Saxony and the Indian state of Tamil Nadu agree on scientific and technological cooperation

Ministry of Science and Dresden University of Technology drive the acquisition and training of academic specialists for Saxony

Saxony and the Indian state of Tamil Nadu have agreed on close cooperation and exchange in science and technology. On his trip to south-east India, Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) together with the Higher Education Minister of the regional government, Dr K. Ponmudy, as well as A. Karthik, Principal Secretary in the Higher Education Department of the Tamil Nadu government, and the Rector of Dresden University of Technology (TUD), Prof Ursula Staudinger.

In it, both sides declare to promote academic and technological exchange and to cooperate in particular in the fields of microelectronics, materials science and related technologies. Further points are the promotion of talented students and the development of joint research activities.

Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow said afterwards: "The region of Tamil Nadu is the ideal partner for Saxony for cooperation in science and technology. The signed declaration lays the foundation for a joint platform in the academic training of specialists and for research cooperation from which both sides will benefit. With TU Dresden as a strong partner, we can create optimal local conditions to prepare Indian students for studying in Dresden and also establish a direct link to the technology leaders in the European IT and semiconductor industry. By networking future specialists with technology companies in Saxony at an early stage, we are actively supporting the Saxon economy in attracting specialists."

Minister Gemkow will be accompanied on the trip by a 16-strong scientific delegation from Dresden University of Technology. In the presence of the Minister, TUD signed a co-operation agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) in the regional capital Chennai. In addition, TUD is working together with TUDAG (TU Dresden Aktiengesellschaft), a subsidiary of the university with over 25 companies and shareholdings, to set up an onboarding campus where Indian students can be prepared for studying at Dresden University of Technology. The aim is to facilitate a genuine transfer of skilled labour. Today, onboarding encompasses the entire process of integrating future specialists with a professional, organisational, social and cultural introduction.

To support the diverse activities, the Free State of Saxony will also set up a scientific coordination office in Chennai, which will be run by the TUD.

Rector Prof Ursula Staudinger adds: "The TUD can build on long-standing cooperative relationships with IIT Madras, particularly in the field of sustainability research. The extended agreement with the IIT now also includes the fields of biomedical research, microelectronics and computer science. At the same time, TU Dresden is an attractive place to study for students from India. This winter semester, for the first time, Indian students make up the largest group of international first-year students at TUD. At the same time, TUD has expertise and decades of experience in the field of knowledge and technology transfer with Saxon companies and can also use this in its cooperation with IIT Madras."

The programme of the delegation led by Science Minister Gemkow still includes a number of points until the weekend, including further meetings with high-ranking representatives of the Tamil Nadu government and visits to scientific institutions.

Background on the partner region Tamil Nadu:
The Indian state of Tamil Nadu is located in south-east India and is one of the country's most industrialised regions. The IT industry is one of the focal points here. The educational infrastructure includes 21 universities as well as private and state colleges for specialised, vocational and general education. The capital Chennai is also home to the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), which is one of the most renowned technical universities in India.

Contact:
Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism
Press and Public Relations Science
Phone: +49 351 564-60200
Mobile: +49 172 7978062

www.smwk.sachsen.de