Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has partnered Skyroot Aerospace, a leading Indian space launch service provider, with an aim to promote space technology research and innovation. The partnership will open new avenues for the students in the field of advanced aerospace innovation focused on satellite launch collaboration, internships, joint projects, academic course development, facility sharing, and industry-focused training programmes. To formalise the collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. Sumana Dutta, Dean, Alumni and External Relations, IIT Guwahati, and Ashwin Mahavadi, Senior Vice President, Skyroot Aerospace. The event took place in the presence of Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati and other dignitaries. Effective for an initial period of five years, the MoU will enable both the organisations to explore on funded research and development projects aligned with India’s strategic priorities in space technology. This will include development of advanced space-grade components using additive manufacturing techniques.
Speaking about IIT Guwahati’s MoU with Skyroot Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said, “IIT Guwahati sees strong value in engaging with young and innovation-driven companies like Skyroot Aerospace that are shaping India’s space ecosystem. Through this MoU, we aim to support advanced research, student training, and technology development aligned with national priorities. Such partnerships reflect IIT Guwahati’s vision of enabling translational research and nurturing indigenous high-technology ventures in India.”
Speaking about the partnership, Ashwin Mahavadi, Senior Vice President, Skyroot Aerospace, said, “IIT Guwahati has been a strong supporter of our metal additive manufacturing research, especially in Wire Arc DED and Laser Powder DED, as we develop world-class space solutions in India. This partnership will help us translate research into production-ready solutions at scale, while nurturing the next generation of space engineers through hands-on mission experience and advanced research programs — further strengthening India’s position in the global space economy.” The collaboration will also explore subsidised research payloads on Skyroot’s Vikram-series launch vehicles to enable IIT Guwahati students to gain hands-on experience in space missions. It will also facilitate thesis projects, research engagements, and internship opportunities for the students at Skyroot’s research and development ecosystem.
Keeping in mind the growing importance of research and development in the space sector, the collaboration further aims to develop joint undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in space and aerospace technologies. The collaboration will also enable Skyroot employees to pursue higher education programs at IIT Guwahati in accordance with institute norms.