Kattankulathur, March 10, 2026:
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, on March 10, 2026, to strengthen collaboration in technical education, research, faculty development, and academic exchange.
The MoU was signed by Captain G. Sowjanya Sree, Registrar (AoD), Indian Naval Academy, and Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar, SRMIST, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at fostering academic cooperation and technological collaboration between the two institutions.
Under the MoU, both institutions will collaborate in academic and research activities including the exchange of faculty, students, and scholarly resources, and the organisation of joint seminars, workshops, conferences, and expert lectures. The partnership will also encourage collaboration in emerging technological areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, automation, and green energy. Cadets and students will benefit from academic visits, technical engagements, and innovation-driven activities, while faculty members from both institutions will work together on joint research initiatives and development programmes.
The agreement will also facilitate higher education opportunities for Indian Navy personnel at SRMIST, with up to eight M.Tech seats per year and up to six PhD seats annually, with a total cap of 30 doctoral registrations over five years. Faculty members from the Indian Naval Academy may also serve as co-guides for doctoral research scholars at SRMIST.
The Indian Naval Academy, located in Ezhimala, Kerala, is the premier officers’ training establishment of the Indian Navy, where officer cadets undergo rigorous professional and academic training before being commissioned as naval officers. The academy offers a four-year B.Tech programme in disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Applied Electronics and Communication Engineering.
SRM Institute of Science and Technology is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary universities known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and industry collaboration, offering a wide range of programmes across engineering, medicine, management, science, humanities, law, and allied health sciences.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST, said, “This collaboration with the Indian Naval Academy represents a significant step in strengthening the connection between academic excellence and national service. By working together in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and green technologies, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for cadets and students to engage with emerging technologies and innovative research.”
Rear Admiral G. Rambabu, Principal, Indian Naval Academy, said, “With rapid advancements in technology shaping modern naval operations, it is important for our officer cadets to gain exposure to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, automation, and green energy. This collaboration with SRMIST will enhance academic engagement, research collaboration, and technological learning for our future naval officers.”
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing research, innovation, and knowledge exchange while creating meaningful opportunities for cadets, students, and faculty members to work together in addressing emerging technological challenges.
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