The Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad) recently partnered up with a renowned global provider of design and engineering technology, Autodesk Inc. This partnership came in the form of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster innovation in academic and research domains.
The agreement was officially signed at Autodesk India’s headquarters in Bengaluru, with Dr. A. Seshadri Sekhar, Director of IIT Palakkad, and Smitha Raghunathan, Interim Regional Director for Autodesk India & SAARC, representing their respective institutions at the ceremony.
Under this agreement, IIT Palakkad will launch a Center of Excellence (CoE) along with a Digital Construction Laboratory on its campus. These new facilities will serve as innovation hubs, providing students and researchers access to Autodesk’s advanced cloud-based “Design and Make” platforms. The labs will focus on hands-on learning and experimentation in cutting-edge technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), generative design, and additive manufacturing.
The initiative is part of a larger vision to reduce the disconnect between academic theory and real-world application. Dr. Sekhar noted that the collaboration supports the institute’s mission of preparing students with industry-relevant, future-ready skills. He highlighted that integrating these technologies into the curriculum will significantly enhance the employability and adaptability of graduates.
Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Raghunathan stated that Autodesk is committed to empowering the next generation of professionals by bringing together academic rigor and practical tools. She emphasized that the partnership is designed to equip students to meet emerging challenges across sectors such as construction, product design, and digital manufacturing.
Beyond infrastructure development, Autodesk will play a key role in enhancing the academic framework at IIT Palakkad. The company will assist in curriculum development, focusing on project-based learning that mirrors professional industry standards. Students will gain practical experience using tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Fusion 360—software widely used in sustainable design, digital prototyping, and smart construction.
Additional collaborative programs will include student design bootcamps, faculty development workshops, national-level design competitions, and opportunities for Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) credentials.
These efforts are expected to not only raise the skill level of students and faculty but also to promote innovation and creativity in solving real-world engineering problems.
Autodesk’s education outreach is already significant, offering free access to its software for over 100 million students and educators worldwide, including 5 million learners across more than 14,000 Indian institutions. This accessibility helps build a digitally skilled workforce aligned with the demands of modern industry.
This latest agreement builds upon the existing relationship between IIT Palakkad and Autodesk. Notably, in 2023, the institute’s Engineering Works Division was honored with the Autodesk Imagine Award for its effective implementation of BIM and digital technologies in campus infrastructure projects.
Also Read: Duolingo CEO Envisions AI-Dominated Education
The new MoU reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to advancing innovation and skill development. By combining technological expertise with academic excellence, the partnership aims to contribute meaningfully to India’s rapidly evolving digital economy and to shape a new generation of industry-ready engineers and designers.
