IIT-Kharagpur, University of Bayreuth partner to boost deep-tech and sustainable innovation

Kolkata: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Germany’s University of Bayreuth to foster long-term collaboration in deep-tech innovation, sustainable technologies and talent development aimed at solving global challenges.

The agreement, signed in Germany by IIT-Kharagpur director Prof Suman Chakraborty and University of Bayreuth President Prof Stefan Leible, marks a major step towards strengthening Indo-German academic and research cooperation.

As part of the partnership, both institutions will establish an Indo-German Centre of Excellence on Innovation, which will act as a global hub connecting the innovation ecosystems of India and Germany. The proposed centre will promote applied research, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial collaboration, bringing together academia, industry and startups from both countries.

According to a statement, the new centre will focus on developing sustainable technologies, driving high-end technological innovation and nurturing skilled professionals capable of addressing pressing global issues.

Prof Chakraborty said the collaboration represents a shared vision to translate “innovation from the lab to life,” combining global reach with local impact. Prof Leible added that the partnership would strengthen scientific cooperation between the two nations, paving the way for sustainable and inclusive progress.

(with inputs from agencies)