2026

As AI becomes embedded in everyday operations and organizations demand measurable returns, leadership advantage will come from disciplined execution. Professionals who can build scalable products with market impact — or lead AI transformation with governance, accountability, and clear ROI — will define the next era of growth.

Through KLG PM and KLG AIS, Kellogg Executive Education equips leaders not just to understand change, but to operationalize it — translating strategic intent into measurable outcomes aligned with where the market is heading.

Hyderabad, Feb 23: The grand finale of Radha TMT’s unique initiative, “Creators of Tomorrow – Buildathon 2026,” a first-of-its-kind Civil Engineering Innovation Platform organised exclusively for civil engineering students across Telangana held on Saturday night at Shilpakala Vedika, Madhapur.

 CVR College of Engineering emerged as the winner for their innovative proposal titled “Water Treatment Waste into Sustainable Building Solutions.” The team was declared the winner of the challenge and walked away with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh.

 Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), Basara, secured the first runner-up position and bagged Rs 1 lakh, while JNTU Hyderabad was declared the second runner-up and received Rs 50,000. Consolation prizes of Rs 25,000 each were awarded to Sreenidhi Institute of Science and Technology (SNIST), University College of Engineering (Osmania University), Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology (GRIET), and VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering and Technology (VNR VJIET).

 Over 100 engineering colleges and a couple of hundred civil engineering students participated in the multi-level competition, culminating in seven finalist teams. The finalists included teams from JNTU Hyderabad, University College of Engineering–Osmania University, GRIET, VNR VJIET, SNIST, RGUKT Basara, and CVR College of Engineering.

 The competition showcased pioneering and practical ideas addressing real-world infrastructure challenges. One of the notable presentations focused on pothole-free roads. Highlighting that nearly 2,161 people die annually due to pothole-related accidents and that the government spends between Rs 1,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore annually on maintenance, students proposed a preventive solution using micro-encapsulation technology with waste and used cooking oil. Their approach targeted micro-level cracks in roads, aiming to prevent crack expansion, block water penetration, maintain structural integrity, and eliminate the root causes of potholes.

 Students from OU College of Engineering presented “Alga Nova,” an algae-based cement additive that reduces cement usage by 2.5 percent. While not a complete replacement for cement, the team positioned it as a sustainable alternative component. A jury member remarked that while the Romans invented concrete, a well-developed alternative cement innovation could create history.

 An all-women team from GRIET showcased “Sugarcrete,” lightweight bricks made from sugarcane bagasse, presenting it as a sustainable and viable construction material. The VNR VJIET team proposed algae-based sustainable paints, claiming the product to be 40 percent cheaper and a biodegradable alternative to conventional paints.

SNIST students proposed Geopolymer Concrete, a 100 percent cement-free concrete solution capable of reducing carbon emissions by 70–80 percent. Meanwhile, RGUKT students presented Green Concrete reinforced with natural bamboo fibre to reduce cracks and enhance structural performance. During the discussion, a jury member noted that bamboo has been recognised as a national building material and represents the future of sustainable construction.

 Smt. Harichandana Dasari, IAS, District Collector of Hyderabad, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Addressing more than 1,000 students, she said that the problems identified and solutions proposed by the finalist teams addressed real-life challenges awaiting scalable solutions. She expressed admiration for the innovative and industry-first nature of several ideas and said that with further development and persistence, many of these concepts could solve perennial infrastructure challenges in the country.

 Describing the initiative as the need of the hour, she emphasised the importance of industry–academia collaboration and urged students to build a better tomorrow and a more liveable world. “Big buildings are not great buildings; buildings that are liveable are great,” she remarked, encouraging students to pursue their ideas with persistence until they are commercialised.

 Sunil Saraf, Chairman of Radha TMT, stated that the Creators of Tomorrow initiative was conceptualised to celebrate young engineering talent and foster innovation. He highlighted that civil engineering forms the backbone of national development, as infrastructure such as roads, bridges, dams, buildings, and water systems is fundamental to trade, public health, water security, and economic growth. In this context, Radha TMT launched the Buildathon to inspire the next generation of nation-builders.

