DTU strengthens worldwide connections with US and launches research programs to enhance education, innovation and digital inclusion

Delhi Technological University (DTU) and the University of Houston (UH) have signed a five-year worldwide agreement to encourage academic cooperation, collaborative research, and professional growth of students. The pact, which includes renewal in 2030, was signed during DTU Vice-Chancellor Prateek Sharma's visit to the US.

 

The signing ceremony was attended by University of Houston President Renu Khator, UH System Regent Durga Agrawal, DTU delegates, and D C Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston, as per the PTI. The collaboration will consist of faculty exchanges, joint research, dual and twinning degree courses, and exposure to paid internships and co-op programs in both nations.

 

Research park and digital learning projects announced

 

During a press conference in New Delhi, DTU Vice-Chancellor Prateek Sharma announced a number of notable initiatives such as the inauguration of a Research Park at the university's Narela campus and the development of digital learning through online certificate programmes. As the PTI reported, Sharma said, "Knowledge is the basic goal of our university," emphasizing DTU's vision of inclusive education.

 

As a part of its digital reach, DTU has launched a computer literacy program in five villages for promoting digital inclusion. The university is also broadening its online education mechanism with certificate programs from one week to several months, with a view to reach students who are unable to access mainstream education.

 

New academic programs and cross-disciplinary departments launched

 

In accordance with the NEP 2020, DTU has initiated three undergraduate BTech courses in semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. The university has also added a new Interdisciplinary Department of Geospatial Science and Technology to facilitate national projects on disaster management, environmental monitoring, and city planning.

 

According to PTI, Sharma mentioned that the NEP will provide student-specific syllabi and fill the gap between industry requirements and education. The university has also inked MoUs with South Asian University as well as several US universities, such as Wright State University and Bradley University.

 

Global cooperation and innovation ecosystem increased

 

UH senior vice-president for academic affairs and provost Diane Z Chase stated that the alliance would bolster student experience through international opportunity and cross-cultural exchange, according to the PTI. Pradeep Sharma, Dean of the UH's Cullen College of Engineering, further stated that the collaboration would encourage more students to enroll in PhD programs and take advantage of an international academic network.

 

DTU has also grown its connections with Indian government ministries and industries. It has entered into an MoU with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for safety evaluation of tunnels and is involved in environmental projects, including rejuvenation of Yamuna and flood control, as per PTI.

 

Also, the university's Innovation and Incubation Foundation (DTU-IIF) has funded more than 100 startups together worth over Rs 700 crore, creating more than 1,000 jobs. DTU has also been chosen under the QUAD-STEM programme of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), ranking among only eight institutions in the country.

 

An Endowment Fund has been established to promote international alumni donations, as part of DTU's strategy to build academic excellence and institutional development.