Mumbai, January 2026 – SVKM’s NMIMS, Deemed-to-be University, marked a significant milestone in international academic collaboration with the signing of two Letters of Intent (LOI) with leading German institutions: Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) through its wbk Institute of Production Science. The ceremonial signing in Mumbai brought together distinguished representatives from both countries, highlighting the growing Indo-German partnership in higher education, research, and applied technology.
The LOI with HKA focuses on developing an Electromobility Program, combining theoretical courses with practical, hands-on application. The LOI with KIT’s wbk Institute of Production Science explores the establishment of a Joint Technology Centre in Mumbai, focusing on automation, artificial intelligence, quality assurance, and production engineering. Both initiatives leverage the strengths of NMIMS and the German institutions in applied research, industry-aligned learning, and real-world implementation, equipping students and faculty to work with emerging technologies in sustainable mobility and advanced manufacturing.
Several initiatives, like faculty development, research collaboration, Thane Belapur industrial corridor development, setting up of a research centre in the MMR region, and EV initiatives, were discussed at length along with the path ahead.
The ceremonial signing was attended by a distinguished German delegation, including Dr. Frank Mentrup, Lord Mayor of Karlsruhe; Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gisela Lanza, Director of Production Systems at wbk Institute of Production Science, KIT; Prof. Dr. Rose Marie Beck, President of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA); Ralf Eichhorn, International Relations and Economic Development official, City of Karlsruhe; and Sabine Dietlmeier, International Relations and Economic Development official, City of Karlsruhe.
From NMIMS, the leadership team present included Shri Chintan A. Patel, Vice President & Trustee, SVKM; Shri Nayan Patel, Committee Member, SVKM; Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Provost (Administration); Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice Chancellor; Prof. Seema Mahajan, Pro Vice Chancellor & Director of Pravin Dalal School of Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management; Dr. Abhisekh Ranjan, Pro Vice Chancellor; Dr. Tanmay Chakraborty, Registrar; Dr. Koteswara Rao, Dean of Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering; Mr. Murad Futehally, Coordinator – German Initiatives; and Mr. Seshnarayan Balduwa, Director – Student Experience.
The event highlighted the shared vision of NMIMS and the German institutions, reflecting a collaboration that strengthens faculty development, research capabilities, and industry engagement, while fostering an open, idea-driven approach where both sides learn from each other and jointly identify innovative initiatives, creating a model of international cooperation between academic institutions and industry. With these collaborations, NMIMS continues to march forward as a global hub of academic and technological excellence, fostering innovation and preparing students and faculty for industry-ready careers.
