Chennai, February 13, 2025: KCG College of Technology, a unit of the Hindustan Group of Institutions, and the Education and Research Network (ERNET) India, Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU aims to foster collaboration in research, training, and development in key technological domains. The signing ceremony took place at the KCG Tech campus in the presence of Shri Sanjeev Banzal, Director General of ERNET India, Dr. Annie Jacob, Director of KCG College of Technology, Mr. Enid Varghese Jacob, Deputy Director of Hindustan Group of Institutions, Dr. M. Muthukannan, Principal of KCG College of Technology, Dr. Paventhan, Sr. Director (R&D), Scientist-G, ERNET India.
The MoU focuses on collaborative research in areas such as Networking, IoT, Quantum Communications, Cyber Security, AI and Machine Learning, and Optical Communication. It also aims to facilitate joint training programs, workshops, seminars, and conferences. Furthermore, the agreement encourages ERNET personnel to pursue Ph.D./M.S. (Research) degrees at KCG Tech and allows ERNET scientists to act as research supervisors alongside KCG faculty. The collaboration will also extend to syllabus framing and the potential establishment of a Centre of Excellence.
“This partnership with ERNET India marks a significant step for KCG Tech,” said Dr. Anand Jacob Verghese, Chairman, Hindustan Group of Institutions. “By combining our expertise with ERNET’s resources and reach, we can create impactful research outcomes and contribute significantly to the advancement of technology in India. This MoU will provide our students and faculty with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with leading experts and gain practical experience in cutting-edge fields,” he added.
Dr. Annie Jacob, Director of KCG College of Technology, emphasised the mutual benefits of the collaboration. “We are excited to partner with ERNET India, a prestigious organisation with a proven track record in research and development. This MoU will enable us to leverage their expertise and infrastructure to enhance our research capabilities and provide our students with access to the latest technologies and research opportunities. We believe this collaboration will be instrumental in nurturing future innovators and leaders in the technology sector,” she said.
Dr.M.Muthukannan, Principal of KCG College of Technology, highlighted the practical implications of the MoU. “This agreement will facilitate joint projects, access to funding sources like the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. It will also allow us to co-organise national events, which will benefit not only our institutions but also the wider academic and research community. The opportunity for ERNET personnel to pursue research degrees at KCG Tech and for their scientists to act as research supervisors will further enrich our academic environment,” he said.
Shri Sanjeev Banzal, Director General of ERNET India, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “ERNET India is committed to fostering collaboration between academia and research institutions. This MoU with KCG Tech will allow us to work together on critical research challenges and develop innovative solutions in key technological areas. We are particularly excited about the potential for joint training programs and the opportunity to share our expertise with KCG Tech’s faculty and students,” he said.
Dr. Paventhan, Sr. Director (R&D), Scientist-G, ERNET India, and Dr. Kavitha Balamurugan, HOD-ECE, KCG Tech, also presented their respective organisations’ key focus areas within the MoU. The signing ceremony was followed by a discussion with HoDs and Professors from KCG Tech and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. G. Prabhakaran, Prof & Dean (Academics) of KCG Tech.
