In a major step to strengthen India’s manufacturing capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) and Australia’s Deakin University have launched the Advanced Manufacturing Research Innovation and Training (AMRIT) initiative. This strategic bilateral effort aims to advance next-generation manufacturing technologies, foster innovation, and support workforce development.

AMRIT builds on more than five years of collaboration between IITH and Deakin, showcasing the long-term potential of institutional partnerships. The initiative is set to drive research excellence in key areas such as additive manufacturing, smart materials, lightweight composites, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies, while also helping transform India’s manufacturing sector by linking academic research more closely with industry needs.

“AMRIT represents a forward-thinking move in collaborative innovation, designed to provide India’s manufacturing sector with the tools, talent, and technology to lead on the global stage. It extends a longstanding, multidimensional partnership with Deakin University, and I am confident it will deliver outstanding outcomes,” said Professor B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad.

A central focus of AMRIT is capacity building: the initiative will offer training, certification, and mobility programs to equip professionals and students with the skills needed in today’s fast-changing industrial landscape. It will also act as a launchpad for collaborative PhD programs, joint master’s degrees, and co-supervision, with an added emphasis on entrepreneurship through startup incubation.

The initial three-year phase is backed by AUD 150,000 in seed funding from Deakin University and a matching AUD 75,000 contribution from IIT Hyderabad, supporting research exchanges, joint academic programs, workshops, and operational efforts. Both institutions also plan to pursue additional bilateral funding from Indian and Australian government bodies, including SPARC and AISRF, as well as partnerships with industry and R&D organisations.

“We are excited to strengthen our partnership with IIT Hyderabad through AMRIT. This initiative is an inspiring example of how international collaboration can boost research, innovation, and talent development to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes,” said Professor Iain Martin, Vice Chancellor, Deakin University.

AMRIT is expected to generate high-impact research results, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and cultivate a future-ready workforce, contributing directly to India’s goal of becoming a global hub for advanced manufacturing.

“Deakin has had a deep and enduring commitment to India for nearly 30 years. AMRIT marks the next major step in our journey, creating a comprehensive platform for research, innovation, and skills development that will shape the future of manufacturing. It reflects our vision of co-creating globally relevant solutions with India,” said Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University.

Over the past five years, IIT Hyderabad and Deakin University have built a strong and growing partnership rooted in academic and research collaborations. Together, they have developed a Joint Doctoral Program (with 30 IITH students currently enrolled), faculty and student exchanges, and joint research initiatives, particularly focused on advanced manufacturing and materials. The launch of AMRIT marks a significant next step, elevating their shared vision of global impact through innovation, skilling, and knowledge exchange.

(PTI)