IITs, ONGC to collaborate on energy R&D

Country's premier IITs and ONGC have agreed to work towards a collective research and development programme for developing indigenous technologies to enhance exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons and alternate energy sources.
The collaboration is in line with the Prime Minister's 'Make in India' initative that seeks to achieve a long-term sustained research, development and capacity building that will help foster research capability and transform experiential-based learning in this core sector, said a government statement today.
A Memorandum of Collaboration was signed here today at a function attended by HRD Minister Smriti Irani and the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Programme will be funded by ONGC and shall take advantage of the available infrastructure and manpower of IITs and ONGC.
Irani said her ministry will promote similar industry academia linkages on a large scale and will also facilitate engagement of adjunct faculty.
Pradhan said knowledge of theoretical aspects is available with IITs while the knowledge of practical aspects of energy business resides with ONGC.