IIT Guwahati Partners with University of Southern Denmark to Boost Indo-Danish Innovation and Research
In a landmark move to foster global academic synergy, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) has formalized a significant partnership with the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). The new collaboration aims to create a robust academia–industry–government ecosystem by leveraging the strengths of Indo-Danish research, innovation, and education.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on June 17, 2025, by Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, and Prof. Henrik Bindslev, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at SDU. The signing ceremony was graced by Jørgen Mads Clausen, Chairman of Danfoss and Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of Denmark in the Emirates, further reinforcing the triad model of academia, industry, and government collaboration.
Center of Excellence for Indo–Danish Innovation at IIT Guwahati
At the heart of this partnership lies the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Indo–Danish Innovation and Translational Research at IIT Guwahati. This center is envisioned as a hub that will bring together cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and practical implementation through active engagement with industry and government stakeholders.
The center will focus on priority areas such as:
- Sustainable technologies
- Energy efficiency
- Climate solutions
- Translational research
Through this initiative, IIT Guwahati and SDU aim to accelerate the development of real-world solutions to global challenges while promoting cross-cultural academic exchange and collaboration.
Joint Academic Programs and Student Mobility
Another key component of the agreement is the introduction of joint Master’s and PhD programmes. These programs will feature:
- Co-supervision by faculty from both institutions
- Mutual recognition of academic credits
- Collaborative research projects
Such integrative academic offerings will provide students with access to dual institutional resources, an enriched international curriculum, and the opportunity to develop global perspectives while working on impactful research.
The collaboration also includes provisions for student and faculty exchanges, promoting academic mobility and knowledge sharing. These exchanges aim to strengthen cultural understanding and provide international exposure to participants, contributing to the creation of a truly global learning environment.
Industry Participation and Financial Backing
A distinguishing feature of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is its emphasis on industry engagement. Highlighting the significance of industrial collaboration, Jørgen Mads Clausen—a leading figure in Danish industry—attended the MoU signing to represent the business community’s role in this tripartite framework.
According to IIT Guwahati’s official statement, Clausen emphasized the transformative potential of international partnerships in driving technological innovation and cultivating globally competent talent. His presence underscored the importance of aligning academia with industrial needs and government priorities to ensure that research and innovation efforts have practical applications and long-term impact.
The collaboration will be managed by a Joint Steering Committee that includes academic leaders and industry representatives from both India and Denmark. This committee will:
- Oversee program implementation
- Foster active participation from industries
- Secure financial support to sustain and scale up initiatives under the agreement
Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership
Speaking at the signing event, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, highlighted the strategic vision behind the partnership. He remarked:
“This collaboration reinforces our vision to position IIT Guwahati as a global hub for technology, research, and academic excellence. Together with SDU and through industry engagement, we aim to develop sustainable solutions addressing pressing global challenges.”
His statement reflects IIT Guwahati’s growing commitment to globalizing its academic footprint, while also focusing on sustainable development and interdisciplinary research.
On the Danish side, Prof. Henrik Bindslev, representing SDU’s Faculty of Engineering, echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the importance of deepening Indo-Danish ties in science and education to tackle shared challenges in energy and climate innovation.
A New Model for Global Partnerships
This Indo-Danish initiative sets a new benchmark for international academic collaboration by effectively integrating educational institutions, private industry, and government support. It moves beyond conventional exchange programs to create a dynamic ecosystem where innovation and education intersect with real-world application.
By creating platforms for translational research, joint academic programs, and multilateral cooperation, the partnership aims to drive technological breakthroughs that are not only academically rigorous but also economically and socially relevant.
Conclusion
The IIT Guwahati–SDU collaboration represents more than just a bilateral academic agreement—it is a blueprint for how global partnerships can be structured to maximize impact through a synergistic academia–industry–government model. With the Center of Excellence poised to become a beacon for Indo-Danish innovation, this alliance holds the promise of nurturing talent, advancing research, and addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges today.
