IIT Palakkad, Autodesk Sign MoU to Enhance Skills in Design and Manufacturing

The Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad) and Autodesk signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bengaluru to advance skill development in architecture, engineering, construction (AEC), and design and manufacturing industries. 

The agreement was signed by A Seshadri Sekhar, director of IIT Palakkad, and Smitha Raghunathan, director, chief of staff, APAC and Japan at Autodesk.

Under the MoU, IIT Palakkad will collaborate with Autodesk to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) and a Digital Construction Laboratory on campus. This facility will offer students and faculty access to Autodesk’s cloud-based platforms and technologies such as building information modelling (BIM), generative design, and additive manufacturing.

Sekhar said, “We look forward to working with Autodesk to develop a dynamic and impactful learning platform for our students. This strategic collaboration is in line with our mission to connect academic learning with real-world industrial practice.”

The partnership will focus on integrating digital technologies into curricula, enhancing faculty skills, and delivering industry-oriented programs, bootcamps, and design competitions. Faculty members will have opportunities to earn Autodesk-certified professional credentials and stay updated on trends in sustainable construction and design automation.

Raghunathan added, “This partnership with IIT Palakkad reflects our deep commitment to empowering the next generation of innovators in India. Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry, so students are not only ready for the future of work but also are prepared to lead it.”

Autodesk provides free access to its software and technology training to over 100 million students worldwide, including more than five million students in India. This collaboration aims to foster student-led innovation and support India’s evolving AEC and manufacturing sectors.