In a significant move to bridge the gap between academia and industry, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has entered into an academic agreement with Google to enhance the skills of engineering students and faculty members across Karnataka.
The MoU was signed in Bengaluru by VTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. S. Vidyashankar and Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India. VTU, Asia’s largest technological university with 220 engineering colleges and over 3 lakh students, aims to align its curriculum with current industry demands through this partnership.
The collaboration will focus on providing comprehensive training in key emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data science, and cybersecurity. The programme also includes faculty skill development to ensure effective delivery of these subjects.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Prof. S. Vidyashankar said, “After completing engineering, students must be ready for immediate employment aligned with industry needs. This requires multiple training programmes. Hence, we have partnered with Google and other companies to emphasise skill education. This will truly benefit engineering students".
Sanjay Jain, Head of Google for Education India, expressed delight over the partnership: “Our aim is not only to provide skill education to students but also to train them for employment opportunities. Faculty members will also receive training. Through this program, we will prepare both students and faculty as per industry requirements".
Also Read: How NEP is shaping India's education landscape
In addition to Google, VTU has signed similar MoUs with Qualcomm (through its subsidiary Stem Lore Innovators LLP), Bharat Skills Institute Foundation, and Simulation Enabled Experiential Learning (SEEL) Company.
Under the Qualcomm agreement, long-term education will be provided in AI, product prototyping, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT). A Center of Excellence in Edge AI will also be established. Bharat Skills Foundation plans to set up skill-based excellence centres, while SEEL will launch an advanced digital learning platform allowing students to perform lab work online.
This multi-partnership approach is expected to significantly improve the employability of VTU graduates by equipping them with practical, industry-relevant skills in line with National Education Policy (NEP) goals.
The initiative is seen as a major step towards strengthening technical education in Karnataka and preparing the next generation of engineers to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