 Akshat Saraf, Director of Radha TMT, added that centred on the theme “Green & Sustainable Construction for a Greener Future,” the competition aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industry requirements. Students were encouraged to propose innovative, scalable, and practical solutions addressing modern infrastructure challenges.

 The competition offered cash prizes worth over Rs 5 lakh, along with internship opportunities, industry-recognised certifications, factory visits, ISO training exposure, and direct interaction with leading construction professionals.

 As a leading TMT bar manufacturer associated with the construction ecosystem, Radha TMT reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future-ready civil engineers, promoting sustainable construction practices, strengthening industry–academia collaboration, and contributing responsibly to India’s infrastructure growth.

 The jury members comprised: Mr Sridhar Gopisetti – Founder & Principal Architect, Team One India Pvt. Ltd.; Mr Zaki Ahmed – Founder, Zaki & Associates; Mr Surya Prakash – Managing Director, SatyaVani Projects & Consultants Pvt. Ltd.; Dr Mahendra Kumar Madhavan – Professor, Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad; Mr C. Shekar Reddy – Vice Chairman, IGBC; Managing Director, CSR Estates Ltd.; Mr Rajkumar Kancherla – Managing Director, Kancherla Projects Pvt. Ltd.

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Language is the foundation of identity, the bridge of opportunity, and the heartbeat of human connection — Dr. Birbal Jha

Patna, Feb 23: On the solemn and globally observed occasion of International Mother Language Day, the auditorium of British Lingua resonated with ideas that transcended grammar and vocabulary. The seminar, titled “Language, Identity, and Opportunity,” evolved into a compelling reflection on how words shape worlds and how language can transform lives.

Delivering the keynote address, noted educationist and social reform advocate Dr. Birbal Jha offered a sweeping vision of multilingual empowerment. His central thesis was both simple and profound:
“Language is not only a medium of communication; it is the foundation of identity, the bridge of opportunity, and the heartbeat of human connection.”

The audience — comprising educators, students, and thought leaders — listened in rapt attention as Dr. Jha unfolded what he described as the three pillars of linguistic strength: mother tongue, Hindi, and English.

The Mother Tongue: Where Identity Takes Root

In a deeply evocative passage, noted author Dr Birbal Jha described the mother tongue as “the first music we hear” — the language of lullabies, affection, and formative dreams. It is here, Dr Jha argued, that identity is first forged and confidence begins to grow.

Dr Jha reminded the gathering that linguistic roots anchor emotional stability and cultural continuity. “Modernity should expand our horizons, not erase our roots,” he observed, urging families and institutions alike to safeguard indigenous languages as repositories of collective memory.

The mother tongue, Dr Jha said, does not merely communicate thought; it nurtures self-respect and strengthens the psychological foundation upon which future aspirations stand.

Hindi: A Bridge Across Diversity

Turning to Hindi, Dr. Jha underscored its role as a vital instrument of social cohesion in India’s vast linguistic landscape. From public discourse to marketplaces, from governance to cinema, Hindi connects diverse communities without demanding uniformity.

“Language is the bridge between diversity and unity,” Dr Jha declared, emphasizing that inclusive communication reduces prejudice and fosters cooperation. In his view, Hindi in India enables participation and strengthens democratic dialogue by amplifying voices from villages, towns, and cities alike.
In a country of many tongues, Dr Jha suggested, a shared language of connection strengthens the social fabric.

English: A Gateway to Global Possibility

If the mother tongue roots identity and Hindi binds society, English, Dr. Jha argued, unlocks the world. In an age defined by globalization, English serves as the language of science, technology, business, and international collaboration.

“English does not define your identity; it multiplies your opportunity,” Dr Birbal Jha asserted, challenging the perception of English as a marker of superiority. Instead, he described it as a pragmatic tool — one that converts talent into visibility and ambition into achievement.

At British Lingua, Dr Jha noted, English education is not about imitation of accents but about articulation, clarity, confidence, and employability. Fluency, he stressed, empowers youth from small towns to compete on global platforms.

Language as Social Justice

Perhaps the most resonant moment of the address came when Dr. Jha framed language education as an instrument of social justice.

