HAL, IIT-Madras ink research agreement

Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and IIT-Madras inked a pact on Friday to carry out mutual research based activities in various breakthrough technologies in several areas, including advanced aircraft and engine system technology.

The objective of the agreement is to create an HAL Chair at IIT-Madras to facilitate a long-term and mutually-beneficial relationship between the two institutions for academic and research-based interactions. 

HAL will fund the chair by making a one-time payment of Rs 1.5 crore. The expenses towards the chair are to be met from a part of the interest earned on this endowment.  
The remaining part of the interest shall be used to enhance the corpus amount gradually over the years so that the chair can be maintained in perpetuity.

Head of the chair at IIT-Madras is expected to provide technical consultancy to HAL, facilitate development of training programs and training modules, mentoring or coaching for capacity building of HAL personnel, conceptualise and facilitate conferences of defence-related industries.

In addition, IIT-Madras is also expected to allow visit divisions from HAL at least once in six months to understand HAL’s requirements and possible areas of assistance that the premier engineering institute can provide.

M Tech and PhD programmes will be organised under the Chair through external registration, and all subjects will be taught online.