Last week, some industry professionals visited our campus at Parul University to demonstrate the potential of our Micro-Nano Research and Development Center (MNRDC). It was the start of building a partnership between academia and industry with an accent on research, innovation, and practical possibilities for our students.

The first occupation of the visit was a tour of the state-of-the-art Mechanical Workshop at Parul Institute of Engineering and Technology ( PIET) and MNRDC facilities. Industry guests ventured to use our superior infrastructure, which is geared to conduct advanced research and development. Our facilities highlight the element of passion to promote innovation in ways that match the requirements of the current industry developments.

The MNRDC is an embodiment of a major investment in state-of-the-art research infrastructure and was created in 2024 under the Industries Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat, running under the Scheme for Assistance of Research and Development Activities under the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020. The center is concentrated on four main research areas, namely nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), and biomedical nanotechnology. 

The thing that makes MNRDC special is the interdisciplinary enterprise that combines the talent of such departments as mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, mechatronics, physics, and applied sciences. This interdisciplinary approach facilitates vast-scale research studies that have the capability of solving industry problems occupying multifaceted technical dimensions.

Subsequent dialogue stemmed, and it was focused on possible collaborations.  The focus was on how MNRDC may collaborate with industries in joint R&D projects, through which we have resources as an applied solution to real-life problems. Another concept that raised interest was how to create a Consultancy Center, and the discussion involved how our competence can help in industry-led solutions; adding to the highlights was the discussion about internship opportunities. The representatives of the industry were interested in the participation of our students in joint projects, which intend to provide practical experience and an opportunity to participate in such novel projects.

The collaborative walk-through was intended to bring together our students and faculty with the leaders of the industry to establish a synergetic effect that helps drive innovation and prepares our students to enter the professional world. The dialogues highlighted the fact that there was also a common vision; the merging of academic excellence with functional experience in the interest of both parties.

This visit is only a starting point for what we hope to be very fruitful long-term working relationships. We believe in promoting an environment of research, industry, and education at Parul University. We are anticipating how these discussions will set in motion effective projects, internships, and innovations through MNRDC.

For more details about our research initiatives, visit https://micronanornd.paruluniversity.ac.in