“Language education is social justice in action,” Dr Jha proclaimed. When individuals cannot express themselves, he said, their abilities remain hidden. When communication improves, confidence rises — and with confidence comes opportunity.

By equipping young minds with linguistic competence, educational institutions are not merely teaching grammar; they are dismantling barriers and expanding socio-economic mobility.

A Vision for a Multilingual Future

As the seminar drew to a close, Dr. Jha called upon the audience to embrace multilingualism as strength rather than confusion.

“Multilingualism is not confusion; it is competence,” Dr Birbal affirmed.
Dr Jha urged citizens to preserve their mother tongues, strengthen Hindi for national harmony, and master English for global excellence. A nation that values its languages, Dr concluded, secures its intellectual richness and social cohesion.

The applause that followed was not merely for a speech well delivered, but for an idea powerfully conveyed — that language is identity, dignity, and destiny intertwined.
On this International Mother Language Day, the message from British Lingua was clear and compelling:
Language connects hearts, builds society, and shapes careers — and in doing so, it shapes the future.

New Delhi, Feb 20: As artificial intelligence shifts from experimentation to enterprise-wide transformation, organizations are discovering that technology alone does not guarantee results. According to research by PwC, AI-exposed industries have experienced revenue per employee growth three times faster than others (27% vs 9%), while professionals with AI skills command a 56% wage premium. Yet, despite this momentum, 56% of companies report no measurable financial benefit from AI investments to date — highlighting a widening gap between ambition and execution.

Addressing this critical challenge, MIT xPRO’s advanced professional programs are empowering leaders to operationalize AI at scale by integrating strategy, data, and productization into sustainable business impact.

Bridging the Execution Gap

As organizations move beyond pilots and proof-of-concept experiments, the need for strategic alignment, decision-grade analytics, and production-ready AI products has become paramount. MIT xPRO’s portfolio of professional programs is designed to help leaders translate AI investments into enterprise-level value creation.

1. Lead With Strategic Clarity

Advanced Program in Technology Leadership and Innovation (TLIP)

AI initiatives often falter due to fragmented leadership and lack of cohesive strategy. The Advanced Program in Technology Leadership and Innovation equips senior executives to transform emerging technologies into enterprise-wide roadmaps aligned with measurable outcomes.

Participants gain:

• Executive ownership of AI-driven strategy
• Systems thinking for cross-functional execution
• Balanced innovation portfolio design
• Responsible technology governance frameworks
• Hands-on experience through immersive simulations and capstone projects

Ideal for: CXOs, VPs, founders, and senior leaders

Duration: 9 months

2. Turn Data Into Decisions

Post Graduate Program in Data Science and AI (DSAI)

In many organizations, analytics efforts remain confined to dashboards and models. The DSAI program focuses on embedding AI into core business decisions — from pricing and risk optimization to operational efficiency and forecasting.

Key outcomes include:

• Decision-oriented analytics frameworks
• Mathematical and AI-driven optimization capabilities
• Explainable and trustworthy AI foundations
• Hands-on experience with 25+ industry tools and libraries
• Capstone projects solving real-world business problems

Ideal for: Data professionals, analytics leaders, and tech managers

Duration: 9 months

3. Ship Products, Not Pilots

Building AI Products and Services (AIP)

Moving from concept to production remains one of the biggest hurdles in AI adoption. The AIP program equips teams with structured methodologies to design, validate, and launch AI-driven products that deliver tangible value.

Participants learn to:

• Apply a structured four-stage AI design framework
• Develop compelling business cases and risk assessments
• Select appropriate AI approaches — ML, deep learning, or generative AI — based on strategic fit
• Integrate human-centric design and adoption principles
• Explore emerging trends including agentic AI and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)

Ideal for: Technical product managers, engineers, UX leaders, and founders

Duration: 12 weeks

A Unified Approach to AI Transformation

Operationalizing AI is not solely a technical challenge — it is an organizational transformation imperative. Strategic clarity, data fluency, and product execution must work in tandem to unlock measurable value.

