Dassault Systemes to set up innovation centre at NIT Silchar

Global 3D experience company Dassault Systemes has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Technology Silchar (NITS) to establish a Cloud Center for Innovation on the institute's campus in Assam.

The agreement was signed during the 3DEXPERIENCE Forum India 2018 in New Delhi and is aimed at strengthening advanced technology education, research and industry collaboration in the northeastern region.

Under the partnership, Dassault Systemes will establish five specialised knowledge centres within the NITS Cloud Center for Innovation. These will include a skill centre, learning centre, advanced digital innovation labs, outreach centre and national centres.

The facilities will focus on project-based learning, entrepreneurship, skill development and collaborative research. Students, researchers and industry professionals will get access to hands-on training on the company's 3DEXPERIENCE platform and its industry-specific technology solutions.

The initiative is expected to provide students with practical exposure to technologies used in areas such as design, engineering, simulation and digital innovation. It could also help bridge the gap between academic learning and the skills increasingly required by technology-driven industries.

Professor Sivaji Bandyopadhyay, Director and Chairman of the Board of Governors at NITS, said Dassault Systemes' experience in operating innovation centres globally and its open innovation platform could support sustainable research and contribute to the development of the northeastern region and the country.

Samson Khaou, Managing Director, India, Dassault Systemes, said the centre would provide a common and secure platform for collaborative innovation, covering activities ranging from academic research to developmental projects in northeastern states.

The company said the NITS Cloud Center for Innovation would also be accredited as an authorised Dassault Systemes certification centre for the northeastern states.

The partnership could give students and professionals in the region greater access to advanced digital tools and industry-oriented training, while creating opportunities for collaboration between academia, businesses and researchers. It also reflects the growing role of technology-enabled education centres in developing specialised talent outside India's major technology hubs.