In a first, Ahmedabad University launches MTech in Composites

NEW DELHI: Ahmedabad University launched a first-of-its-kind MTech programme in composites in collaboration with Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association (ATIRA) which leads in composite design, development, and testing, and has been recognised as a centre of excellence for composites by the Union government.

The university is also set to become a hub for research on composite materials with a state-of-the-art lab funded by a grant of Rs 4.4 crore from the National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM). Besides, the university has also established R&D and academic partnerships with industry leaders like Arvind Composites, Rockman Advanced Composites, EPP Composites, and Composites Excellence Centre of Asia (CECA).

The MTech programme will be delivered by experienced faculty members who are experts in composite materials research.

The MTech in Composites aims to advance this field by training a new generation of engineers in the science and use of composite materials. Instead of relying on retraining traditional engineers, this programme gives graduates specialized skills in composites, preparing them for leadership roles in research and development, manufacturing, product design, and sales and marketing, the university said.

MTech degree in composites

Professor Sunil Kale, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Ahmedabad University, said, "We have envisaged the MTech in Composites as a unique and forward-looking programme, designed to be flexible and allow students to study in a concentrated manner. This initiative has been greatly supported by ATIRA, whose deep industry expertise has been very valuable, and we are fortunate to have the encouragement and backing of Mr Punit Lalbhai, who has also been instrumental in driving the research and application of composites at Arvind Limited.”

“We expect this programme to grow and lead in its field. The recent award of a prestigious grant under the National Technical Textiles Mission allows us to establish a state-of-the-art composites lab. The partnership between academia and industry, with ATIRA's strong industrial capability, brings an incredible synergy. There are very few programmes of this nature, and we believe we are setting new pathways for the future of composites education," added Professor Kale.