With AI adoption accelerating globally and organizations with deep AI integration seeing disproportionate competitive advantages, MIT xPRO’s complementary programs provide a structured pathway from experimentation to execution.

By combining rigorous academic foundations with applied, real-world learning, MIT xPRO continues to empower leaders to move decisively from AI vision to sustained business value.

Kolkata, Feb 20 : Advancing the education objectives of the India–UK Vision 2035, David Lammy, UK Deputy Prime Minister inaugurated the UK Education Hub at the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange, in the presence of Lindy Cameron OB CBE, British High Commissioner to India, Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council, Prof. Eloise Philips, the Academic Provost of the Southampton University Delhi, and dignitaries from India and UK, including Sir Steve Smith, the UK’s Champion for International Education.

The British Council, with over 78 years leading education cooperation between the UK and India, has established the UK Education HUB to help deliver this shared vision – enabling engagement, collaboration, and alignment to India’s National Education Policy and the UK International Education Strategy through a single, structured platform.

UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said:

“To build a better future, we must invest in the next generation who will shape it and expanding access to education will create lasting change.

“By bringing together governments, universities and institutions, the UK Education Hub in New Delhi will forge deeper partnerships with India – sharing expertise, sparking innovation and growing our economies. This demonstrates our shared ambition of turning the UK-India Vision 2035 into a reality.

“Delivering quality education today will change the world of tomorrow – empowering new ranks of entrepreneurs, scientists and leaders who will transform our shared future.”

The Hub will manage the Annual Ministerial India-UK Education Dialogue and support achievement of the education objectives of India-UK Vision 2035. It will act as a platform for structured engagement between UK universities, Indian government ministries, regulators, and sector bodies ensuring smooth two-way transfer of information and a stronger partnership between the education sectors of the two nations.

Looking ahead

The UK Education Hub will:

• support delivery of the Annual Ministerial India-UK Education Dialogue
• coordinate requests for information and support for all UK universities seeking to engage in India
• create and manage the UK Universities in India Members Programme
• support progress on mutual recognition of qualifications
• provide continued support for inward and outward education and skills missions between the two countries.

By creating a single, coordinated interface for engagement, the UK Education Hub reinforces India and the UK’s shared ambition to deepen collaboration in education, research, and skills development, strengthening people-to-people ties and supporting inclusive, sustainable growth.

Feb 20: The Urban Land Institute India (ULI India), the India chapter of the global non-profit and the oldest, largest network of cross-disciplinary land use experts, has announced the launch of its Education portfolio – strategic initiatives designed to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and the future of urban development. Globally, ULI plays an important role in the education sector: bringing academia and industry together to produce strong graduates who are prepared to meet demands of the industry. For this, ULI has developed education focussed products like the ULI Hines Student Competition, Case Studies, Internships, Mentorship, UrbanPlan and on-demand learning courses on its Knowledge Finder.

As urban centers in India grapple with rapid population growth, environmental concerns, and the pressing need for sustainable infrastructure, ULI India recognizes the critical importance of preparing young leaders to tackle these challenges. In the Indian context, the planned educational initiatives seek to foster collaboration between leading educational institutions, industry professionals, and corporate partners, thereby empowering the next generation of urban leaders – urban planners, architects, designers and entrepreneurs, by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to build sustainable, inclusive cities across India and globally.

ULI India’s Education portfolio is spearheaded by Education Co-Chairs, Chhavi Lal, Principal at Perkins Eastman, and Manas Rath, Founder of LEAP Cities and Mumbai Donut CoLAB, and supported by the organisation’s National Executive Committee. Their leadership ensures that ULI India’s educational initiatives are aligned with global best practices and respond to India’s unique urban challenges.

The organisation is already in discussions with leading institutions in key urban centers like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai. These cities, which represent key hubs for urban growth in India, will serve as focal points for ULI India’s efforts to nurture the next generation of urban professionals.

Speaking on behalf of the ULI India leadership, Education Co-Chair, Manas Rath, said,

“The Education portfolio aims to create a network of professionals capable of addressing India’s urban challenges, from decarbonization and housing attainability to sustainable urban design”, with Chhavi Lal adding, “Through our initiatives, we aim to build capacity at all levels, from students to professionals to government, to strengthen local capability while drawing on global perspectives.”

