Institute expands ties with Indian college

AN Irish third-level college is expanding its relationship with one of India's most significant universities, with a particular focus on research and innovation collaboration. Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) is to develop closer ties with the University of Pune in India, which has 650,000 undergraduate students in its affiliate colleges.

According to CIT head of research Dr Niall Smith, a significant element of the development centres on a planned visit by staff from Pune to observe and better understand the way researchers here work closely with industry as part of an end-to-end innovation ecosystem.

"This includes a comprehensive understanding of how to translate research ideas to commercial reality, so that research activities are of direct economic benefit, a culture that has been at the heart of the vibrant research and innovation activity in CIT for the past 20 years," he said.

Cork company Zenith Technologies Ltd is providing significant support to aid the ties between the two colleges, which have had a working relationship for a number of years.

Further staff and student exchanges will also be facilitated as part of a memorandum of agreement signed in India by senior staff from both institutions last month. CIT managers and research staff took part in a series of workshops, research presentations, lectures, laboratory visits and industry meetings with counterparts from University of Pune during the visit to identify opportunities of mutual benefit to both colleges. A major aim of the partnership from CIT's perspective will be to open up global markets for Irish companies.

Ireland's ambassador to India Ken Thompson has praised the commitment shown by both sides in terms of both the size and the seniority of the respective delegations.