Kattankulathur, March 12, 2026:
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (BBBS), a Chennai-based deep-tech defence technology company founded by SRM alumnus Dr. R. Shivaraman (B.Tech. Computer Science and Engineering, Batch of 2007), to foster collaboration in advanced research, innovation, and technology development.
The MoU was signed on behalf of SRMIST by Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar, and Mr. Sivakumar Natarajan, Executive Vice President of Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt. Ltd., in the presence of faculty members, officials, and representatives from both institutions.
The collaboration aligns with the vision of Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor, SRMIST, to strengthen meaningful academia–industry partnerships that translate academic research into real-world technological solutions and contribute to national innovation ecosystems.
Through this collaboration, SRMIST will serve as a Knowledge Partner to BBBS, supporting the company’s ongoing and future initiatives in product development, research, innovation, and technology programs. The partnership aims to strengthen academia–industry engagement while contributing to the advancement of indigenous deep-tech capabilities in India.
The partnership will focus on several cutting-edge domains, including defence and security technologies, artificial intelligence and data platforms, quantum computing, nuclear technologies, space technologies, and emerging innovation ecosystems supported by advanced analytics.
As part of the engagement, faculty members, research scholars, and domain experts from SRMIST will contribute as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to BBBS projects, providing academic expertise to support research and technology development. The partnership will also open up internship opportunities for postgraduate students and research scholars, enabling them to gain hands-on experience in real-world deep-tech and defence innovation projects.
Additionally, BBBS may engage SRMIST experts for research collaborations, advisory roles, and project-based technology development initiatives, creating a strong platform for knowledge exchange and innovation.
The collaboration was actively facilitated through the efforts of Dr. Leenus Jesu Martin M., Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SRMIST, who played a key role in enabling the partnership and identifying areas of technological collaboration. The initiative was further supported by Dr. Rathinam A., Director, Directorate of Alumni Affairs, SRMIST, and his team, whose efforts helped strengthen the alumni–industry connect that led to this MoU.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar of SRMIST, observed that collaborations between academia and industry are becoming increasingly significant in driving innovation. He noted that while academia and industry traditionally operated in separate spheres, partnerships such as this are helping bridge that gap by aligning academic expertise with industry needs and enabling research to translate into practical technological solutions.
Representing Big Bang Boom Solutions, Mr. Sivakumar Natarajan highlighted the importance of engaging with academic institutions to accelerate research and innovation in emerging technology sectors. He noted that institutions such as SRMIST offer strong research capabilities, a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and access to talented students and faculty, which are essential for advancing cutting-edge technology development.
Big Bang Boom Solutions, founded by SRM alumni Dr. R. Shivaraman (B.Tech. Computer Science and Engineering, Batch of 2007) and Mr. Praveen Dwarakanath, focuses on developing advanced technologies in areas such as electronic warfare, autonomous systems, materials science, and defence technology solutions.
The partnership is also expected to support India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission by encouraging indigenous development of deep-tech and defence technologies.
Through this initiative, SRMIST continues to strengthen its Alumni–Industry–Academia ecosystem, creating meaningful opportunities for students, researchers, and innovators while contributing to the advancement of technology and national development.
About the Author
