New Delhi October 24, 2024: BITS Pilani, a renowned institution known for its commitment to education and innovation, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), USA, a 200-year-old Institute known for its rigorous academic programs, pioneering research, and commitment to producing leaders in science and engineering. The intent of this partnership is to establish academic cooperation and offer joint educational programs and research initiatives. The development marks a significant step towards enhancing worldwide academic engagement between two premier institutions in the fields of engineering, science, and technology.

The two institutions shall work towards offering 2+2 program for a bachelor’s in engineering degree with focus on semiconductor technologies, and a 3 + 2 program for a Bachelor and master’s in engineering degree. Often called as ‘Twinning Programs’, such programs offer students the opportunity to study in the two institutions, earning degrees from both the universities.

The collaboration fully aligns with the vision and objectives of India Semiconductor Mission and the US CHIPS program and will be pivotal in providing skilled professionals to the industry. BITS and RPI will also conduct collaborative research through a joint Ph.D. program and a centre of excellence in battery technology.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani said, “Our collaboration with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a significant milestone in providing global education and research programs for Indian students. RPI is a leading university embedded firmly in the Semiconductor Ecosystem, especially Albany Nano, a public R&D ecosystem involving academia, industry and the government in Albany, New York. The partnership provides exciting opportunity for students and researchers to shape and lead innovations for the future.”

Prof Martin A. Schmidt, President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute said, “RPI and BITS Pilani both recognize that global collaboration in science, engineering, and technology is critical to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. As RPI celebrates its Bicentennial and looks ahead to our next century, we are proud to partner with BITS Pilani to engage students and researchers in the fruitful exchange of ideas, knowledge, and innovation that will create opportunity and prosperity.”

The agreement was formalized during a visit by senior leadership from BITS Pilani to RPI, including Prof V. Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, Prof Arya Kumar, Senior Professor & Dean of Alumni Relations and Sachin Arya, Head of Alumni Relations & Technology Business Incubators, BITS Pilani. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of RPI leadership, together with Schmidt, Provost Rebecca Doerge, and Dean of Engineering Shekhar Garde, emphasizing the mutual commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and education.

Established in 1824, RPI is the first technological research university in the United States. Instrumental in the U.S. industrial revolution and achievements such as the transcontinental railroad and the Brooklyn Bridge, RPI alumni include many groundbreaking inventors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders, including Curtis Priem, co-founder of NVIDIA, Marcian Hoff, inventor of microprocessors, and Steven Sasson, inventor of the digital camera, amongst others. RPI is the first and only university in the world to house houses an IBM Quantum System One on its campus.