IIT Kanpur and Airbus to collaborate to boost aerospace talent base in India

Both entities will promote research in advanced tech and develop programmes and activities to enhance technical capabilities for aerospace students in India.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate increased collaboration in developing education programmes with a focus on research to foster talent development in the Indian aerospace sector.

IITK and Airbus will also explore collaboration opportunities with global institutes where students will get to work on projects relevant to the sector.(Handout)

According to a press release by IITK, the MoU was signed on September 1, 2023, between Prof. Abhay Karandikar, then Director of IIT Kanpur, and Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia. Under the collaboration, both entities will promote research in advanced technologies and develop programmes and activities to enhance technical capabilities for aerospace students in India. Both organisations will also explore collaboration opportunities with global institutes where students will get to work on projects relevant to the sector.

“IIT Kanpur has been relentlessly pursuing its vision to support innovation, research, and entrepreneurial activities in technology-based fields, and Aerospace is one of the key thrust areas in this endeavor. This collaboration with Airbus Group indeed is a significant step. The collaboration is certain to enhance the industry experience of aerospace engineering students at the institute. With our Aerospace Department covering an expansive array of research and development in the field we look forward to a mutually fulfilling engagement," said Prof S Ganesh, Officiating Director, IIT Kanpur.

“At Airbus, we are firmly committed to developing the aerospace ecosystem in India. We continue to invest in education and skill development that will help in the creation of a competent workforce in the country. This MoU will harness Airbus’ expertise and IIT Kanpur’s capabilities in education, research and training to nurture the next generation of technology leaders and will unlock the potential of the fast-evolving aerospace landscape in the country," said Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia.