IBM, IIT Powai sign MoU for research

Catching them young is the new mantra of US-based software giant, IBM—it has lined up one of largest investment plans

Catching them young is the new mantra of US-based software giant, IBM—it has lined up one of largest investment plans by any multinational for India. The American infotech giant said on Thursday it has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Powai to write software which will help students to understand new technologies better and give IBM access to highly talented labour.

‘‘Students need to continuously develop their skills to work on new and innovative technologies. With this, IBM will enable students to be a part of the technology ready work-force,’’ said Harish Grama, vice president of Bangalore-based IBM India software Labs.

According to the MoU signed between the biggest MNC employer in India, IBM and IIT Bombay, IBM will sponsor students to research on emerging technologies which are beneficial for both. IBM will give technology support to students to complete their research project with chosen faculty.

‘‘This MoU will enable a long-term partnership between IBM and IIT Bombay. We look forward to coming closure through new initiatives of supporting students and recognising our faculty capabilities,’’ said Prof Ashok Misra, director of IIT Bombay.

Research is the backbone to develop technologies for the future. ‘‘Corporate participation from IBM will provide us with a platform to train and encourage research students and develop them into talented resources for the future,’’ added Prof Rangan Banerjee, associate dean of IIT Bombay.

On June 6, IBM—it employs 42,000 people in India—announced it will invest $6 billion or Rs 26,400 cr in the country. During his India visit, IBM chairman and chief executive Samuel Palmisano had said funds would be utilised primarily to set up service delivery centers and build a telecommunications research and innovation center for IBM’S global clients.

IBM has invested more than $2 billion in India in the past three years. The new investment will be triple that figure.