IIT Bhubaneswar and the Indian Army’s Simulator Development Division (SDD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 14 October 2025. The signing took place virtually.
Brigadier G.S. Bedi, Commandant of SDD, and Professor Dinakar Pasla, Dean of Sponsored Research at IIT Bhubaneswar, signed the agreement.
The MoU focuses on collaboration in Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and other emerging technologies. It aims to boost defence capabilities through simulation-based training and tech-driven solutions.
IIT Bhubaneswar will contribute research and academic support through its Virtual and Augmented Reality Centre of Excellence (VARCOE). SDD will provide practical exposure and help develop defence simulations and prototypes.
Moreover, the partnership includes short-term training, certification programs, and student internships. It also plans joint innovation events like hackathons and ideation challenges.
Prof. Dinakar said the collaboration strengthens IIT Bhubaneswar’s role in national defence and tech self-reliance. Brigadier Bedi added that the MoU builds synergy between the Army and academia. He stressed the need for indigenous solutions that meet operational demands.
The agreement will last five years. It sets the stage for long-term cooperation and knowledge sharing in advanced technology.
