Chennai: Anna University and Bajaj Auto Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Bajaj Auto Ltd, have signed an agreement to establish a Bajaj Engineering Skills Training (BEST) Centre at the College of Engineering, Guindy.

The Rs 15-crore initiative aims to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and equip engineering students in Tamil Nadu with skills relevant to the rapidly evolving manufacturing sector, the university said in a release on Tuesday.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on behalf of Anna University by Registrar V Kumaresan in the presence of officials from Bajaj Auto Foundation, including Head of Skilling Ramesh V and Manager Vinita Shekhawat, along with faculty members and university officials.

According to the release, the BEST Centre will house advanced laboratories focused on robotics and automation, as well as Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Students will receive hands-on training in emerging technologies such as mechatronics, motion control and sensor technology, robotics and automation, smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

The curriculum has been designed by engineers and senior leaders from Bajaj Auto to align with contemporary industry requirements.

The university said the facility is envisaged as a shared resource for students from Anna University's departments, constituent colleges and affiliated institutions, with the objective of enhancing employability across the state's engineering education ecosystem.

Higher Education Secretary V Arun Roy, who is also chairman of Anna University's Convener Committee, underscored the importance of industry engagement in higher education through curriculum integration, experiential learning and outcome-based skill development.

The establishment of the centre reflects the long-term vision of bringing industry-grade infrastructure and advanced manufacturing technologies into the academic environment, the release added.