MoU with C4i4

08 April 2024

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) has signed an MOU to establish the Centre for Industry 4.0 (C4i4) at the university. This initiative aims to create a premier center to drive innovation and promote the adoption of Industry 4.0 standards, with a specific focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. The C4i4 is expected to further strengthen the innovative ecosystem at IUST and facilitate industrial growth through partnerships among the government, industry, and technology firms.

A delegation from the Ministry of Heavy Industries and C4i4, Pune, led by its Director Shri Dattatraya Navalgundkar and Head of Operations Dr. Rajesh Pahadi, visited IUST to formalize the establishment of the Centre. IUST was chosen for this prestigious project (one of ten such centers nationwide) in recognition of its significant contributions to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

The MOU signing event was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of IUST, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, and attended by officials from the Ministry of Heavy Industries, C4i4 Pune, and IUST, including Prof. A. H. Moon, Prof. W. Bari, Mr. Sameer Wazir, the Director of CIED, and heads of the engineering departments.

During the ceremony, Prof. Romshoo highlighted IUST's commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry to develop skilled human resources. He emphasized the potential for India—and particularly Jammu and Kashmir—to emerge as a manufacturing hub through digital transformation in the manufacturing sector, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of local industries. He further stressed the critical role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in leveraging India’s demographic advantage by equipping youth with Industry 4.0 skills. Prof. Romshoo identified various sectors with significant growth potential in J&K, such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and robotics, underscoring IUST’s dedication to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-ups.

Prof. A. H. Moon added that IUST's national recognition for its skilling and innovation initiatives, driven by efforts from the CIED, the Design Innovation Centre (DIC), the KALAM Academy of Skill and Training, and other centers, will receive a substantial boost with the establishment of C4i4.