In the build up to the ULI India Annual Conference 2026 on 26th Feb 2026 in Mumbai, ULI India will host a full-day education program, featuring UrbanPlan and a closed door Education Roundtable on 24th February 2026 with senior representatives from top institutions, including RICS School of Built Environment, Amity University, CEPT University, Sir JJ College of Architecture, NICMAR, and ULI members and practitioners in attendance. The conversation will focus on practical pathways to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, including internships, case-based learning, curriculum relevance, and improving student readiness for professional practice.

Manasvini Hariharan, Executive Director of ULI India, said,

“Education is the mission priority we have chosen to focus on because that is where the capability gap is most visible. India needs stronger platforms for knowledge exchange, practical training, and leadership development to meet the scale and complexity of its urban transition.”

The conference will also present a Projects Showcase featuring 12 transformative urban projects from across the country, with ULI’s Founding Partners and Annual Sponsors leading from the front, demonstrating the best practices in design, sustainability, and urban impact. These projects will serve as a significant resource for students, educators, and professionals, providing real-world insights into the future of India’s cities.

Mumbai, Feb 19: PanIIT Alumni India organised a distinguished felicitation ceremony at the iconic Bombay Gymkhana, honouring eminent IIT alumni and leaders who have made exceptional contributions in public service, industry, entrepreneurship, and academia.

The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Rajesh Agarwal, Chief Secretary of Maharashtra and distinguished alumnus of IIT Delhi. PanIIT Alumni India also felicitated Shashi Tripathi, Chairman of the upcoming IIT2026 global conference.

The event witnessed the gracious presence of several prominent IIT alumni and national leaders, including:

          •        Sharad Saraf, Member, Board of Governors – IIT Bombay & IIT Jammu

          •        Ashank Desai

          •        Sudhakar Gande

          •        Raj Nair

Senior leaders from government, industry, startups, and academia across multiple IITs joined the gathering, reflecting the strength and unity of the global IIT alumni network.

Prabhat Kumar, Chairman, PanIIT Alumni India, said

“PanIIT represents the collective strength of over 300,000 IIT alumni across the globe. Today’s felicitation is not just about honouring individuals, but about celebrating leadership that contributes to nation-building and global impact. IITians are playing transformative roles in governance, innovation, entrepreneurship, and global partnerships aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

He emphasised that PanIIT will continue to act as a bridge between government, industry, academia, and the global alumni ecosystem to accelerate India’s growth story.

Rajesh Agarwal, Chief Secretary, Maharashtra, in his address, welcomed investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to actively engage with Maharashtra’s fast-growing innovation and industrial ecosystem. He highlighted key initiatives of the Maharashtra Government aligned with the Viksit Bharat vision and assured full support to the PanIIT community to invest and collaborate in Maharashtra’s strategic sectors.

Update on IIT2026 – USA (April 22-25, 2026)

Shashi Tripathi shared insights about the IIT2026 Conference, a landmark global summit scheduled from April 22 to 25, 2026, in Long Beach, California, USA. IIT2026 is a three-day conference celebrating 75 years of IIT excellence, bringing together over 2,500 innovators, CEOs, thought leaders, and changemakers from around the world to explore innovation, investment, technology, and global collaboration.  

He invited the entire PanIIT community—especially alumni and professionals in the USA and beyond—to participate in this historic event, engage in transformative dialogues, and build strategic partnerships that will shape the future of innovation worldwide.

The evening concluded with networking and discussions focused on strengthening alumni collaboration, fostering cross-border investments, and positioning the IIT ecosystem as a powerful driver of India’s and global innovation leadership journey.

New Delhi, Feb 19 : Ashoka University, India’s leading interdisciplinary research university, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with École normale supérieure PSL Paris, one of France’s most prestigious higher education and research institutions. The announcement was made at the High Level Academic and Scientific Meetings in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, marking an important step in strengthening India–France collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation.

The MoU was formally signed by Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University, Delhi-NCR, and Frédéric Worms, Director, ENS-PSL. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and global knowledge exchange between two leading institutions known for integrating teaching and research across disciplines.

