The Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IIT BBS) has made a stride for creation of a novel Public Private Partnership (PPP) for promoting industry-led, technical educations and research.

This initiative is amongst the first of its kind in Odisha.

The IIT BBS which celebrated its Second Foundation Day on 22 July has decided to involve participation of industries in all its programmes right from the beginning.

In order to encourage strong interface with industries, R & D organisation, Government agencies and other outside organisations, IIT BBS has introduced provisions for creating sponsored positions in its faculty cadre.

Accordingly IIT BBS has executed a Memorandum of Undertaking (MOU) on 23 July with MGM Group for establishment of a Chair-Professor of Eminence in Minerals, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. 

As part of the MoU, MGM Group would sponsor an endowment of Rs.1.50 crore for the Chair Professorship and allied research activities over a duration of five years.

The MoU was signed by M Chakraborty, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar and R L Mohanty, Chairman of MGM Group. 

Keeping in mind the natural resources in the State of Odisha, the minerals in particular, IIT BBS has initiated the process of setting up an interdisciplinary School of Minerals, Metallurgical and Materials Sciences and another interdisciplinary School of Earth Ocean and Climate Sciences.

These Schools are expected to turn out qualified undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. scholars pursuing work in the above areas and would carry out R&D activities for the benefit of the State of Odisha. 

Priyabrat Patnaik, CMD IDCO graced the occasion as Chief Guest. C J Venugopal CMD, IPICOL, P K Mishra, East Coast Railway, B C Jena, CMD CESU and MadhusudanPadhi, Secretary, Higher Education also graced the occasion. 

The addition of the Chair – “Professor of Eminence” in Minerals, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering sponsored by M/s MGM Steel Ltd, Bhubaneswar will strengthen our endeavour in addressing the need of this region. 

Faculty Members, students, scientists, educationists and Members of Corporate sector were present in the ceremony.

MGM Group is one of Odisha’s oldest business houses developing and operating iron ore mines in Sundargarh district with an upcoming integrated steel plant in Dhenkanal district. 

The Group is also making a foray into high-tech horticulture, agri-processing and renewable energy generation in the State.

Expressing great happiness on the occasion, Mr. Mohanty said that “Very often, an IIT becomes the leading partner in progress to the State in which it is located. 

This institute shall be the flagship in the overall industrial and technical education milieu of Odisha, said he.