IIT Madras to provide mentorship, internships through Renault Nissan technology partnership

IIT Madras entered into a strategic partnership with Renault Nissan Technology and Business Center India Pvt. Ltd. (Renault Nissan Tech) aims to foster talent development and drive innovation in the automotive and technology sectors.

This collaboration will provide numerous opportunities to IIT Madras BS students including internships, internships, mentorship programs and leadership discussions with Renault Nissan Tech experts.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this collaboration was signed on 15 November 2024 at IIT Madras with key figures from both institutions including Professor Prathap Haridoss, Dean (Academic Courses), IIT Madras, Mr. Debashis Neogi, Managing Director of Renault Nissan Tech and Prof. Andrew Thangaraj, Chairman, Center for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), IIT Madras, present at the ceremony.

Key aspects of the partnership include providing IIT Madras students with real-world exposure through mentoring programmes, viva sessions and leadership discussions led by senior professionals from Renault Nissan Tech.

In addition, it will enable Renault Nissan Tech employees to enhance their knowledge through IIT Madras Center for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE) programs such as web-enabled MTech diploma programs, executive education certificate programs and NPTEL courses.

THE VISION FOR COLLABORATION

Professor Prathap Haridoss, Dean (Academic Courses), IIT Madras, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are extremely happy to sign this MoU with Renault Nissan Tech. This is a shining example of IIT Madras’ vision to build bridges between academia and the corporate world.

Together, Renault Nissan Tech and IIT Madras set a benchmark for collaboration in the variety of enabled engagements. We look forward to more such engagements with the corporate sector.”

Debashis Neogi, Managing Director, Renault Nissan Tech, also welcomed the collaboration, stressing the importance of industry-academia partnerships: “At Renault Nissan Tech, we believe that academia-industry partnerships are essential for driving innovation and nurturing trained talent for the future.

This MoU with IIT Madras reinforces our shared vision to create an ecosystem that empowers students, enhances professionals and addresses the dynamic challenges of the automotive and technology landscape.”

Professor Andrew Thangaraj, Chairman, CODE, IIT Madras, further remarked, “This collaboration reflects the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry, where both partners contribute and mutually benefit from each other’s strengths. While Renault Nissan Tech’s support through CSR initiatives, mentoring programs and internship opportunities enhance the learning journey of our students, IIT Madras through its cutting-edge courses enhances their workforce by equipping them to tackle emerging challenges .”

CONTRIBUTION OF COLLABORATION

This partnership builds on an already strong association between Renault Nissan Tech and IIT Madras, which includes:

• Renault Nissan Tech professionals provide over 140 hours as Viva examiners for machine learning practice projects.
• Internships offered to IIT Madras students, with three internships leading to full-time positions.
• Participation of IIT Madras faculty in discussions such as the “Living with AI” panel hosted by Renault Nissan Tech.
• 300+ Renault Nissan Tech professionals enrolling in IIT Madras CODE programs including courses on eMobility, 3D Printing, Machine Learning and AI.

The MoU also includes provisions for merit-cum-means scholarships benefiting over 300 students with an annual family income of less than Rs 5 lakhs per annum.