Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology, Pune and "ifm electronic" group of multi-national companies head-quartered in Germany, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Centre of Excellence (COE) based on "ifm electronic" group's technologies. The MoU was signed by Mr Bharat Agarwal, Director Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology, and Dr Vishwas Udpikar, Managing Director "ifm engineering", Pune.

IFM group of companies has worldwide recognition in the domain of automation, offering unique solutions in technological research and making of sensors, controllers, RFID identification systems and condition monitoring systems with complete applications to a variety of users. Among the end users are some of the best known industries across the globe.

Speaking on the occasion, Bharat Agarwal, said "The Centre of Excellence will provide excellent opportunities for students to perceive industrial application projects, research and development in various new applications under the area of cutting edge sensor technology. This will expedite their employability scope across disciplines". "The access to this centre of excellence will be free and offered as a facility of VIIT," he added. Dr Vishwas Udpikar, said, "For development of new customer value through innovative solutions, ifm electronic engages over 450 employees in R&D. Close cooperation with research institutions and universities has led to over 580 patents. ifm emphasises on high quality and innovative strength for its entire range of products accessible to all." "The students from VIIT will get chance to do internship with IFM Pune and for outstanding performance in Centre of Excellence, some students will be send to Germany as well," he added.

Dr Yogesh Dandawate, (Dean Academics VIIT), said "The faculty members along with students will be in a position to develop expertise through image processing and advance research benefits in the same."