Academic, Research & Innovation Collaboration between Galgotias University and Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi

Event Date: 10th Feb, 2026

Event brief description: On 10 February 2026, Galgotias University visited IIT Mandi to establish a strategic collaboration in academics, research, innovation, and faculty development. Guided by the vision of Hon’ble CEO Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, discussions focused on curriculum modernization, Design Practicum adoption, a joint 20-credit academic program, and collaboration in drones, AI, robotics, semiconductors, and sustainability research. Internship opportunities, faculty development, laboratory access, and an IPR workshop were also planned. A structured action roadmap was finalized to formalize partnerships and implement joint initiatives, laying the groundwork for a long-term, innovation-driven academic alliance.

Event Detailed Description: Galgotias University conducted a strategic academic visit to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi to explore a comprehensive collaboration framework in academics, research, innovation, faculty development, and student engagement. Guided by the vision of Hon’ble CEO Dr. Dhruv Galgotia to build globally competitive, research-driven academic ecosystems, the engagement focused on establishing a long-term partnership aligned with emerging technologies, industry needs, and national innovation priorities.

The discussions emphasized curriculum transformation to promote experiential and research-oriented learning. IIT Mandi presented its Design Practicum framework, which integrates structured project-based education, interdisciplinary teamwork, and milestone-driven evaluation. Galgotias University expressed strong interest in adapting this model to strengthen hands-on learning and innovation culture. Complementing this, the inclusion of reverse engineering modules and industry-aligned curriculum benchmarking was proposed, with IIT Mandi faculty potentially participating in academic advisory roles to ensure global standards.

A key highlight was the proposal for a joint credit-based academic program comprising 20 credits delivered by IIT Mandi faculty. The program will follow a hybrid model combining online instruction with a two-week residential immersion at IIT Mandi, allowing students to access advanced laboratories, research mentorship, and academic rigor. This initiative is envisioned as a flagship collaboration enhancing institutional excellence and student exposure.

Significant discussions were held around drone technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductor systems, and advanced materials research. Plans include developing drone-focused curriculum modules integrating UAV systems with AI, embedded systems, and computer vision, alongside support for establishing dedicated drone and robotics laboratories. Both institutions agreed to jointly pursue sponsored research opportunities in areas such as infrastructure monitoring, pipeline inspection, robotics-assisted operations, and emerging security technologies.

Collaboration in Civil and Environmental Engineering was also explored, focusing on sustainability-driven research in water resources, wastewater treatment, biofertilizers, GIS/GPS applications, and environmental systems. Faculty exchange, joint curriculum development, and laboratory utilization were identified as key implementation pathways.

To strengthen research culture, IIT Mandi invited Galgotias University to nominate high-performing students for internships where they will work on live research projects under PhD and M.Tech scholars. Faculty Development Programmes were also agreed upon to enhance pedagogical and research capabilities.

The institutions further planned a collaborative Intellectual Property Rights workshop at Galgotias University to build innovation awareness and commercialization readiness. Student welfare matters raised during the visit were addressed immediately, reinforcing a supportive academic environment.

The meeting concluded with a structured action plan outlining timelines for program proposals, practicum adaptation, research collaboration, laboratory establishment, faculty development, and formalization of agreements through an MoU. The visit laid a strong foundation for a multi-dimensional partnership designed to advance academic excellence, research innovation, and future-ready education.

Department Name: GICRISE

Event Outcome: The Academic, Research & Innovation Collaboration visit to IIT Mandi represents a landmark step toward building a multi-layered strategic partnership between IIT Mandi and Galgotias University. The engagement established clear pathways for academic modernization, experiential learning, advanced research collaboration, faculty development, and innovation-driven student engagement.

Rooted in a shared vision of excellence and guided by leadership committed to transforming higher education, the collaboration is poised to create a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures future innovators, researchers, and industry-ready professionals. The structured action plan and forthcoming formal agreements ensure that the partnership evolves into a sustained, high-impact academic alliance aligned with technological advancement and societal progress.

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