DTU deepens global ties with US and unveils research initiatives to boost education, innovation and digital inclusion

NEW DELHI: Delhi Technological University (DTU) and the University of Houston (UH) have formalised a five-year global partnership to promote academic collaboration, joint research, and career development for students.

The agreement, which includes the possibility of renewal in 2030, was signed during the visit of DTU Vice-Chancellor Prateek Sharma to the US.According to the PTI, the signing ceremony included University of Houston President Renu Khator, UH System Regent Durga Agrawal, DTU delegates, and D C Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston. The partnership will include faculty exchanges, collaborative research, dual and twinning degree programmes, and access to paid internships and co-op programmes across both countries.Research park and digital learning initiatives announcedAt a press conference in New Delhi, DTU Vice-Chancellor Prateek Sharma announced several key initiatives including the launch of a Research Park at the university’s Narela campus and the expansion of digital learning through online certificate programmes. As reported by the PTI, Sharma stated, “Knowledge is the basic goal of our university,” highlighting DTU’s commitment to inclusive education.

As part of its digital outreach, DTU has introduced a computer literacy initiative across five villages to support digital inclusion. The university is also expanding its online education system with certificate courses ranging from one week to several months, aiming to reach learners who face barriers in accessing traditional education.New academic programmes and interdisciplinary departments introducedIn alignment with the NEP 2020, DTU has launched three undergraduate BTech programmes focused on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

Additionally, the university has introduced a new Interdisciplinary Department of Geospatial Science and Technology to support national projects related to disaster management, environmental monitoring, and urban planning.As per PTI, Sharma noted that the NEP aims to offer student-specific syllabi and bridge the gap between education and industry demands. The university has also signed MoUs with South Asian University and multiple US institutions, including Wright State University and Bradley University.Global collaboration and innovation ecosystem expandedUH senior vice-president for academic affairs and provost, Diane Z Chase, said the partnership would enhance student experience through cultural exchange and international opportunities, as quoted by the PTI. Pradeep Sharma, Dean of UH’s Cullen College of Engineering, added that the collaboration would inspire more students to pursue PhD programmes and benefit from a global academic network.DTU has also strengthened ties with Indian government ministries and industries. It has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for tunnel safety assessment and is engaged in environmental initiatives, including Yamuna rejuvenation and flood mitigation, according to the PTI.Additionally, the university's Innovation and Incubation Foundation (DTU-IIF) has supported over 100 startups, collectively valued at more than Rs 700 crore, generating over 1,000 jobs. DTU was also selected under the QUAD-STEM programme of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), placing it among just eight institutions nationwide.An Endowment Fund has been launched to encourage global alumni contributions, as part of DTU’s strategy to foster academic excellence and institutional growth.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.