Ashoka University’s Memorandum of Understanding with École normale supérieure – PSL establishes a deep, long-term partnership spanning joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative academic programmes in the sciences and humanities. This MoU will create shared research ecosystems, foster co-taught courses and workshops, and open opportunities for Ashoka students and scholars to engage with ENS–PSL’s renowned scientific community in Paris. Together, the two institutions aim to build a vibrant Indo-French intellectual corridor that advances fundamental science, interdisciplinary inquiry, and innovation with global impact.

K VijayRaghavan, Chair, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka University noted,

“France and India are already closely linked in science through bilateral structures such as the Indo-French Centre for Applied Mathematics (IFCAM), DST–India programmes in digital science and technology, and joint initiatives in neuroscience and engineering. Most recently, both countries have expanded this cooperation through new initiatives in AI, health, and digital science, including plans for Indo-French centres for AI in health and digital science and technology under the 2026 Year of Innovation”.

École normale supérieure – PSL is among France’s most prestigious higher education institutions and a globally recognised centre of academic excellence. Founded in 1794, the institution is known for its rigorous research culture and interdisciplinary approach, ENS-PSL has a distinguished legacy of producing leading scholars, scientists, and policymakers, including multiple Nobel laureates and Fields Medal winners.

For Ashoka University students, the partnership will play an important role in shaping research capabilities by providing access to advanced research networks, collaborative projects, and mentorship from internationally renowned scholars. The engagement is expected to strengthen Ashoka University students’ understanding of global techniques and methodologies used in research across multiple domains, thereby equipping them with better skills to carry deep research for better knowledge creation and innovation.

For students and experts of ENS-PSL, this collaboration will offer valuable opportunities to engage with India’s dynamic academic ecosystem, participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives, and gain deeper insights into diverse social, cultural, and scientific contexts of the country.

Both institutions are already connected through the Franco-Indian Campus in Life Sciences for Health, launched in 2022, and the MoU seeks further to deepen academic and research exchanges within this broader framework.

Frédéric Worms, Director, ENS-PSL, said,

“This agreement offers a unique opportunity to bring together École normale supérieure – PSL and Ashoka University, two institutions that share a similar academic model and a common commitment to excellence, interdisciplinarity, and the close articulation of teaching and research.”

Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University, said,

“This partnership marks an important step in strengthening global academic collaboration at a time when AI is reshaping industries and societies. Through our engagement with ENS-PSL, we aim to drive high-impact research, foster meaningful academic exchange, and equip our students and faculty with deeper global perspectives.”

Manipal, Feb 19th: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has partnered with OpenAI to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools across teaching, research, and academic administration. This collaboration aims to enhance learning outcomes, accelerate research productivity, and equip students and faculty with critical AI skills for a rapidly evolving global workforce. MAHE will implement AI-powered tools and resources across its academic programs to support personalised learning, boost critical thinking, and encourage ethical AI use. Faculty will also gain access to advanced AI tools for curriculum planning, research, and innovation.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, VSM (Retd.), MAHE, said, “MAHE has always been guided by academic excellence and innovation. Our partnership with OpenAI represents a strategic step toward embedding AI as a transformative enabler across teaching, research, and administration. By integrating advanced AI tools responsibly, we aim to enhance learning outcomes, accelerate research impact, and prepare our students for leadership in an AI-driven world.

The collaboration will focus on building AI literacy across disciplines, ensuring that students from Health Sciences, Technology & Science, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and allied fields gain practical exposure to AI applications relevant to their domains. MAHE will also promote interdisciplinary research and innovation using AI to address complex real-world challenges.  MAHE will also establish structured AI governance guidelines to ensure responsible, ethical, and transparent governance use of artificial intelligence across academic functions.

The partnership aligns with MAHE’s long-term digital transformation roadmap and reinforces its commitment to innovation, industry relevance, and societal impact. With this collaboration, MAHE reinforces its vision of becoming a globally benchmarked, AI-enabled university committed to shaping responsible innovation and future-ready leaders.