To Strengthen Research, Innovation, and Academic Collaboration

October 10, 2025  Hyderabad : National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) — an Institute of National Importance (INI) under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India — has entered into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with two premier institutions: the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H). These strategic collaborations aim to foster excellence in research, innovation, academic exchange, and human resource development in food technology, digital transformation, and allied sectors.

The MoUs were formally exchanged between Prof. Sandeep Kumar Shukla, Director, IIIT-H, Prof. B. S. Murty, Director, IIT-H, and Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K. These agreements mark the beginning of partnerships designed to leverage the complementary strengths of NIFTEM-K and the two institutes to address national and global challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Under the MoUs, the scope of collaboration includes several key areas:

•         Research and Development: Joint development of industrially funded and government-supported projects, with outcomes including publications, patents, and technology transfers being jointly owned by the partnering institutions.

•         Capacity Building: Organization of workshops, seminars, conferences, symposia, and hands-on training programs to enhance knowledge and practical skills in food science, food engineering, postharvest management, interdisciplinary sciences, data analytics, and food business management.

•         Internships and Placements: Facilitation of student internships and placements, supporting professional development and bridging academia with industry.

•         Joint Certificate Programmes: Launch of joint certificate programs (physical or online), subject to mutual agreement and statutory approvals, aimed at promoting industry-ready skills and knowledge.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi emphasized, “These collaborations bridge the gap between food technology, digital innovation, and interdisciplinary research, creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and the industry.”

This dual MoU initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening India’s food innovation ecosystem, combining NIFTEM-K’s expertise in food science, processing, and entrepreneurship with IIIT-H’s technological prowess and IIT-H’s research excellence.