IIT-Madras signs MoU with Caterpillar Inc for joint research collaboration as part of Global University Partner initiative

IIT Madras and Caterpillar have been working together since 2006. In 2008, Caterpillar set up a co-located office at the IIT Madras Research Park. Over the years, the collaboration has included research initiatives, continuing education, consulting, and student engagement activities.

Bhuvan Anandakrishnan, Vice President, Caterpillar Inc, Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras & Prof Manu Santhanam, Dean (ICSR), IIT Madras with the MoU (L-R) (Image via IIT-M)

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has entered into a collaboration with Caterpillar Inc, a US-based multinational manufacturing company, as part of its Global University Partner initiative. The two institutions will work together in research areas including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and data science, mechanical engineering, autonomous mining equipment, gas turbines and engines, as well as batteries and fuel cells.

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According to an official statement, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 8 August 2025 at the IIT Madras campus by Mr. Bhuvan Anandakrishnan, Vice President – Engineering and Country Manager, Caterpillar Inc India, and Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras. The signing was also attended by Prof Manu Santhanam, Dean (ICSR), IIT Madras, Prof Shaikh Faruque Ali from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, and other stakeholders. Senior Caterpillar personnel from the US joined the meeting virtually.

The identified areas of research collaboration include advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and data science, mechanical engineering, autonomy in mining equipment, energy systems such as gas turbines and engines, and electrification technologies including batteries and fuel cells. According to IIT Madras, these domains were selected based on their long-term industrial relevance and opportunities for joint innovation.

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The collaboration will extend beyond research to include continuing education programmes, consulting efforts, and talent development activities. It will also cover sponsorship of innovation clubs, technical events, and offer students opportunities for internships and full-time employment with Caterpillar. The university stated that the agreement aligns with Caterpillar’s Global University Collaboration Model and is expected to build on the existing partnership between the two institutions.

IIT Madras and Caterpillar have been working together since 2006. In 2008, Caterpillar set up a co-located office at the IIT Madras Research Park. Over the years, the collaboration has included research initiatives, continuing education, consulting, and student engagement activities. The new agreement formalises the partnership under Caterpillar’s global programme and broadens the scope for future projects.

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