The Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, in collaboration with GIZ Germany (the German Agency for International Cooperation), hosted the "Indo-German Living Lab Initiative" at its campus on May 7. This international program aimed to build AI-driven academia-industry innovation partnerships between India and Germany, with a special focus on strengthening collaboration among Indian MSMEs, German SMEs, research institutions, and industrial ecosystems.
Platform for Cross-Border Cooperation
Organized by the Industry-Institute Partnership Cell (IIPC), the initiative emerged as a significant platform for fostering cross-border technological cooperation, industrial innovation, and sustainable development. According to an institute press statement, the program brought together eminent academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, MSME representatives, innovation experts, entrepreneurs, alumni, and international delegates to deliberate on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0 technologies, and sustainable industrial growth.
Active Collaborators
The Ministry of Education is an active collaborator for this program, with two NITs participating in the Indo-German Living Lab Initiative alongside IIEST, Shibpur. IIEST, Shibpur Director V.M.S.R. Murthy underscored the importance of deepening cooperation, remarking that the integration of Germany's industrial expertise with India's rapidly expanding research and manufacturing strengths could open new avenues for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Future Plans and Visits
As part of the collaboration roadmap, two faculty members from IIEST, Shibpur are expected to visit Germany for first-hand experience and exposure to the functioning of German SMEs, innovation ecosystems, industrial automation practices, and applied research frameworks. The Indo-German Living Lab Initiative program is expected to formally commence in early 2027, following bilateral visits, formal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and the completion of collaborative institutional agreements between the participating stakeholders.
Industrial Potential Highlighted
Shaswata Mukherjee, Senior Manager of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the immense industrial and entrepreneurial potential of Eastern India's MSME sector during the event.
