GSV signs strategic MoUs with NOKIA, Jacobs and Plasser India

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) has recently made significant strides in fostering Industry-Academia collaboration by signing three key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading companies: Nokia, Plasser India Pvt Ltd, and Jacobs. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, who is also the first Chancellor of GSV, along with Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson & CEO of the Railway Board, officials from the Railway Board, and industry delegates.

Telecommunication, Transportation & Logistics Sector

The collaboration between GSV and Nokia marks a pivotal development in the telecommunication, transportation, and logistics sectors. This MoU is set to focus on the exploration and implementation of 5G/6G use cases specifically tailored for the transportation and logistics industry. Furthermore, the partnership aims to develop standards, advance digital twins technology, harness the power of AI, establish smart factories, and engage in fiber sensing and optical network planning.

Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia said, “We are extremely pleased to collaborate with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya University to create efficiencies in the logistics and transportation sectors. This agreement reflects how Nokia is driving its strategic focus of leveraging the broader B2B digital ecosystem. With its reputation for stellar research and innovation, GSV will be an excellent partner in pursuing these opportunities while supporting our mutual interests and stakeholders.”

Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia said, “Sharing a common desire to foster growth and advancement in industry in India, Nokia is honored to collaborate with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya University to research and jointly develop use cases to solve India’s unique logistic and transportation challenges. The network will be at the heart of India’s transportation ecosystem, and Nokia is committed to supporting India’s ambitions as a global powerhouse for transportation innovation.”

Nokia, a global leader in telecommunications, brings to the table its extensive expertise in next-generation networks and digital infrastructure. This collaboration is expected to not only elevate the efficiency and capabilities of India's transportation and logistics but also set a benchmark for global standards in these sectors.

Railway Track Technology

The second MoU, signed with Plasser India Pvt Ltd, is poised to revolutionize the railway track technology and maintenance landscape. Plasser India, renowned for its state-of-the-art railway track machines and services, will work closely with GSV to enhance the technical know-how and practical training related to railway track technology.

This collaboration is crucial at a time when India is heavily investing in expanding and modernizing its railway infrastructure. The joint efforts will focus on developing innovative track maintenance solutions, improving safety standards, and ensuring the longevity and reliability of railway tracks across the country.

Semiconductors, Construction, and Railways

The third MoU with Jacobs emphasizes advancements in research, teaching, and training activities across the transport, rail, and semiconductor sectors. Jacobs, an international technical professional services firm, will partner with GSV to establish a Center of Excellence (CoE) aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancements in these critical areas.

With the global semiconductor industry witnessing exponential growth and India's increasing focus on becoming a major player in semiconductor manufacturing, this partnership is timely and strategic. It aims to develop a robust ecosystem for semiconductor research and development, which is vital for supporting the nation's ambitious tech and digital goals.

On this occasion, Ashwini Vaishnaw, who is also the Chancellor of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, said, “This important collaboration has very significant potential to leverage advances in the telecommunications sector for the entire transportation and logistics sectors. This MOU further reinforces the Industry-driven approach of the university to proactively co-work with the industry stakeholders for a Viksit Bharat.”

Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Choudhary, Vice-chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya said, “Being the only university in India to focus on the transportation and logistics sector, GSV has set its vision to be Industry-driven and Innovation-led. The collaboration with Nokia will further accelerate the technology-enabled progress in the transportation and logistics sector as well as advance the telecommunications sector.”

These MoUs signify more than just collaborations; they represent a significant leap towards creating a robust framework for industry-academia synergy in India. The agreements are expected to open up a myriad of opportunities for training and skill development, particularly for the youth, who will benefit from hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

The strategic partnerships with Nokia, Plasser India Pvt Ltd, and Jacobs are set to play a crucial role in addressing the skill gap in India’s burgeoning sectors. By integrating academic knowledge with practical industry experience, GSV aims to produce a workforce that is well-equipped to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving job market.

One of the key components of these MoUs is the development of comprehensive training programs. These programs will focus on emerging technologies and industry best practices, ensuring that students and professionals alike are kept abreast of the latest advancements. The training initiatives will be designed to be hands-on, providing participants with practical experience in real-world scenarios.

The collaborations will also foster a strong emphasis on research and innovation. By leveraging the expertise and resources of Nokia, Plasser India Pvt Ltd, and Jacobs, GSV aims to spearhead groundbreaking research projects that can drive technological advancements and address industry challenges. This focus on innovation is expected to yield new solutions that can enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the telecommunication, transportation, and logistics sectors.

The signing of these MoUs comes at a time when India is positioning itself as a global hub for technology and innovation. The government’s focus on initiatives like Make in India and Digital India underscores the importance of such collaborations in achieving these national goals.

These collaborations are expected to create substantial opportunities for the training and development of youth in India. By aligning with leading industry players, GSV aims to provide its students with hands-on experience and exposure to the latest technologies and industry practices. This initiative is set to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of telecommunication, transportation, logistics, railway technology, and semiconductor manufacturing.