BITS Pilani, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute partner to offer joint degree, semiconductor research programme

NEW DELHI: Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to establish academic cooperation and offer joint educational programmes and research initiatives. The initiatives represent a step towards increasing global academic engagement between two institutions in the fields of engineering, science, and technology.

As per the official press release, the two institutions will work towards offering a 2+2 programme for a bachelor's degree in engineering with a focus on semiconductor technologies, and a 3+2 programme for a bachelor's and master's degree in engineering. The programmes will enable students to study at both institutions, earning degrees from BITS Pilani and RPI.

This partnership aligns with the objectives of the India Semiconductor Mission and the US CHIPS programme and aims to prepare professionals for the industry. Both institutes will also conduct collaborative research through a joint PhD programme and establish a centre of excellence in battery technology.

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As per the institute, the agreement was formalised during a visit by senior leadership from BITS Pilani to RPI including V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani, Arya Kumar, Senior Professor and Dean of Alumni Relations and Sachin Arya, Head of Alumni Relations and Technology Business Incubators, BITS Pilani.

Speaking on the occasion, vice chancellor of BITS Pilani, V Ramgopal Rao, said, “Our collaboration with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a significant milestone in providing global education and research programs for Indian students. RPI is a leading university embedded firmly in the Semiconductor Ecosystem, especially Albany Nano, a public R&D ecosystem involving academia, industry and the government in Albany, New York. The partnership provides an exciting opportunity for students and researchers to shape and lead innovations for the future.”