Image Credit: PIB
A European Union delegation comprising representatives from France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic visited the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IIT Bhubaneswar) to explore possibilities for research and innovation collaboration.
Strengthening Academic and Research Partnerships
The delegation’s visit aimed to foster academic and research partnerships between the EU and IIT Bhubaneswar. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as clean energy, climate resilience, healthcare, and smart cities under the EU’s Horizon Europe framework for research and innovation.
The visit was part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration with leading Indian institutions and promote sustainable technological advancement through joint research, innovation, and academic exchange.
Delegation’s Interactions and Campus Tour
During the visit, the EU delegation interacted with IIT Bhubaneswar’s faculty members and researchers. They were briefed about the institute’s research ecosystem, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship initiatives, and efforts toward faculty and student development.
The delegates visited several key facilities on campus, including the Central Research Instrumentation Facility, the Silicon Carbide Research and Innovation Centre, and the Startup Incubation Centre. They were introduced to ongoing projects related to sustainability, advanced materials, and innovation-driven research.
Statements and Presentations
Professor Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar, presented an overview of the institute’s activities in education, research, and innovation. He expressed optimism that the visit would open up new opportunities for collaboration in research and technology development with European institutions.
Vivek V. Dham, Advisor for Research and Innovation at the EU Delegation to India, described the visit as a step toward strengthening EU–India research partnerships. He said the European Union looks forward to working closely with IIT Bhubaneswar and other Indian institutions to address shared global challenges through innovation.
Key Focus Areas
The discussions during the visit covered multiple domains for potential collaboration, including:
- Clean energy and climate action
- Health and biomedical research
- Smart cities and sustainable urban development
- Materials science and advanced manufacturing
- Entrepreneurship and startup support
The delegation emphasized the importance of connecting European and Indian researchers to drive innovation, create joint projects, and promote knowledge exchange under Horizon Europe.
A Step Toward Deeper Cooperation
The visit on October 16, 2025, concluded with both sides expressing a commitment to deepen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. The EU delegation’s engagement with IIT Bhubaneswar marks another milestone in strengthening ties between India and the European Union — with Germany and other member states playing an active role in expanding research-driven collaboration.
