IIT Guwahati and SDU (University of Southern Denmark) team up for Global Innovation in a significant step toward strengthening international academic and research collaboration, they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership is aimed at fostering academic exchange, advancing research efforts, and driving innovation across borders.
The MoU was signed during a special event attended by distinguished representatives from both institutions. Present at the signing were Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, and Prof. Henrik Bindslev, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at SDU. Adding further weight to the occasion was the presence of Jørgen Mads Clausen, Chairman of Danfoss and Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Denmark in the United Arab Emirates. His participation underlined the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and governments — a triad essential for impactful, large-scale innovation.
Speaking on the occasion, Clausen emphasized the importance of global partnerships in today’s interconnected world. “International collaboration is not just a luxury; it is a necessity,” he said. “It allows us to co-create technologies that serve global needs and shape professionals who are equipped with competencies to operate across cultures and regions.”
At the heart of this partnership is the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Indo-Danish Innovation and Translational Research at IIT Guwahati. This center will serve as a collaborative space where researchers, innovators, and students from both institutions can work together to tackle global challenges which will not only provide them with a suitable opportunity for growth but also offer them a space for growth. Key focus areas will include sustainable technology, climate solutions, and energy efficiency — all of which are pressing concerns for the modern world.
Another core element of the MoU involves the creation of joint Master’s and PhD programs. These programs will include co-supervision by faculty from both institutions and mutual recognition of academic credits. This model encourages interdisciplinary learning and provides students with valuable exposure to international academic environments, research methods, and industry practices.
Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, expressed his optimism about the partnership. “This collaboration supports our long-term vision of transforming IIT Guwahati into a global hub for technological advancement, academic excellence, and innovation,” he said. “By joining hands with SDU, we aim to develop sustainable, scalable solutions to some of the world’s most urgent problems.”
To ensure the successful implementation and smooth functioning of the partnership, a Joint Steering Committee will be formed. This committee will include leaders from academia and industry from both sides and will be responsible for guiding the collaboration strategically. It will also work on mobilizing financial resources and engaging corporate partners to enhance the scale and impact of the programs under the MoU and most importantly look after it’s effective implementation.
The agreement also opens up new avenues for student and faculty exchanges, allowing individuals from both institutions to learn from each other’s educational systems, cultural backgrounds, and research ecosystems. Such interactions are expected to promote greater academic mobility, deepen mutual understanding, and build long-lasting professional and personal relationships.
Both IIT Guwahati and SDU are committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and research. By combining India’s growing prowess in science and technology with Denmark’s expertise in sustainable solutions and green energy, the partnership promises to yield transformative results — not just for the two institutions, but for society at large.
This collaboration marks more than just an academic agreement — it is a shared commitment to global progress through education, innovation, and mutual respect. With continued support from industry leaders like Danfoss and a clear roadmap laid out by both institutions, the future looks promising for Indo-Danish collaboration in science and technology.
Also Read: NEET Bottleneck: Why Indian Students Are Choosing to Study Medicine Abroad
Also Read: NIOS announces Class 12 Senior Secondary result for April/ May 2025 public exams, link at nios.ac.in