National Institute of Technology

Mar 30, 2024

NITC holds discussions with the Netherlands Innovation Network

The National Institute of Technology Calicut engaged in discussions with senior officials from the Netherlands Innovation Network India and the India Consulate-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, exploring avenues for research collaboration with various universities in the Netherlands. Ms. Sandra Kalidien, Attaché for Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Netherlands Innovation Network, along with Mr. Ewout de Wit, Consul-General at the Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, visited NIT Calicut and interacted with faculty members.

During the discussion, participants explored the potential establishment of a Dutch Language training program at NIT Calicut. The participants of the discussion also explored the opportunities for research collaboration, particularly in the fields of bioenergy and hydrogen projects.

Ms. Sandra Kalidien highlighted key research themes in the Netherlands, including digital health, hydrogen, biorefineries, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and e-mobility. She also discussed water partnerships and emphasized research focus areas in agriculture and healthcare.

Prof. M K Ravi Varma, Dean of International, Alumni, and Corporate Relations, showcased NITC's achievements and milestones while outlining its key research and development domains. He emphasized NITC's growing involvement in agriculture, food technology, and climate studies.

During the discussion, Mr. Arun Thekkedath, Advisor, Netherlands Innovation Network India underscored the importance of bioenergy research. He emphasized the interconnectedness of biorefineries with bioenergy and the bio-economy, highlighting their potential to directly impact India through the production of biofertilizers.

Further discussions on potential research collaborations will be held between the two parties in the upcoming days. Present at the discussion were Prof. J Sudhakumar, Director-in-Charge of NITC; Prof. Mohammed Firoz, Head of the Department of Architecture and Planning; Dr. Panneerselvam Ranganathan, Associate Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department, and other faculty members from various departments.

Meantime, the Department of Architecture and Planning organized a workshop cum symposium as a part of the 4-day Indo Dutch Design programme in association with the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) to discuss the strategies for preserving and conserving the waterbodies of Kerala. Mr. Ewout de Wit, Ms. Sandra Kalidien, Arun Thekedath, Dr.Inge Bobbink, Associate Professor, TU Delft University and others spoke.

Media Reports