SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Volvo Group India to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Virtual Vehicle Technologies at its Kattankulathur campus. The collaboration marks a major step in strengthening industry–academia integration in one of the automotive sector’s fastest-growing technology domains.
The Centre of Excellence is Volvo Group India’s first such initiative in the country, reflecting a shared long-term vision to nurture future-ready engineering talent equipped for the global mobility ecosystem.
The MoU was signed in the presence of a senior Volvo India delegation, including Mr. G. V. Rao, Director – CSR and Managing Trustee of Volvo Group CSR Trust India; Dr. Ranjith, Head – Talent Acquisition, India; Mr. Prabhu Krishnan, Deputy Manager – Talent Acquisition (University Relations); and Ms. Padmavathi Kalidasan, Deputy Manager – Talent Acquisition.
According to Dr. N. Venkata Shastry, Director of the SRMIST Career Centre, the partnership is the result of more than two years of engagement, including faculty upskilling, student capability-building programmes, and global exposure initiatives undertaken even before the MoU.
The new CoE aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations by giving students hands-on experience in virtual vehicle technologies—a critical area as the automotive industry accelerates toward digitalisation, electrification and simulation-driven development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. G. V. Rao said skill development remains a core pillar of Volvo Group’s CSR vision. “We see a clear gap between academic learning and industry needs, especially in emerging technologies. This Centre will help translate theory into practical, industry-ready skills,” he said. He also noted that the CoE is designed as a shared capability platform that will extend its benefits to students from neighbouring institutions, targeting over 1,000 students in the first year and more than 2,000 annually thereafter.
Dr. Ranjith highlighted the industry-aligned structure of the programme stating, “Students will train on professional software tools, work on live projects and access internship opportunities. This ensures they graduate with skills that match real-world expectations.”
SRMIST leaders, including Registrar Dr. S. Ponnusamy and Dean of Engineering and Technology Dr. Leenus Jesu Martin M, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the partnership remains outcome-driven through curriculum integration, faculty development and ongoing collaboration with Volvo Group India.